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Free Thaddeus!
Designed like a case file, chock-full of notes, journal entries, letters, e-mails, illustrations, and more, Free Thaddeus! is an uproarious middle-grade novel that argues why the irreverent Thaddeus should be released from his in-school suspension and explains the unbelievable circumstances that led to his punishment. Soon readers will be chanting, “Free Thaddeus!”
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 18, 2025
Books read & reviewed: 7️⃣7️⃣🥖4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
5️⃣🌟, im worried for his future, a novel to keep you stranded in awe even if it already ended, just makes you want to keep thinking what will happen when he grows up
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
this feels like the start and the childhood prequel of a organized crime boss (or maybe im overthinking this middle school, middle grade book eme) but really tho this is like eerly just eeeeeeeerly a backstory, but im just being delulu,. Thaddeus as a character is so well put up and has many possible future possibilities and opportunities to further enhance and i really thought this opens up a sequel series (i dont even know bruh, this is the definition of delulu).
Pinnacle bad boy energy, he's the troublemaker that just wants to watch the world burn even if he thinks that he's the one in the right path,. Even through all the disciplinary measures, all the "Punishments" that the school system tries to give, he just wont change.
This is also a well existential and philosophical book on freedom, discipline, happiness and societal expectations and rebellion,. Thaddeus as a character is not just a typical troublemaker, he has no sense of consequence and does anything and everything for the fun of it, not afraid of being criticized or being punished (i feel like this is might as well be a philosophy book). I truly wonder what might happen when he grows up, when his actions as an adult can be punished and illegal because at this stage of life, a middle schooler, this is expected, they're not really following the rules, this book keeps me lingering just what'll happen after this, even though i know this wont ever be continued, this being released in 2011 and have no signs of ever being updated to a new novel, and also because this is a children's book, its not supposed to be that deep but somehow this one is. 💓
I also love to formatting of this book and the many graphical designs and illustrations that truly makes this a children's book that is very much apparent to the lives of these middle school children and very reflective on the sudden change they have on their daily living.
Such a one of a kind and one that is I would think, a novel that would just make me think about my current state of living. Very existential ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 I LOVE ITTTTTTT,. THANKS 2 MA LOCAL LIBRARY
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*Pre-Read✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
I took a peek in whats inside the book and its just like the mc is going to be arrested for multiple crimes that he thinks are just lil funny
(Not to mention he says he's not a creep which is like a creepy thing to say)
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
5️⃣🌟, im worried for his future, a novel to keep you stranded in awe even if it already ended, just makes you want to keep thinking what will happen when he grows up
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
this feels like the start and the childhood prequel of a organized crime boss (or maybe im overthinking this middle school, middle grade book eme) but really tho this is like eerly just eeeeeeeerly a backstory, but im just being delulu,. Thaddeus as a character is so well put up and has many possible future possibilities and opportunities to further enhance and i really thought this opens up a sequel series (i dont even know bruh, this is the definition of delulu).
Pinnacle bad boy energy, he's the troublemaker that just wants to watch the world burn even if he thinks that he's the one in the right path,. Even through all the disciplinary measures, all the "Punishments" that the school system tries to give, he just wont change.
This is also a well existential and philosophical book on freedom, discipline, happiness and societal expectations and rebellion,. Thaddeus as a character is not just a typical troublemaker, he has no sense of consequence and does anything and everything for the fun of it, not afraid of being criticized or being punished (i feel like this is might as well be a philosophy book). I truly wonder what might happen when he grows up, when his actions as an adult can be punished and illegal because at this stage of life, a middle schooler, this is expected, they're not really following the rules, this book keeps me lingering just what'll happen after this, even though i know this wont ever be continued, this being released in 2011 and have no signs of ever being updated to a new novel, and also because this is a children's book, its not supposed to be that deep but somehow this one is. 💓
I also love to formatting of this book and the many graphical designs and illustrations that truly makes this a children's book that is very much apparent to the lives of these middle school children and very reflective on the sudden change they have on their daily living.
