The Wild Bunch

May 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-Paul's summer vacation plans haven't turned out quite the way he had hoped; instead of sleeping late and playing video games, he is dragged by his dad on a camping trip to Bear Falls, complete with gnarly spiders, ravenous mosquitos, and an utter absence of bug spray. Paul meets two new friends, rounding out the familiar triptych of relatable narrator, nerd, and bully, and the trio search for the Beast of Bear Falls. Though the structure and plotting are nothing revolutionary, the humor hits its mark more times than not, and readers interested in the story will likely find some aspects of the characters with which to connect. Occasionally the wit does hit a sour note, as when the bully character makes fun of a female park ranger's appearance. VERDICT A quick, lighthearted summer read for lovers of outdoor adventure and silly (and often gross) humor.-Ted McCoy, Leeds Elementary and Ryan Road Elementary, MA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2017
Grades 4-7 Paul can think of nothing worse than beginning his summer vacation with a camping trip with his dad and the Wild Bunch his dad's college buddies and their sons. Paul has never liked camping, especially after a previous experience with this group, but his father is so excited about the weekend at Bear Falls that Paul can't disappoint him. The other two boys, allergy-ravaged Hector and bully Jack, are unlikely friends for Paul, but as the three hear the incredible story of Mo and the Beast, endure roughing it, and devise a secret plan to explore the now-closed Falls, they come to depend upon one another. Paul, it turns out, is clear-headed and acts as a go-between for the others. His first-person account shows his fortitude and exposes the foibles and strengths of the others. Together, the boys face dangerous situations and learn the truth behind the legendary Mo. The story's ending sets the stage for a series of books about these three unlikely comrades.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)