What do you think?
Rate this book
Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat
From three-time Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen comes a laugh-out-loud novel about six wacky misfits who get stuck together in a school restroom and discover friendship.
It seemed like a normal school day, until a horrible storm forced the very cautious school administration to make everyone hole up in a safe place. Six students find themselves stuck in a tiny, questionably smelly space—a school bathroom—with a stuffed cat for entertainment. Hijinks ensue and the unexpected happens. They enter as strangers…and leave as friends.
Get to know the story even better with a special script that accompanies the novel, so any six kids can get together with their friends and perform the story anywhere they’d like.
It seemed like a normal school day, until a horrible storm forced the very cautious school administration to make everyone hole up in a safe place. Six students find themselves stuck in a tiny, questionably smelly space—a school bathroom—with a stuffed cat for entertainment. Hijinks ensue and the unexpected happens. They enter as strangers…and leave as friends.
Get to know the story even better with a special script that accompanies the novel, so any six kids can get together with their friends and perform the story anywhere they’d like.
Audiobook
First published May 10, 2016
34 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Gary Paulsen
392 books4,002 followersGary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 16, 2017
Is Gary Paulsen channeling his inner John Hughes, director of the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club? Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat has the feel of an homage to that film about teenage drama and unexpected friendships that take hold among the main characters. Can being stuck in the building together after school kick-start lasting relationships, or will things revert to the way they were once real life resumes and we face pressure to ignore students from other social circles because that's what our old friends expect? The Breakfast Club leaves that an open question and so does this book, but the journey to the leaving-off point is intriguing.
Trying to staunch his own chronic nosebleed in the bathroom after school, Jordan meets Avery, a fellow eighth-grader he's never seen. This is Avery's first day at RJ Glavine Middle School, though he's yet to attend a single class. Feeling timid, Avery sneaked backstage of the auditorium at the start of the day and fell asleep, remaining there with only a toy stuffed animal for company until school was dismissed. He had to come out and take shelter in the bathroom when a storm warning mandated that everyone in the building go to an inner room and wait it out. While he and Jordan converse, a kid named Devon enters the bathroom, playing air guitar to music only he hears through his ear buds, followed by Taylor, a rough kid who's not happy about taking cover in the bathroom, and Mason, a brainiac who's tutoring Taylor. Regan is the last one in, an athlete/student government officer/collector of extracurricular responsibilities to pad his college résumé, and they hunker down to wait out the storm. This eclectic mix of kids will learn something about each other in the minutes to come, discovering the basis for friendships that wouldn't have crossed their minds without this interlude being forced upon them. A few minutes of candid conversation can have you seeing others in a new light, realizing there's more to them than the superficial opinion you had formed.
There are some noteworthy concepts in Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat. The exasperating overprotectiveness of schools is diligently satirized. Devon rocks out to his earphone music every minute of the sequester, but it's kind of entertaining for Jordan and the others. "I've been to real concerts before—you know, professional musicians, actual instruments, audible music—that were a lot less fun than sitting on the bathroom tiles watching Devon air-guitar. Devon was smart; all you ever hear is about how more traditional musicians and band have legal hassles with their management or financial disagreements with their labels and distribution problems and struggles to get air time on the radio. But Devon's artistic freedom and creative integrity were still intact. Apparently, there's a lot to be said for marching to the beat of one's own drum. Or guitar, as the case may be." Maybe it is best to live in the way that means the most to you and forget about the struggle for conventional success, which necessitates abridging your creativity to please the powers that be. There's less stress and more fun just riffing with an air guitar on the bathroom floor to amuse a handful of friends who really get you.
Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat is a strange book for Gary Paulsen. The impact is nowhere close to that of The Breakfast Club, but it could be a primer for readers not old enough to watch the movie. After the story ends, it's retold as a stageable play, in case some group wants to try their hand at that. I guess I'd consider one and a half stars for this book; it's far from the author's best, but it'll stick in your head awhile. Without ever saying so directly, these six kids echo the sentiment of the Simple Minds song from The Breakfast Club: "Don't You (Forget About Me)". I won't, Jordan, Avery, Devon, Taylor, Mason, and Regan. I won't.
Trying to staunch his own chronic nosebleed in the bathroom after school, Jordan meets Avery, a fellow eighth-grader he's never seen. This is Avery's first day at RJ Glavine Middle School, though he's yet to attend a single class. Feeling timid, Avery sneaked backstage of the auditorium at the start of the day and fell asleep, remaining there with only a toy stuffed animal for company until school was dismissed. He had to come out and take shelter in the bathroom when a storm warning mandated that everyone in the building go to an inner room and wait it out. While he and Jordan converse, a kid named Devon enters the bathroom, playing air guitar to music only he hears through his ear buds, followed by Taylor, a rough kid who's not happy about taking cover in the bathroom, and Mason, a brainiac who's tutoring Taylor. Regan is the last one in, an athlete/student government officer/collector of extracurricular responsibilities to pad his college résumé, and they hunker down to wait out the storm. This eclectic mix of kids will learn something about each other in the minutes to come, discovering the basis for friendships that wouldn't have crossed their minds without this interlude being forced upon them. A few minutes of candid conversation can have you seeing others in a new light, realizing there's more to them than the superficial opinion you had formed.
There are some noteworthy concepts in Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat. The exasperating overprotectiveness of schools is diligently satirized. Devon rocks out to his earphone music every minute of the sequester, but it's kind of entertaining for Jordan and the others. "I've been to real concerts before—you know, professional musicians, actual instruments, audible music—that were a lot less fun than sitting on the bathroom tiles watching Devon air-guitar. Devon was smart; all you ever hear is about how more traditional musicians and band have legal hassles with their management or financial disagreements with their labels and distribution problems and struggles to get air time on the radio. But Devon's artistic freedom and creative integrity were still intact. Apparently, there's a lot to be said for marching to the beat of one's own drum. Or guitar, as the case may be." Maybe it is best to live in the way that means the most to you and forget about the struggle for conventional success, which necessitates abridging your creativity to please the powers that be. There's less stress and more fun just riffing with an air guitar on the bathroom floor to amuse a handful of friends who really get you.
Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat is a strange book for Gary Paulsen. The impact is nowhere close to that of The Breakfast Club, but it could be a primer for readers not old enough to watch the movie. After the story ends, it's retold as a stageable play, in case some group wants to try their hand at that. I guess I'd consider one and a half stars for this book; it's far from the author's best, but it'll stick in your head awhile. Without ever saying so directly, these six kids echo the sentiment of the Simple Minds song from The Breakfast Club: "Don't You (Forget About Me)". I won't, Jordan, Avery, Devon, Taylor, Mason, and Regan. I won't.
March 16, 2018
Me: 1.5 stars
Son (age 11): 2 stars
Daughter (age 6): 1 star
This was like The Breakfast Club but for middle school boys. Not enough action for my kids, although I did hear them laugh out loud a couple of times and they stayed tuned in. Maybe I would have liked it better if I didn't keep picturing in my head which character in the book was supposed to be which character from the movie.
Son (age 11): 2 stars
Daughter (age 6): 1 star
This was like The Breakfast Club but for middle school boys. Not enough action for my kids, although I did hear them laugh out loud a couple of times and they stayed tuned in. Maybe I would have liked it better if I didn't keep picturing in my head which character in the book was supposed to be which character from the movie.
May 19, 2016
This book is hilarious! I was reading this in the library and laughed out loud. Had to shush myself.
May 26, 2017
it was great
September 25, 2019
Think the Breakfast Club, add modern day 2019, set in middle school...shake it all up and this is what you've got! My son and I laughed several times out loud as we listened.
October 26, 2017
I really liked how the story was told first in prose, then as a play. It allowed you to, in effect, re-read the story but without re-reading the book (something most of us don't have time for.) I can imagine how well this would work in a classroom setting, especially with the gender-neutral names. Just imagine the discussions based on the differences in format.