Such a one of a kind and one that is I would think, a novel that would just make me think about my current state of living. Very existential ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 I LOVE ITTTTTTT,. THANKS 2 MA LOCAL LIBRARY
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*Pre-Read✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
I took a peek in whats inside the book and its just like the mc is going to be arrested for multiple crimes that he thinks are just lil funny
(Not to mention he says he's not a creep which is like a creepy thing to say)
dnf
August 23, 2022(Recommended by Lynn)
March 21, 2019
Free Thaddeus! is about Thaddeus Ledbetter and his unfortunate assignment to in-school suspension for the rest of the year. Initially, it seems he has earned ISS for his "True Emergency Drill," but as the story unfolds, it is clear that there have been many events that led to his placement in ISS. Thaddeus seems like an arrogant troublemaker with a desire to improve every situation in which he finds himself, which he is, but we find out as we read more of the story, that there are some important reasons behind his behavior.
This hilarious story is told in office referrals, journal entries, case documents, letters, and diagrams all of which offer insight into Thaddeus's motives as well as his thought processes. A very enjoyable read from beginning to end.
This hilarious story is told in office referrals, journal entries, case documents, letters, and diagrams all of which offer insight into Thaddeus's motives as well as his thought processes. A very enjoyable read from beginning to end.
October 20, 2019
Thaddeus is quite possibly the funniest, most intelligent, and yet saddest character ever. His father passed away last year and Thaddeus is dealing with his death by trying to save everybody. His plans do not quite work the way adults would prefer. I have laughed out loud on more than one occasion while reading this book.
Pick it up and enjoy.
Pick it up and enjoy.
September 21, 2025
I read this book as a kid because I wanted to know why Thaddeus should be freed. Even after reading this book, I still didn’t understand. Thaddeus was insufferable to me, and deserved his in-school suspension. The only thing that I liked about him was how he addressed himself as “soon-to-be esquire,” which would be insufferable to anyone else. At least this book’s structure is creative.
August 31, 2022
by far the most captivating book that i've read because of how the way it was presented (not a typical narration)
loveeee all the fun facts!
the only problem tho is the mc's perspective re: an art career
loveeee all the fun facts!
the only problem tho is the mc's perspective re: an art career
August 1, 2024
A very fun middle school book. Reminiscent of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid".
May 18, 2025
Wonderfully funny story… Thaddeus reminds me of Dennis the Menace….
March 22, 2017
Not something I would read again, but it's pretty entertaining.
January 10, 2013
I am reading the book FREE THADDEUS by John Gosselink .I like this book for its humor and educational purposes .Your probably wondering " educational purposes " "What''.Its educational because the book has little Thaddeus fun facts . This book is about a kid ,Thaddeus that is being sentenced for ISS ,for pulling the fire alarm on a school fire drill.He says it was preparing the school for the worst and is good.It also says schools should have bee drills instead of fire because more people get killed by bees.The fun facts are usually in his defense letters that share facts or words in his defense letters that shares sarcasm that makes his principle look stupid or help him defend his case .Thaddeus is using all his resources like his uncle(Lawer),Alison(his best friend)and most importantly his genius wits.I like Thaddeus a lot .I like Thaddeus a lot because he's like me,he's a genius.By the way the alarm is just one out of the many helpful but still accused situations by Thaddeus.I also like this book because its rich.It is rich because it has so many subjects from problems in the snow cone industries to the so many diffrent topiced Thaddeus fun facts.The fact that this book is hilarios makes it so hard to stop reading.One really funny part in book was ,"HOW TO IMPROVE THE SNOW CONE INDUSTRY ,it says "Lose the tiger blood flavor.Were kids not vampirers.Plus, do you really want to encourage the slaughter of an endangered species as a kids snack.No Pina Colada and Margarita flavors.Getting the kids hooked on the flavors of alcoholic drinks isn't very responsible .No naming flavors after popular cartoon characters.What does that mean?How are we supposed to know how a fictional charecters taste like?
