Who Would Like This Book:
This book is a surefire winner for kids who love a good dare, a bit of gross-out humor, and some friendly mischief. "How to Eat Fried Worms" instantly hooks readers with its unique premise - can Billy really eat a worm a day for 15 days? The short, punchy chapters and lively kid banter make it especially appealing for reluctant readers or anyone just graduating to chapter books. Kids (especially 8-10-year-old boys) will relate to the wild bets, creative worm recipes, and the tests of friendship that come with such a crazy challenge. Plus, the book is brimming with realistic - and often hilarious - childhood antics that feel just right.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone's appetite will handle this one! Some grownups and more sensitive readers might find the whole worms-for-lunch thing just a bit too icky, and a few have mentioned the story feels dated in places (kids having unsupervised adventures, old-fashioned squabbles, or language that's not as common today). A couple of readers were distracted by the large number of short chapters and, for teachers, occasional mild language might mean a few words to skip over. If you're looking for a book with deep life lessons or complex themes, this one is more about laughs and dares than heart-to-heart moments.
About:
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell is a humorous tale about a boy named Billy who accepts a bet to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days for fifty dollars. Throughout the book, Billy comes up with creative ways to eat the worms while his friends try to sabotage him. The story revolves around friendship, peer pressure, and the importance of standing up to dares and challenges. The writing style is described as comical, engaging, and relatable to children, with a mix of humor and gross-out moments that appeal to young readers.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include the portrayal of disgusting food consumption and some mild profanity.
From The Publisher:
Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. The worms are supplied by his opponent, whose motto is "The bigger and juicier, the better!" At first Billy's problem is whether or not he can swallow the worm placed before him, even with a choice of condiments from peanut butter to horseradish. But later it looks as if Billy will win, and the challenge becomes getting to the worm to eat it. Billy's family, after checking with the doctor, takes everything in stride. They even help Billy through his gastronomic ordeal, which twists and turns with each new day, leaving the outcome of the bet continually in doubt.
Ratings (5)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (1) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (13):
Read It (7) | |
Want To Read (1) | |
Not Interested (5) |
What can you read after
How to Eat Fried Worms?
About the Author:
Thomas Rockwell is a children's book author whose works include How to Eat Fried Worms and How to Fight a Girl. He is the son of painter Norman Rockwell. He lives in Poughkeepsie, New York.
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