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151st out of 306 books
—
2,030 voters
How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy
Thirteen-year-old Lamar Washington is the maddest, baddest, most spectacular bowler at Striker's Bowling Paradise. But while Lamar's a whiz at rolling strikes, he always strikes out with girls. And his brother, Xavier the Basketball Savior, is no help. Xavier earns trophy after trophy on the basketball court and soaks up Dad's attention, leaving no room for Lamar's problem...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
February 22nd 2011
by Balzer + Bray
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Dec 04, 2012
Ed
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Allen, Crystal. (2011). How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy. New York: HarperCollins/Balzer & Bray. 288 pp. ISBN 978-0-06-199272-8 (Hard Cover); $16.99.*
Quiz time: How many middle school books are in print featuring a trash talkin’, hip hoppin’, African American bowling champ? Can anyone name even one bowling book novel for middle school students? I rest my case for purchasing this book! For any of its way too many plot threads, I highly recommend purchasing this book strictly on...more
Quiz time: How many middle school books are in print featuring a trash talkin’, hip hoppin’, African American bowling champ? Can anyone name even one bowling book novel for middle school students? I rest my case for purchasing this book! For any of its way too many plot threads, I highly recommend purchasing this book strictly on...more
[The Maddest, Baddest Synopsis Around…]
I am taking this synopsis straight from the author’s website for one simple reason: it is the waaay better than anything I could write!
Thirteen-year-old Lamar Washington is the maddest, baddest most spectacular bowler ever at Striker’s Bowling Paradise. But when it comes to girls, he doesn’t have game—not like his older brother Xavier the Basketball Savior. And certainly not like his best friend “Spanish fly guy” Sergio. So Lamar vows to spend the summer ch...more
I am taking this synopsis straight from the author’s website for one simple reason: it is the waaay better than anything I could write!
Thirteen-year-old Lamar Washington is the maddest, baddest most spectacular bowler ever at Striker’s Bowling Paradise. But when it comes to girls, he doesn’t have game—not like his older brother Xavier the Basketball Savior. And certainly not like his best friend “Spanish fly guy” Sergio. So Lamar vows to spend the summer ch...more
"Crystal Allen’s How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy drew me in from the very first pages where Lamar and his best friend Sergio are talking on the phone; the ribbing between the two, the obvious affection and juvenile flavoring. “Scared to face you? First, if I had your face, I’d sue my parents” (2), Lamar tells his friend. Lamar is cocksure and his wit and strut is equal parts painful and hilarious. He’s 13."
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"How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy deals in relationships...more
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"How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy deals in relationships...more
There aren't very many books for middle graders or teens that feature bowling, and even fewer that feature African-American kids who like to bowl. So just on that notion alone, this book is pretty unique. But it is also a fun story about two very different brothers, about friendship, and the value of being true to yourself. Lamar is the self-titled "King of Striker's", the best bowler at the local bowling alley. Since his asthma prevents him from doing any other sports, unlike his basketball sup...more
13yr old Lamar Washington is one of the best bowlers in Coffin, IN. Unfortunately not many people appreciate the sport of bowling, Lamar wants to change that. He also no longer wants to be known as the prankster, so girls take him seriously. Lamar's ready for his first girlfriend.
Last year Lamar and Sergio, his best friend played tricks on Makeda, giving her the nickname fivehead. When Lamar spots Makeda at Strikers he doesn't recognize her. Now Lamar is doing everything can to prove he's a diff...more
Last year Lamar and Sergio, his best friend played tricks on Makeda, giving her the nickname fivehead. When Lamar spots Makeda at Strikers he doesn't recognize her. Now Lamar is doing everything can to prove he's a diff...more
A fascinating mix of a too little lauded sport (bowling) and a unique protagonist. Lamar's a bowling king in his small time Indiana town. The problem with that? His brother's a basketball superstar and in Indiana that's all anyone ever cares about. With his severe asthma Lamar can't possibly compete, so he turns his attention instead on getting a lady, palling around with his best friend, and maybe someday meeting his bowling idol Bubba. So when Lamar succeeds in finding a fine honey and gets to...more
Lamar loves to bowl, but his father only cares about his brother, who is a star basketball player. Things are tough in the household because Lamar's mother passed away when he was younger, and his father is having work cuts that limit the family's money. When the Billy Jenks, who is constantly in trouble, offers Lamar a chance to make a lot of money by playing with him in games people bet on, Lamar thinks he has something good going, until he realizes that his bowling idol, Bubba Sanders, would...more
Voice. Voice, voice, voice.
Lamar's voice jumps out of the page at you.
I read the first half-or-so of this book out loud, and the way Lamar talks is unforgettable. Hilarious, gregarious, and goofy.
It's surprising when the plot gets a little thicker. There's some seriously familial issues which need to get worked out, some broken and ill-found friendships, some romance. The book deals with some real stuff. It almost gets heavy in parts.