May 30, 2017
Pirandello-lite for Eighth Graders
As far as I'm concerned Gary Paulsen can do whatever he wants to. Some time, just for your own amusement, look at a complete list of his books. Everyone knows "Hatchet", but then you'll think , oh, he wrote "Harris and Me", and the Molly McGinty books, and the entire Dunc-and-Amos Culpepper series, and four more "Brian's Saga" books, and the heartbreaking "Notes From the Dog", and the "Lawn Boy" books. And much more.
So, if Gary Paulsen wants to fool around with Pirandello's absurdist metatheatrical play "Six Characters in Search of an Author", and cross it with a middle grade version of "Steambath", I'm absolutely fine with that. And, putting all of that aside, this is just fun, and a great teaching resource.
The idea is that six eighth grade boys are stuck together in the school boys' restroom, waiting out a weather emergency. They run the stereotype gamut, with some nice twists. As time wears on they kid, they freak out, they share, and they bond. Everyone turns out to be maybe a bit more and a bit less than they first appeared to be, but each has learned more about himself and about the others by the end.
The first strong point here is that the book is funny and insightful. It isn't necessarily realistic or authentic, but this isn't intended to be realistic. The characters are there to make and illustrate important points about growing up, (which is a regular Paulsen theme), and they do so with style, solid one-liners, and great deadpan humor and throwaway lines. Any tween reading this is going to recognize the characters, and probably gain some insight.
The other great angle is the book/play structure. First we get the prose story. Then we get that story in the form of a play script. If you just read the script first you might have a little trouble following or appreciating all of the dialogue and developments. But, if you've read the novella, that provides the subtext for the play, and also serves as actors' notes for the play. Any kid who reads the novella would have a fair shot at acting as one of the characters. Think how cool that is as a teaching tool. While telling an interesting and funny story, Paulsen is also showing kids how to read a play, how to look behind the bare script of a play, and how to act a character. Wow.
So, while this might be one of Paulsen's lesser works compared to classics like "Hatchet", it is entertaining, insightful, and sneakily ambitious. A nice find and an interesting choice for an ambitious reader.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
As far as I'm concerned Gary Paulsen can do whatever he wants to. Some time, just for your own amusement, look at a complete list of his books. Everyone knows "Hatchet", but then you'll think , oh, he wrote "Harris and Me", and the Molly McGinty books, and the entire Dunc-and-Amos Culpepper series, and four more "Brian's Saga" books, and the heartbreaking "Notes From the Dog", and the "Lawn Boy" books. And much more.
So, if Gary Paulsen wants to fool around with Pirandello's absurdist metatheatrical play "Six Characters in Search of an Author", and cross it with a middle grade version of "Steambath", I'm absolutely fine with that. And, putting all of that aside, this is just fun, and a great teaching resource.
The idea is that six eighth grade boys are stuck together in the school boys' restroom, waiting out a weather emergency. They run the stereotype gamut, with some nice twists. As time wears on they kid, they freak out, they share, and they bond. Everyone turns out to be maybe a bit more and a bit less than they first appeared to be, but each has learned more about himself and about the others by the end.
The first strong point here is that the book is funny and insightful. It isn't necessarily realistic or authentic, but this isn't intended to be realistic. The characters are there to make and illustrate important points about growing up, (which is a regular Paulsen theme), and they do so with style, solid one-liners, and great deadpan humor and throwaway lines. Any tween reading this is going to recognize the characters, and probably gain some insight.
The other great angle is the book/play structure. First we get the prose story. Then we get that story in the form of a play script. If you just read the script first you might have a little trouble following or appreciating all of the dialogue and developments. But, if you've read the novella, that provides the subtext for the play, and also serves as actors' notes for the play. Any kid who reads the novella would have a fair shot at acting as one of the characters. Think how cool that is as a teaching tool. While telling an interesting and funny story, Paulsen is also showing kids how to read a play, how to look behind the bare script of a play, and how to act a character. Wow.
So, while this might be one of Paulsen's lesser works compared to classics like "Hatchet", it is entertaining, insightful, and sneakily ambitious. A nice find and an interesting choice for an ambitious reader.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
May 23, 2018
So fun and unexpected. I found this book simply scanning the shelves (a task I highly recommend). I was looking for a short chapter book to read aloud to older students.
