What do You think about Leon And The Spitting Image (2005)?
Imagine you must create an art project for a year-long unit on the middle ages and yours surprisingly takes on a life of its own.I absolutely loved this story. I admit to be taken in by the year-long thematic study of the middle ages, a personal favorite subject for me and my children. As a home-schooling mom I thought this a brilliant idea. A friend of mine read this and was bothered about something, I can't say now what, so enter with caution. This may not be for everyone. Leon is a fourth grader.
—Vivian
This is an inventive story that reminded me at times of the absurdity of Roald Dahl. Leon is a clumsy fourth grader who attends a school that emphasizes fine motor development. To a kid with coordination issues, this is a nightmare. Fourth grade starts, and Leon's teacher uses sewing to teach throughout the entire school year. A kids' book with a focus on sewing? Sounds odd, but it works.Add to this the general quirkiness of Leon's life: he and his mother live in a hotel that caters to the nuttier side of trade conventions, an evil ice machine, and Leon's taxi driver collection all add to the fun, lighthearted tone of the book. Kurzweil manages to keep the tone light while addressing some of the issues that elementary school kids face, such as bullying, difficult teachers, negotiating with friends, and subtler themes of morality, justice, and retribution.Terrific kids novel, probably best for older elementary ages. If you enjoy Roald Dahl, this would be a good choice.
—Pamela Huxtable
