Fiddlesticks

Cul-de-sac Kids #11

by Beverly Lewis

It's soccer season for the Blossom Hill Blitzers. Shawn Hunter is dying to make the team. But some of the kids call him "Fiddlesticks" because he brings his violin to after-school practice. And because his legs are skinny as sticks.Secretly, Shawn works out at home--but time is running out. Can his cul-de-sac friends help him make the team? Or will the teasing at school mess Shawn up during tryouts?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Chapter Books, Childrens, Middle Grade, Mystery

80 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1997

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

Reviews

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how wholesome these books are! In this one, Shawn (Korean brother) gets made fun of for being a skinny kid. One of the boys in their class is ruthless and calls him fiddlesticks because his legs are as skinny as the bows on his violin. He makes fun of him for playing violin and trying to play soccer, but the other kids stand up for him and there is a lot of correcting negative behavior. I really loved to see the CulDeSac kids band together to protect one of their own!

[Allison G. Francis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book touches on the serious topic of bullying. I understand that not everyone deals with being bullied the same way. However, I am not sure if it was appropriately dealt with in this book. No parents were involved. The issue was just treated as if it was just about name calling, and the main character got over it. But, in the story the character was dealing with more than merely name calling.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 4 out of 5]

While these books are definitely written for younger readers, I especially enjoyed this one, teaching kids not only that name-calling and bullying is wrong, but also how to properly respond to it in order to make the situation better. Loved it!

[Shannon Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books for kids!! I loved the Christian influence and my 6 year old son could relate to the situations while still reading the book himself!! HIGHLY recommend!!

[Mary-Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book difficult to read since Shawn is subject not only to teasing/bullying but racism. I read this aloud to my 6 year old but skipped some of the racist references since I didn't want the book to be a learning tool for ways to be mean to someone who is from a different cultural background. The book introduces the Golden Rule and provides an opportunity for discussion about how to handle a situation when someone is being mean to you.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is number 11 in the Cul-De-Sac Kids series. Once again I can say that it is a wonderful book and easy for kids to relate to.

This story addresses name calling and being kind to one another. Shawn Hunter overcomes a bully with kindness and encouragement from his friends.

This is easy to read for older kids or great to read aloud to younger ones.

[Tatum · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in the 1st grade!!! brings bak so many memories!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message that this book sends about bullying and the golden rule. As always, the characters are a hit with any child (or child at heart!) One of my favorites in the series so far.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why does he need a soccer ball to balance while doing violin?

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 27539 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.5 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP