The Big One-Oh (Hardcover)

by Dean Pitchford (Author) "The day Dad's package came, I skateboarded home from school as usual..." (more)
Key Phrases: scary idea, Boing Boing, House of Horrors, Birthday Notebook (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3–7—Charley is a master cook, a comic-book maniac, and a basically friendless nine-year-old. When his father sends him an early birthday gift and inquires how he is going to celebrate his big day, Charley is inspired to throw a party. The ensuing story chronicles his attempt to determine a theme, bake a cake, and make enough friends to have a gathering worthy of turning 10. The fast-paced plot will keep readers involved to the end. The novel is peopled with a host of unique characters including a mysterious neighbor, Charley's mother's seedy boyfriend, and an older sister obsessed with working at a fried chicken fast-food restaurant. Readers will enjoy the gross-out details and embarrassing situations in which Charley finds himself during his quest for a successful celebration. The author does a wonderful job of crafting the boy's character within the strange and bizarre events leading up to the satisfying conclusion. It's often very funny, but it's also poignant as Charley's loneliness and cluelessness about how to make a friend are clearly evident. This novel would be especially effective for a class read-aloud or as a choice for reluctant readers.—Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX
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Review
Pitchford's debut for kids is sure to be a big hit with readers. -Kirkus Reviews --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399245472
• ISBN-13: 978-0399245473
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #179,934 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to become a classic., March 5, 2007

By	Daniel Berendsen - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I know that "classic" is used for just about everything with a cover these days, but I truly believe that "The Big One-Oh" has the potential to be the unique book that lives up to the hype, and remains on library shelves and reading lists for generations to come. I read literally dozens of books in this genre every year and most of them get tossed aside after three or four chapters - if not pages. No - I'm, not trying to relive my childhood. I make my living writing television and movies for the young adult - 8 - 13 - demographic. Disney Channel's "Twitches", "Halloweentown High", and televisions "Sabrina, the Teenage witch" to name a few. And this is the first book that I've ever been truly compelled to pass on to my neices and nephews. If fact, it's the first book that's ever compelled me to sit down and write a review. Writing boys in a fresh, interesting, truthful way is extremely difficult and Mr. Pitchforn completely nails it. Charley Maplewood, our hero, is funny, mischievious, flawed and somebody you're cheering on from the very first page. There's also a wonderful gross out factor - beautifully captured on the cover - that should encourage even the most reluctant readers to keep turning the page. Monsters, body parts, and birthday cake... it's what little boys are made of. Read it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensational Book!, May 2, 2009

By	Kathleen Atkinson "Kathy" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. Excellent story and delivery. Easy to read and a good message for all at the end. A true success! Every child will enjoy this story.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Big Hit for My 10 Year Old, January 12, 2009

By	Mom of 3 Boys - See all my reviews

I did not read this book myself but my 10 year old son did. He loves to read but will only read particular books. Well, he would not put this book down. He loved it!