And why wuuld we whant to eat one?Increase knowledge of food in the natural world.Like the flavor "Blue Coconut ".Have you ever seen a coconut?They could not be less blue.If anything,that color would indicate spoilage,or at least some fungi growth.Either way,it isn't very appetizing.Spend more on pest control".I think Gosselink is very smart for figuring out in the book HOW TO IMPROVE THE SNOW CONE INDUSTRY.Adding up all the fun facts,homor ,richness,and reality its my by far most faviorte book ever.So far I am in the rising action .I will look forward to more of Gosselink's books.
P.S. this book had a lot of topics out of the few I named
And why wuuld we whant to eat one?Increase knowledge of food in the natural world.Like the flavor "Blue Coconut ".Have you ever seen a coconut?They could not be less blue.If anything,that color would indicate spoilage,or at least some fungi growth.Either way,it isn't very appetizing.Spend more on pest control".I think Gosselink is very smart for figuring out in the book HOW TO IMPROVE THE SNOW CONE INDUSTRY.Adding up all the fun facts,homor ,richness,and reality its my by far most faviorte book ever.So far I am in the rising action .I will look forward to more of Gosselink's books.
P.S. this book had a lot of topics out of the few I named
June 8, 2013
This book was amazing. Plain and simple. Here are my top 5 reasons why.
1) I love case style and journal style books. It makes it easier to see relationships
2) I know that it's sad but I like when the character has a traumatic event whether it's embarrassing or if it is just depressing. It makes the character(s) seem more relatable.
3) I'm in middle school so I can relate to the school aspect (detention referrals etc.). However I'm not religious so I can't relate to the church parts of the story. I don't know what an acolyte is. But it seemed explained well.
4) I love fun facts!!!!! Call me crazy but it is so much fun to learn about things in small doses (and more effective).
5) The story line of this child trying to improve the school and getting iss for the whole year seemed a little far fetched before I started it. But when the author can remember little details about school right down to the school lunch every single day!? That is one clever author.
Every book I love has its down falls. Usually it's 3 or 4 of them. But this time there is only 1.
1) Why aren't Alison and Thaddeus together!!!! The both are so sweet and they clearly like each other. Maybe the author is trying to make it seem that way. Who knows?
1) I love case style and journal style books. It makes it easier to see relationships
2) I know that it's sad but I like when the character has a traumatic event whether it's embarrassing or if it is just depressing. It makes the character(s) seem more relatable.
3) I'm in middle school so I can relate to the school aspect (detention referrals etc.). However I'm not religious so I can't relate to the church parts of the story. I don't know what an acolyte is. But it seemed explained well.
4) I love fun facts!!!!! Call me crazy but it is so much fun to learn about things in small doses (and more effective).
5) The story line of this child trying to improve the school and getting iss for the whole year seemed a little far fetched before I started it. But when the author can remember little details about school right down to the school lunch every single day!? That is one clever author.
Every book I love has its down falls. Usually it's 3 or 4 of them. But this time there is only 1.
1) Why aren't Alison and Thaddeus together!!!! The both are so sweet and they clearly like each other. Maybe the author is trying to make it seem that way. Who knows?
July 31, 2022
A boy named Thaddeus makes his case why he shouldn’t be subjected to in-school suspension for the rest of the year, going into all the various mishaps he’s gotten into since his dad died.
A good story. The presentation was really creative, utilizing emails and journal entries and school forms to give the whole picture. I thought Thaddeus was way more obnoxious than he was funny, but I’m not the target audience and acknowledge he may be more appealing to kids.
A good story. The presentation was really creative, utilizing emails and journal entries and school forms to give the whole picture. I thought Thaddeus was way more obnoxious than he was funny, but I’m not the target audience and acknowledge he may be more appealing to kids.
August 10, 2016
Thaddeus causes a great deal of havoc across the case-files included in this novel, though he does so with perfectly understandable reasons. This realistic fiction novel will have higher level middle-grade readers enjoying the deadpan manner in which Thaddeus describes the events that have gotten him finally placed in ISS (In School Suspension) for the year as he makes a case for why he should not only be allowed out but also be given praise as a hero. Anyone looking for a witty protagonist would be remiss in skipping out on this humorous read.
