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The Odd Job Squad

by Karl Fields (Goodreads Author)

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 20 ratings · 16 reviews

The best way to get even is to get Odd.

Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback.

Especially payback.

When he's not struggling with algebra, Ander is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Email Ander's crew and, if your case if legit, they...more

Kindle Edition, 205 pages

Published June 14th 2011

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Apr 12, 2013 Compulsion Reads rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When someone picks on you in middle school there isn’t much you can do about it, at least not until Ander and his friends start The Odd Job Squad. If you are the victim of an unfair assault you can email them and state your case. If they agree that you should have retribution then they will make it happen, (anonymously, of course). Their little mischievous tricks have been going on for years with no one the wiser until one prank goes a little too far and someone discovers the identity of one of...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How perfect would school have been if there was someone you could email who'd provide you with revenge in any instance of substantiated teasing, harassment or bullying? Now how cool would it have been if you were one of the smarty pants who ran this squad? Ander Cartwright thought it was pretty perfect until someone figured out he was the ring leader of this group and started playing him at his own game. Now that the anti has been upped can Ander get him and his friends out of being revenged upo...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Nikki rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’ll let you in on a little secret: when I was in middle school, I wasn’t exactly miss popularity. I’ve always been a bit of a black sheep, and while I think it makes me more interesting as an adult, as a kid it made me the object of ridicule. Sure, I had a handful of awesome friends that made life more bearable, but to this day I still remember many of the taunts spewed at me. I recall wishing there was some way I could knock the mean kids down a few pegs. In The Odd Job Squad, Ander and his fr...more I’ll let you in on a little secret: when I was in middle school, I wasn’t exactly miss popularity. I’ve always been a bit of a black sheep, and while I think it makes me more interesting as an adult, as a kid it made me the object of ridicule. Sure, I had a handful of awesome friends that made life more bearable, but to this day I still remember many of the taunts spewed at me. I recall wishing there was some way I could knock the mean kids down a few pegs. In The Odd Job Squad, Ander and his friends do exactly that–teach mean kids a lesson in humility. See, they’re in the revenge business, and in middle school, business is good.

Ander, Joe, Christian, and “Shooter” (the only girl in the group) started the revenge business back in 6th grade, when Shooter was having issues with the stereotypical popular princess, Stacia. Once they got started, the decided to help others get back at those who have caused them trouble. The group always decides together which cases to take, and the number one rule forbid them from ever taking another personal case again. Despite these precautions, things do get personal when Shooter has a run-in with and one of Ander’s revenge plots lands a kid in the hospital. Although the two events are mutually exclusive, they do create a ripple effect that leaves the team running around the city searching for tickets to the hottest, most annoying boy band on the radio, learning a few things about the bullies that they bully back, and growing up just a little more with every turn of the page.

Now, I know some parents out there may be groaning about the glorification of revenge. I admit, at first I was thinking “oh geez, I don’t know if I’d want Jake reading this, it might give him the wrong idea!” But by the end of the book, the kids do learn some valuable lessons about what their actions do to others and how to better handle mean people. I’m not saying they swear off revenge or anything, as they are kids, and getting back at someone who hurts them is in their nature, but they do come a long way towards understanding the potential consequences of their actions. They’re good kids, trying to stick up for the underdog, and I have to admire that. Ander narrates the story, so his growth is the most obvious, but Shooter also deals with some issues that play out through the story. Joe and Christian mostly seemed to be supporting characters, so don’t expect to see a lot of evolution on their parts.

The story was well written, with minor typos here and there. It was engaging enough to hold my attention, light enough that I could pick it up when I had time and still know exactly what was going on, and fast-paced enough that its target audience will be able to get into it. The Odd Job Squad is a fun read for both girls and boys, and a good book to start a discussion with your child about dealing with mean kids.

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Jul 17, 2011 Jade Walker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: rated-a

Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com/

Karl Fields may possibly have made it to my favorite people in the world list. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but he's definitely made it onto my favorite authors of the year list.

While most readers of my blog will recognise that most of my reviews are for YA books, I will occasionally slip into children's and middle grade books, if my mood permits it. While The Odd Job Squad is marketed as middle grade, I think that the appeal for thi...more Original review at http://inkscratchers.blogspot.com/

Karl Fields may possibly have made it to my favorite people in the world list. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but he's definitely made it onto my favorite authors of the year list.

While most readers of my blog will recognise that most of my reviews are for YA books, I will occasionally slip into children's and middle grade books, if my mood permits it. While The Odd Job Squad is marketed as middle grade, I think that the appeal for this book is a lot wider than that, and I would recommend it to anybody who wants a fun and relatively fast read.

