Shoebag (Apple Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Mary James (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Apple Paperbacks

Awakening one morning to find that he has turned into a little boy, Shoebag the cockroach is adopted by the Biddle family and assimilated into human life, but he still yearns to be the roach he once was. Reprint. SLJ. AB. K.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6 --In a nifty twist on Kafka, a la Metamorphosis , this "popular young-adult author" asks readers to imagine the revulsion a cockroach might feel at having been suddenly transmuted into a boy. She introduces Shoebag (named for his birthplace), erstwhile insect-son of Drainboard and Under The Toaster. Adopted by the Biddles (in whose house he has always been a resident, however undesirable), renamed Stuart Bagg, poor Shoebag confronts the unknown worlds of humanity and school. Although now large enough to exterminate roach predators that prey on his extended family, Shoebag discovers his new incarnation carries no killer mentality. He bands together with other social outcasts in the cafeteria, and soon their mutual need becomes their collective strength. Shoebag learns that being human has advantages, but he still longs for the form he sees in the mirror--his real self. Still, friendships with others are rewarding and a growing relationship with his human sister, Eunice "Pretty Soft" Biddle--the protected, isolated, insulated star of toilet tissue commercials--is enlightening to them both. When given a chance to return to roachdom, Shoebag assumes cerci and antennae with scarcely a look back, scampering off to the figurative bosom of his family. His departure leaves Pretty Soft discovering herself to be Eunice at last, sure of her image without benefit of mirrors, ready to face reality. Unusual (to say the least), amusing, engaging, and gripping, Shoebag has its lessons carefully hidden in its rather unique plot, and will surely leave its readers surreptitiously cancelling parental appointments with the exterminator and carefully hiding tidbits in inconspicuous corners for the benefit of Shoebag's extended clan. A romp. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 135 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (June 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590430300
• ISBN-13: 978-0590430302
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #714,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shoebag, April 3, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Shoebag (School & Library Binding)

Out of the seventy-five books, I've read this year, counting last year altogether. My most favorite book is Shoebag. The author is Mary James. There was a boy who became a cockroach and was adopted by the Biddles. Pretty Soft is a Tiolet Paper commerical girl. I will rate this book 5 stars because it is funny. The characters have funny names too! And they're also funny.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 9yo male reading fanatic from NC, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Shoebag (Apple Paperbacks) (Paperback)

I read all night. I couldn't put it down. My favorite character is Shoebag, of course! I think Pretty Soft and G.De La.G resemble me the most.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a crowd pleaser, February 8, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Shoebag (Apple Paperbacks) (Paperback)

I teach reading to seventh graders. This book is a big hit with my reluctant readers! I get a little upset when the elementary teachers read it to their classes because that action leaves me without a great book to teach. Although easy to read, there's some "meaty" stuff in here that leads to great class discussions and a memorable reading experience for my students.