July 15, 2012
I love the humor of this book! But I'm a teacher so I'm not sure if that's why I enjoy Thaddeus so much. I'm going to have my friend's son (current middle schooler) read this book and give me some student insight. I think Thaddeus would find this to be a highly efficient way to determine student interest.
The younger opinion: enjoyed the story but he doesn't believe most middle schoolers will get the sarcasm.
So combined rating of 3.5.
The younger opinion: enjoyed the story but he doesn't believe most middle schoolers will get the sarcasm.
So combined rating of 3.5.
May 29, 2014
Free Thaddeus! is a middle-grade novel that argues why the misunderstood and quirky Thaddeus should be released from his in-school suspension and explains the unbelievable events that led to his punishment. It was a cleverly written novel. Thaddeus' Mother was strangely a small focus. The lawyer uncle played a greater and somewhat at a loss role trying to bail Thaddeus out of his ongoing predicaments.
October 23, 2013
what i thought of this book was it was a good book.this book is about this kid named thaddeus who tries to make up so many excuses so he wont get into trouble.he also loves Nachos.Theddeus gets so many referrals like for example:it says that he tried to run over a kid with a bus,and he also tried kill an old lady.
October 11, 2013
This book was great because of the personality Gosselink gave Thaddeus. He had crazy and creative ideas. He was developed well and was intelligent and witty. I found this book funny even though it was about a serious matter.
The only thing I disliked was the book went from one event to another. I would have preferred on event at a time instead of them switching.
The only thing I disliked was the book went from one event to another. I would have preferred on event at a time instead of them switching.
April 23, 2014
This was one of our Sunshine State books this year, so I had to read it.
Let's just say, the only thing I liked about this book was that it was short. I don't think I could stand much more of this so-called humor. I see it as an amazing gift to be annoying so much, that the reader wants to punch a FICTIONAL character.
Let's just say, the only thing I liked about this book was that it was short. I don't think I could stand much more of this so-called humor. I see it as an amazing gift to be annoying so much, that the reader wants to punch a FICTIONAL character.
December 18, 2016
I don't get why so many people hated this book. Personally, I think it's one of the funniest middle school books I've ever read. Thaddeus is one weird kid, but he's so weird that eventually you just give up on all logic and accept the fact that all of these things happened in his world. Great for middle school kids who need a laugh, or even if you're older and up for a wacky story.
June 23, 2012
Read this when the title was The Defense of Thaddeus A Ledbetter
This book has a really great format - it's told through artifacts in a case file, including e-mails, school referrals, and letters. You get the pieces of the story bit by bit. Will appeal to Wimpy Kid fans.
This book has a really great format - it's told through artifacts in a case file, including e-mails, school referrals, and letters. You get the pieces of the story bit by bit. Will appeal to Wimpy Kid fans.
May 17, 2013
This light, entertaining "Wimpy Kid" style book is recommended for reluctant readers. This is one of the Sunshine State Young Reader Awards (SSYRA) books for 6th to 8th grade for the 2013-2014 school year.
Read
June 9, 2011second in the series..first was defense of thaddeus a ledbetter 7/8
February 3, 2012
I guess I just didnt get into it...
January 27, 2013
I loved the irreverent humor and, actually, it was a great book for vocabulary! I think kids and teachers alike will love Thaddeus (even though we wouldn't want him in our class!)
December 24, 2013
He was so annoying.
January 1, 2014
This is a young adult book but I would recommend it for adults and teachers. Thaddeus is that smart aleck kid who sees flaws everywhere. One of the funniest books I've read in ages.
Read
January 15, 2014Despite contrary beliefs, this book isn't really all that good. Thaddeus is a bit conceited (in my opinion), and he's also pretty rude. The book was annoying, and not at all realistic. Sorry.
July 1, 2015
Hilarious. Witty. And yes, even heartfelt. Reminds me of a kid I know...
September 11, 2015
It was beautiful
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