I usually struggle to get into books, but with The Odd Job Squad I was literally grabbed by the first page and this book is totally the type of book that, while it isn't on-the-edge-of-your-seat, unable to put it down reading, it's so fun that you won't want to put it down. I totally adored the concept and story of this novel, while it's simple it is also so fun and has such an amazing cast of characters to carry it.

Ahh... yes... the characters. I loved the main character, Ander. Ander is the narrator for the story and while at some points it seemed as though his voice was a little too mature for a thirteen year old, this actually seemed to fit with Ander's character, so it didn't bother me. The other characters are awesome too, Joe, the gothish computer geek, Christian the short and cool skateboarder and Shooter, the only girl of the group (though she is a tomboy). All of these characters came of real, which I totally loved.

There are subtle hints of romance, which totally had me singing "And they call it puppy loooove" in my head, it was that cute! Ander is just beginning to notice that Shooter is a girl and this was so cute. The subtle thoughts and little jealousies that come out are enough to make any romance lover SQUEEE because it's so cute! Massive Kudos to Karl for making me squee!

This book also deals with moral issues though; friendship, loyalty, revenge and trust are all issues that are dealt with, but not in an in-your-face way, in a subtle way so you wouldn't actually notice unless you were either a very discerning reader or a reviewer digging deep to find some flaw about this book (I'm coming up empty though!)

Overall, The Odd Job Squad is one of the most fun and engaging reads that I have read this year, and I am totally looking forward to the authors next middle-grade installment. Definitely one that I recommend you buy for a quick but totally entertaining read!

Overall rating: A+(less)

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Jul 15, 2011 Stormi (Lightning Book Promotions) rated it 4 of 5 stars

If found The Odd Job Squad to be a very fun and entertaining middle grade book. Its a book about revenge, but its also a book about friendship. Anyone who was never very popular can probably relate to The Odd Job Squad, a group of not so popular kids who get some payback on the popular ones.

Since the sixth grade and Ander and his three friends have been getting even for those who they vote deserves it, but they have rules. NEVER MAKE IT PERSONAL is one of those rules. When Anders has a chance t...more

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Aug 02, 2011 ABookVacation rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

I love this novel! Fields has created a wonderful book for all ages, both young and old, which will captivate the reader from the very beginning. Ander, the leader of The Odd Job Squad, specializes in payback, and his ingenious plans are both witty and fascinating. I love to see the underdog succeed and get back at those who treated them badly, and that is exactly what Ander does for those unable to do it for themselves. However, one of Ander’s antics goes terribly wrong, and Ander must...more

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Apr 22, 2013 Suzanne Lilly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mg

Have you been bullied? Is someone threatening you at school? If you have been treated unjustly, call the Odd Job Squad. They'll balance the scales for you, and no one will ever know who did it or how they accomplished it.

The premise is original, and readers of all ages will identify with the social jockeying of middle school. The Odd Job Squad, operated by an anonymous team, takes retribution on bullies in a top secret way. Yet, when the leader of the Odd Job Squad becomes a target in his own ga...more