It's a book about finding your place in the world, about rel...more
Lamar's voice jumps out of the page at you.
I read the first half-or-so of this book out loud, and the way Lamar talks is unforgettable. Hilarious, gregarious, and goofy.
It's surprising when the plot gets a little thicker. There's some seriously familial issues which need to get worked out, some broken and ill-found friendships, some romance. The book deals with some real stuff. It almost gets heavy in parts.
It's a book about finding your place in the world, about rel...more
Any book that makes me laugh and cry gets all stars. I had a hard time, at first, adjusting to the strong voice in this book. But eventually I fell in love with Lamar's 13-year-old character. He has an older brother who bullies him, he has a dad who doesn't understand him, his mother is already dead, he's got wheezy lungs that won't let him play any sport other than bowling, and he pulls dozens of immature pranks.
As soon as I got over Lamar's bravado and comic-book style word choice, the story...more
As soon as I got over Lamar's bravado and comic-book style word choice, the story...more
Lamar is a really likeable character. He has an older brother X who is a basketball superstar, but Lamar isn't jealous because he is the King of Strikers. He loves bowling and he's good at it. Lamar makes some really bad choices. I mean the kind of choices that you want to read with your eyes half closed so you don't really have to see the terrible choices he's making! He redeems himself in the end, but he learns that no matter how sorry he is, he can't really undo what he's done.
I liked that th...more
I liked that th...more
Lamar’s got game—the biggest, baddest, bestest bowling game ever. He’s about to get some green and the girl, too. Unless his new friend and latest prank land him in the gutter, that is. High-speed, hilarious and full of heart, HOW LAMAR’S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY, is my favorite kind of read.
Snort-out-loud funny, it’s perfect for boys, girls, grown-ups with funny bones and pretty much anyone with a pulse. Since it got a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly *and* was chosen as a Juni...more
Snort-out-loud funny, it’s perfect for boys, girls, grown-ups with funny bones and pretty much anyone with a pulse. Since it got a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly *and* was chosen as a Juni...more
Sep 29, 2011
Maria Kramer
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
african-american,
boy-friendly,
humor,
realistic-fiction,
youth,
inspirational,
sports,
family
Lamar loves to bowl and his life is looking up -- fine girlfriend, even a chance to make serious money, albeit with known bad-boy Billy Jenks. But when Lamar's feud with his big brother Xavier reaches a tipping point, will his bid for revenge ruin all the good things he has?
This book had the potential to turn after-school-special schlocky, but Crystal Allen's excellent sense of humor kept that from happening. The positive message of the resolution may seem a bit hackneyed to the old and cynical...more
This book had the potential to turn after-school-special schlocky, but Crystal Allen's excellent sense of humor kept that from happening. The positive message of the resolution may seem a bit hackneyed to the old and cynical...more
Thirteen year old Lamar is the "King of Strikers", the local Bowling Alley. Somewhat of a prankster, Lamar finds himself in big trouble when he pulls the worst prank of his life while trying to get back at his attention seeking, older brother "Xavier the basketball savior". With interesting characters, the author writes a humorous tale of sibling rivalry, teenage crushes, friendships and family issues.
I especially liked that this realistic fiction book has a heavy sports theme, but will appeal...more
I especially liked that this realistic fiction book has a heavy sports theme, but will appeal...more
Jun 23, 2011
Becky
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
newbery-candidate-2012,
5th-only
I read this by CD and the African-American accent of the reader made the voice of Lamar and others seem very authentic. At first, listening to what I would call jive-talk turned me off. I imagine that's how African-American students might feel listening to some very caucasian-sounding dialogue. I do think this novel will speak to many of our students that other novels might not reach. It is well written and addresses a variety of issues: fathers raising sons, bullying, stealing, hustling, brothe...more
Little Kid Reaction: Review pending.
Big Kid Reaction: I struggled with this for a while, because even though I knew Lamar had to be the "hero," he wasn't a very pleasant or sympathetic character. About halfway through, though, he grew on me and the story became much richer. It is an enjoyable read, but not a book I'd pick for every reader. I don't mind street talk, but it was overdone.
Pros: Lots of dialogue and just a small group of characters make this a tight-knit story that will appeal to rel...more
Big Kid Reaction: I struggled with this for a while, because even though I knew Lamar had to be the "hero," he wasn't a very pleasant or sympathetic character. About halfway through, though, he grew on me and the story became much richer. It is an enjoyable read, but not a book I'd pick for every reader. I don't mind street talk, but it was overdone.
