The Big One-Oh
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Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT -- School Library Journal, 6/27/2008
The Big One-Oh (unabr.). 4 CDs. 4:37 hrs. Prod. by Listening Library. Dist. by Listening Library/Books on Tape (library.booksontape.com). 2007. ISBN 978-0-7393-6239-6. $30.
Gr 3-7–When Charley’s long-distance father sends him an early birthday card asking him what he plans to do for his tenth birthday, Charley decides he should have a party. The problem is, the boy has no friends to invite, no ideas for party activities, and very little help in putting it all together. So, Charley begins scheming and dreaming, coming up with a “House of Horrors” theme. While attempting to put his plan into action, Charley burns down the family garage, alienates his next-door-neighbor and first friend, and is forbidden by his mother to have a party at all. From one hilarious moment to the next, Charley perseveres in this entertaining tale (Putnam, 2007) by Dean Pitchford about a boy reinventing himself. The author does an excellent job narrating the story, providing distinct voices for each character, including some truly wonderful female voices. Listeners will laugh at and connect with Charley.