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Aug 13, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Odd Job Squad was a book that captured my attention from the first page to the last page. There was a mixture of mystery, junior high romance, friendships, black mail, and humor. This is a great read from middle school aged people right on up to adults. Here’s why I liked The Odd Job Squad.
Reason #1: The setting was almost like another character. The characters in this story were all over San Francisco. The author weaved the sites of San Francisco into his story in such a way that the reader...more The Odd Job Squad was a book that captured my attention from the first page to the last page. There was a mixture of mystery, junior high romance, friendships, black mail, and humor. This is a great read from middle school aged people right on up to adults. Here’s why I liked The Odd Job Squad.
Reason #1: The setting was almost like another character. The characters in this story were all over San Francisco. The author weaved the sites of San Francisco into his story in such a way that the reader felt like they were getting to know the Bay Area personally. There were cable cars, fog, China Town, The Fillmore, street names, etc. I loved the way the setting was used.
Reason #2: The main characters were well developed. There are four friends, Ander, Joe, Christian, and Scooter. Ander is the narrator. He has a unique way of reading people. He calls it observing the pre actions. Scooter is the only girl of the four friends and she is dealing with some issues at home that keep her preoccupied throughout the story. Joe and Christian are part of the group and they have their own unique skills to offer.
Reason#3: The story idea is one that I think many people can identify with. In this story the four friends have an anonymous revenge club. As Ander puts it “Revenge was our business. And at Marina Middle, business was good.” A student who felt wronged could send out an email to the club. The friends would then decide if the case had merit. If it did they would put in motion payback. The friends were always careful to keep everything secret so they wouldn’t be found out. However, they soon find out that one person knows their secret. To keep their blackmailer from exposing them to the school they go on some wacky adventures.
Reason #4: The author put a little blooming junior high romance in the book to make the story believable. You know the routine where a boy has been friends with a girl and then all of a sudden starts to realize that his friend is a crush worthy girl. Ander and Scooter find themselves noticing each other on a level they aren’t used to and it is fun to watch them figure it out.
Reason #5: The author puts it all in perspective. Even though the premise is getting revenge it is not glorified. In the story we see where the characters are questioning their club and whether or not it is really a good idea. When the tables are turned they start to realize that revenge is not always sweet. The author also rounds out the story with things normal middle school students deal with. He weaves in a normal routine of school, homework, parents, siblings, first crushes, bullies, teen pop stars, and all the things that are junior high.
Overall, I found this to be a quick fun read. I liked this book for all the reasons I listed and more. I didn’t find anything that I didn’t like. I can see where bullying is a serious issue in schools and revenge is not always the answer. However, I feel that this book can open conversations within a classroom or at home. The author offers a story of friendship, blooming romance, revenge, and coming to terms with where you are at in life. I recommend this book to all middle school aged people and adults. You won’t look at odd jobs the same.
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Oct 19, 2011 Corinne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: kids and adults, fans of Gordon Korman

Shelves: young-readers, goodreads-first-reads

I was really pleased to win this book in a first-reads giveaway. I thought the story sounded fun and interesting, and I'm happy to report that it didn't disappoint. I should say that I am a rather picky reader, and find it impossible to finish reading a book that I can't get into or that I feel is not well written. I had hoped that I would like this book and be able to finish it, and in fact I stayed up past my bedtime last night to finish it!

Ander and three of his friends make up The Odd Job Sq...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Alanna (The Flashlight Reader) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, middle-grades, review-requests

I finally finished this book! Hooray! Starting another school year has been busier and more hectic than I thought it would be, which has put a major damper on my reading for fun. The Odd Job Squad is a middle grades book set in your typical middle school. There are nerdy characters, jocks, vicious socialites in the making, and bullies. Your average middle school population.

I really thought this one was pretty cute. Not fluffy marshmallow and pink bunny kind of cute, but a good clean MG read. The...more I finally finished this book! Hooray! Starting another school year has been busier and more hectic than I thought it would be, which has put a major damper on my reading for fun. The Odd Job Squad is a middle grades book set in your typical middle school. There are nerdy characters, jocks, vicious socialites in the making, and bullies. Your average middle school population.

I really thought this one was pretty cute. Not fluffy marshmallow and pink bunny kind of cute, but a good clean MG read. There was enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Unlike most MG books, there isn't an overwhelming sense of good overcoming evil. Yes, the Odd Job Squad is all about settling the score for the underdog, but some scores aren't really settled. There were several layers that added to this story that really made it better than the typical fluff read.

The characters weren't overly developed. Ander and Shooter are the more developed off the group. Ander moves from an immature, self-absorbed 8th grader to someone that thinks of others before himself. Shooter is a little more complicated. The reader doesn't get much of a sense of what she was like before the story actually begins, so it's safe to assume we meet her in the middle of her transformation. She has serious life issues that cause her to reflect on her life and the role her friends play in it. It's a pretty deep event for a MG book, but it is handled with delicacy that I think most kids will be able to relate with. If you're expecting a deep, complicated set of characters, you aren't going to find it in The Odd Job Squad. But then again, I haven't found too many MG books that have complicated characters.

The plot was fast paced. It starts off with one of the "getting even" events and keeps going from there. There is plenty to keep a younger reader interested. I honestly (I hate to admit this) did not see one of the events coming in the book. It caught me completely off guard. That's a major plus for this story because I'm really good at guessing plots. The conflict with Stacia (antagonist) is well developed. She is diabolical and the epitome of what I hated in middle school. I knew my own Stacia. I think young readers will be able to relate to this conflict (and the desire to get even) very well! As an adult, I was able to relate.

Currently, I'm reading Alan Sitomer's Nerd Girls aloud to my 7th grade students. They love it. It's funny, suspenseful, and full of the getting even with the bully drama that middle schoolers love. I won't let anyone borrow my copy of the book because it won't be there for our read alouds. I'm going to offer up The Odd Job Squad as an alternative. I think the kids that are enjoying Nerd Girls will enjoy The Odd Job Squad as well. I've noticed them checking out my "What I'm Reading" wall with the synopsis of this book, so it should go over well.

