My Big Mouth

September 1, 2011

Gr 6-9-Hannan's abundant cartoons set the tone for the misadventures of Davis Delaware, the new kid in ninth grade. Davis's attempts to blend in quickly land him on the wrong side of school bully Gerald "the Butcher" when he forms a band with Gerald's cute girlfriend, Molly, and her dweeby friend, Edwin. Stock characters of clueless parents and hapless teachers will be familiar to most readers, as will scenes of typical high-school high jinks: cafeteria food-throwing, locker troubles, and gym-class peril. Occasionally, Hannan breaks the surface with welcome insights into Davis's feelings: the recent death of his mother gives him a mature perspective on coping with Gerald and how to face a challenge he would rather avoid. A disastrous father-son camping trip ends on a hopeful note when the two are able to share their grief in a comical manner completely in keeping with their characters. Hannan's edgy, exaggerated style suits the humor-driven narrative well. Give this to readers who enjoy light, entertaining realistic fiction.-M. Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

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