Pros: Lots of dialogue and just a small group of characters make this a tight-knit story that will appeal to rel...more
I chose this book from the New YA shelves purely for the title. I found the heavy use of slang a little off-putting at first. It seemed dated, but who am I to say what is current slang for teenagers in Indiana? Anyway, I kept going, and it did draw me in. The "Bad Prank" referenced in the title leaves you scratching your head that teens can be so stupid, but I guess that comes with the territory. In the end, I cared about Lamar and how he would be able to atone for his prank. One scene between L...more
Some of the 'lingo' is rather cheesy in this book. In fact, at times it seemed outdated. On the very first page Lamar is listening to his best friend Sergio 'bump his gums'. I've never heard that expression before so I asked my dad who knows a lot of slang. He said that expression was older than he was (he grew up in the '80s), but hey, maybe it's popular in Indiana? There are a few other examples of really cheesy dialogue/comebacks but in the end, I think it all adds to Lamar's charm. I was ama...more
It is a great book about a boy named Lamar. I definently think it has a shot at winning the newberry award. Well Lamar loves bowling and about everyday he goes bowling and he gos with his best friend Sergio. He goes into Strikers which is the bowling place he bowls at and he saw a sign saying that Bubba Sanders Lamars favorite bowler will be coming to Strikers on the 4th of July. Well he will be giving out bowling supplies and gear. You have to write an essay and win to get some gear. Well a guy...more
Lamar Washington has an intense summer where he learns what a true friend is, that people may change, and that making up with family members is essential. On top of that he learns the consequence of his prank and how it impacts the entire community and not to forget his girlfriend and her MVP camp position. In some ways he had to strike out before he could really earn a strike in bowling and meet his bowling hero, Bubba.
Lamar is a slightly nerdy, asthmatic, never been kissed, king of the bowling lanes guy saddened by the recent loss of his mother and living in the shadow of his basketball superstar brother, Xavier the basketball savior. It's summer vacation and Bubba Sanders, a pro bowler, is coming to Coffin, Indiana! Looks like it could be shaping up to be Lamar's best summer ever, especially when he lands a girl and an easy paycheck. But things quickly go awry and Lamar finds himself in big trouble.
Not part...more
Not part...more
I hate to get all up in Crystal Allen's Kool-Aid, but I predict that girl will win a Newbery nod. HOW LAMAR'S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY is not for haters. It's for anyone who's ready for a mouth full of laugh-out-loud funny Pick up this book and read it, it's "shut yo' mouth good!" (Sorry about the all the strutting, I got carried away with Allen's spunky "voice". Full review on my website).
I love it that Lamar loves bowling and loves it enough to work hard in school to earn a free summer bowling pass. I love it that it's set in a small town where the community takes an interest in its kids. The whole neighborhood is looking out for Lamar and his brother. Sibling rivalry shown at its worst, but realistically. A fun read with a strong message of community and doing what's right.
Humorous first-person narrative of Lamar, a goofy middle-schooler who loves to bowl with his best friend Sergio. When he has the opportunity to make some fast cash with fresh-from-juvie Billy by doing what he loves best--bowling--he doesn't pass it up, despite some self-doubt. However, (unsurprisingly), the plan doesn't go quite so well. Funny, clever, with some life lessons thrown in.
I really enjoyed this book. Lamar, the main character, is really funny and relatable. The book was both fun and sad
Things aren't great at home since Lamar's mother died. His father only seems to have time for work and his older brother Xavior the basketball savior and Xavior hates Lamar's guts. Lamar loves to bowl though and spends his free time at the local lanes hanging with his best friend, Sergio. One day Lamar subs in a game with Billy Jenks who has been to juvie boot camp several times, and Billy pays him! Lamar thinks he's found the good life - bowl when Billy sets up a game and make some cash doing...more
This book was awesome! I loved the voice of this author and marked so many pages with quotes I had to share with a friend. The story of Lamar is both funny and sad at the same time. In the end he seems to truly learn the lesson and grow as a person, making it a good book for middle school students. I will be recommending this to my students who like funny books!
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an arc for this delightfully hilarious and fun middle grade novel. I love the way debut author Crystal Allen developed Lamar Washington. His family is believable and you can keenly feel the way Lamar wants to do what he loves, but also struggles due to his asthma by not fitting in by being a part of 'cool' sports -- like his brother, Xavier the Basketball Savior. As Lamar tries to make his own dreams come true, he winds up working like a hustler and pulls a...more
The dialect in this book made it hard for me to get into it at first. I would really like to hear students' opinions. Overall story line was good. Family has experienced the loss of mom and has not processed the loss. Friction between brothers comes to a head with Lamars big prank and forces everyone to deal with their own situations.
children's middlegrade fiction. Lamar is that annoying 13-y.o. kid who's always joking around--don't get me wrong, he's a good kid, but being around a kid like that all the time can be tiresome. That said, I could easily recommend this to a lot of middlegrade boys (and girls) who enjoy a funny story.
Lamar just jumps out at me and it's as if he's real. I can hear his voice telling me that his story is the maddest baddest story around. Crystal Allen came to visit my school today and what I have found is that she knows the one thing that makes a good character. Voice.
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Oct 05, 2012 06:06am