Middle school teachers and students would enjoy this book and should check it out. It's worth the read. (less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Rebecca rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Starting your own group to help others? Sounds like fun until you go to far and almost get caught, okay you spill the beans. Everyone has their own talent and when you have friends with amazing technical skills and one heck of a memory, you can pretty much save yourself from disaster.

A group of middle schooler's get together with one thought in mind, lets help those who get picked on and get revenge those who do the picking. You have rules and they are important, especially the one about persona...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Ashlinn (at) Baffling,Bonkers,and Brilliant Books! rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Odd Job Squad is about 4 best friends who run an underground revenge business. Their business started when a mean girl was going to far with Shooter(One of the main characters.) After that they continued to get revenge for the underdogs. But when a series of events happens, the best friends secret business starts to unfold and if anyone did find out who was really behind all those pranks; it would be the end for The Odd Job Squad.

There wasn't anything in the story that I disliked. There's a...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Lydia Presley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, 2011-debut, fiction, comedy, middle-grade

Original review posted here

Okay, this was a cute book. I was homeschooled, so I don’t have memories of bullying or being picked on (although I was picked on a little bit by other means), but if I had the types of memories most people seem to have – then I would have loved to have an Odd Job Squad firmly on my side.

Karl Fields reaches out through middle-grade humor to teach a subtle lesson. Through the pranks and hijinks of the Odd Job Squad, he highlights the feelings and emotions that are casca...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Reut (reutreads) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To me, The Odd Job Squadsounded like middle-school meets John Tucker Must Die. And since I did enjoy middle-school, and I likedJTMD, I decided to accept this review request.

Ander is a fun character to "listen" to. He was funny and clever, and I wished I knew more people like him back in "ye olden days" of eighth grade. I mean, he sings karaoke in Chinese. (Read the book!) Although it bothered me a litle because CHINESE ISN'T A LANGUAGE, that's cool. No? Am I the only one who thinks that singing...more To me, The Odd Job Squad sounded like middle-school meets John Tucker Must Die. And since I did enjoy middle-school, and I liked JTMD, I decided to accept this review request.

Ander is a fun character to "listen" to. He was funny and clever, and I wished I knew more people like him back in "ye olden days" of eighth grade. I mean, he sings karaoke in Chinese. (Read the book!) Although it bothered me a litle because CHINESE ISN'T A LANGUAGE, that's cool. No? Am I the only one who thinks that singing karaoke in Mandarin is cool?!

Also, I loooove it when middle-grade fiction uses appropriate vocabulary and fictionalized pop-culture references. A lot of the book has to do with this band of brothers (haha), The Barringtons, which was an obvious spoof of you know, this. Plus when Ander and his friends talk about that girl who hooked up at that party? Yeah, that happens. Middle-graders are not as innocent as you might think, mmkay?

While I enjoyed the inner monologues of Ander, there were things about this book I couldn't help but be irked by.

Like the plot--even though the initial idea is good, I found it to be misleading. The majority of the book is about what happens after Ander almost blows it, and it basically centers around the Squad trying to procure what is basically a bribe. Then, when all is said and done, the plot is wrapped up really, really quickly, with a happily-ever-after romance to boot!

I didn't like how there were just random threads thrown in without any real meaning to the main plot, or any real character development--like Ander thinking one of his best friends was blackmailing him, or Ander's obvious issues with his dad. Or how there didn't really need to be any romance, but the author threw it in anyway.

With all the haphazard plot threads flying around, all I could really enjoy was Ander and his one-liners. And this is an example of what happens when that doesn't support the whole book.

For my full review, visit http://reutreads.wordpress.com/2011/1...(less)

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Sep 06, 2011 Lorri rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a very quick read, suitable for ages 9 - 12. Ander is a smart kid who has come up with the idea to start a group with his three friends. They try to help those in their school who have been wronged. They have remained anonymous for two years, but someone has finally found out and is blackmailing them to get what they want. First they have to find out who it is and then figure out how they will be able to accomplish what is asked of them. Plenty to keep you interested throughout.

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Jan 15, 2012 Haley Keller rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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About Karl Fields

My debut novel, The Odd Job Squad, a story for mid-grade readers about an anonymous revenge club was released last summer. I've recently released a second novel, Instant Preplay, which is also for mid-grade readers.

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