The Twinkie Squad [Paperback]

Gordon Korman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1994 | Age Level: 9 and up

Douglas Fairchild, a sixth-grade writer and dreamer thrown out of every school he has ever been to, transforms a group of excluded misfits into the hottest clique in school. Reprint. SLJ. VY.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this slapstick comedy, Gordon Korman introduces Douglas Fairchild, ambassador's son and private school flunkee. From his Pefkakian ancestry to sending memos to the bus driver and creating the ultimate school stench with squid, Douglas's antics baffle his myopic parents, teachers and administrators at his new school. It comes as no surprise that the boy is recommended to the Twinkie Squad, an after-school counseling group. Formerly stigmatized as a bunch of "weirdos," the Squad bonds together under Douglas's daring leadership and forms an unlikely alliance that unwittingly turns them into the school's most fashionable secret club. The broad humor that runs through this farcical story seems occasionally farfetched and contrived; similarly, the characters remain stereotypes, their personalities never fully developed. In spite of these drawbacks, middle readers may well take to the members of this eccentric squad--and to their kid-pleasing antics. Korman's fans may also be reassured by the fact that Douglas and his cohorts find a place for themselves and prove that fitting in is an overrated idea. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-- The story of what happens when the school geek group becomes the hottest ticket in town. No one wants to be part of the Special Discussion Group, unaffectionately known as the Twinkie Squad, at Thaddeus G. Little Middle School. Its members are social outcasts--until Douglas Fairchild takes charge. A born leader and the son of an ambassador, Douglas is a politically correct sixth grader who spends most of his time reveling in, and writing the history of, his Pefkakian heritage. Through him, the Twinkie Squad becomes an exclusive social club whose antics lead to hilariously silly effects. A believable supporting cast enhances this confident coup, as the group pulls fast ones on the rest of the school, the administration, alumni, and even the U. S. Surgeon General. In the process of wreaking all of this havoc, the once shy Special Discussion Group members gain confidence and become friends. Readers will delight in their behavior and will relate to the Squad members. They may even want to form their own club. --Sharon Korbeck, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1992 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
• Publisher: Scholastic (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590452509
• ISBN-13: 978-0590452502
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #568,132 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gordon Korman has written more than fifty middle-grade and teen novels. Favorites include the New York Times #1 bestseller The 39 Clues: One False Note, The Juvie Three, Son of the Mob, Born to Rock, and Schooled. Though he didn't play football in high school, Gordon's been a lifelong fan and season ticket holder. He says, "I've always been fascinated by the 'culture of collision' in football and wanted to explore it-not just from the highlight films but from its darker side as well." Gordon lives with his family on Long Island, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tears Stream Down My Face, May 6, 2001

By 

Colorgirl "Spreading color around my world" (NE US) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Twinkie Squad (Library Binding)

I am a voracious reader. Although I enjoy many books, I can honestly say that there are precious few books that make me laugh uproariously.

Gordon Korman is a brilliant author. My first exposure to his writing was in purchasing THE WAR WITH MR. WIZZLE from a book club just to help a class earn some credit. Never heard of it and thought I would read it if very bored.

Well, the day I read that book changed my life.

I have since become a collector of Gordon Korman books. His Bruno and Boots series are brilliant and never fail to make me laugh until tears stream down my face. The vivid visual gags in these books make me laugh without fail.

When I saw this book- the TWINKIE SQUAD, I did not think that it would compare with the BRUNO and BOOTS series.

Well, I was wrong.

Doug Fairchild is a crazy diplomat's kid that just does not fit. He causes chaos wherever he goes and when he drops into the life of a struggling city kid, well, the roller coaster begins.

I have read this book 5 times now.

Every time I get started with it, I think I will be bored. Surely I will not laugh THIS time.

And when Douglas gets into the basement scene where he is giving a tour, I undoubtedly end up doubled up in laughter unable to stop. My stomach will often hurt I laugh so hard.

This book is a treasure.

If you like it, get every book in the Bruno and Boots series too. They are too valuable to pass up- before they totally disappear.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Twinkie Squad was an excellent, and very funny book!, April 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Twinkie Squad (Scholastic Hardcover) (Library Binding)

The Twinkie Squad was one of the best Gordon Korman books I have ever read. It was full of humor, excitement and it had a great plot!! I'm in 5th grade, and I definitely recommend this book to anyone ages 9-12.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comic characters address stereotypes and school life, January 21, 2006

By 

Teacher Creature (British Columbia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Twinkie Squad (Paperback)

I am a teacher in British Columbia, Canada and I have to say, the students love this book. I have introduced it for a number of years in a literature circle setting, where kids get to discuss books. Both the kids and their parents really appreciate a book with both great comic relief and serious issues, such as bullying and learning disabilities addressed. The kids simply howl at some of the antics of Douglas and his "friends". I have had many parents thank me for choosing such a fantastic book! I simply cannot believe it is officially out of print!!!