Careful, I'm going to make an 80's reference that you Gen Z's or iGens won't get at all. This book is like the Breakfast Club. For you youngin' that translates to a bunch of kids from different walks of life get stuck together in a school. In this case, 6 kids get stuck in a bathroom riding out a storm.
It's witty, edgy and exactly what you would expect would happen when kids get thrown together in turmoil. They kind of play up some stereotypes so be prepared for that. Also, the storm is a running joke throughout the text.
It will take you a mere few hours to read the book, maybe less. The best part about this book is that the last half of the book was a play. You get to read the story then you can put on a one-act play. so fun!!!
If you are looking for a quick departure and a fun escape give it a whirl.
Careful, I'm going to make an 80's reference that you Gen Z's or iGens won't get at all. This book is like the Breakfast Club. For you youngin' that translates to a bunch of kids from different walks of life get stuck together in a school. In this case, 6 kids get stuck in a bathroom riding out a storm.
It's witty, edgy and exactly what you would expect would happen when kids get thrown together in turmoil. They kind of play up some stereotypes so be prepared for that. Also, the storm is a running joke throughout the text.
It will take you a mere few hours to read the book, maybe less. The best part about this book is that the last half of the book was a play. You get to read the story then you can put on a one-act play. so fun!!!
If you are looking for a quick departure and a fun escape give it a whirl.
May 29, 2016
This extremely short book is actually a short story that is then converted into a play. I see reader theater and also showing the technique that allows you to convert any short story into a play.
The story had its light moments, but six middle school guys sitting in a locked down bathroom getting introspective is a tad odd. I can see this working more as a play where you could get away with doing the really odd conversations and having fun with stinky stuffed cat and the actor who is able to let fly the air guitar guy. But being a favorite sit down read - not so much.
The story had its light moments, but six middle school guys sitting in a locked down bathroom getting introspective is a tad odd. I can see this working more as a play where you could get away with doing the really odd conversations and having fun with stinky stuffed cat and the actor who is able to let fly the air guitar guy. But being a favorite sit down read - not so much.
November 26, 2015
Fun short story about friendship and being true to yourself. Paulsen includes the script in the back so that you could do this as a play.
Six boys get stuck in the bathroom during a "storm" and while there, talk, share stories, and become friends.
DRC from Edelweiss
Six boys get stuck in the bathroom during a "storm" and while there, talk, share stories, and become friends.
DRC from Edelweiss
May 28, 2016
If Gary Paulsen wants to write a play, I say he should write a play. He wanted to write a play. He did. I read it. It's quite nice, actually.
Six kids are trapped in a bathroom in an emergency. There are revelations. There are friendships which develop. Quite nice.
Six kids are trapped in a bathroom in an emergency. There are revelations. There are friendships which develop. Quite nice.
October 25, 2016
A middle school version of the Breakfast Club. Enjoyable quick read.
April 24, 2018
“Six kids and a Stuffed Cat” by Gary Paulsen is an excellent read. The story or play (whichever one you read) takes place after school in a public restroom of RJ Glavine Middle School during a weather storm that might hit the school and since the school is very over precocious they call a severe weather alert for everyone to find shelter. The story takes view in the eyes of a boy named Jordan (first person) and is a humour and realistic-fiction genre.
Jordan does kinda of change during the book. At first, Jordan is a kid who just has bloody noses, gets in trouble and hides his social anxiety. He also is quick witted and cracks jokes that no one understands and has a very sophisticated vocabulary. For example on page 6 it states, “‘ I get a lot of nosebleeds.” That’s like saying the Titanic took on a little water. My counselor says it’s from social anxiety. Cary’s probably right, but I don’t want to deal with that just yet.” (Paulsen 6) Then as the story progresses he becomes more comfortable with the other kids and Regan confronts him about being insecure and anxious. By the end when Avery said that Devon (a kid in his own world playing his air guitar)was more accomplishment than having bloody noses and getting detention, Jordan realized if he could talk to all these kid in this bathroom without getting a bloody nose he would be fine getting out there, and takes a chance to join Regan’s fundraiser as a stand up comedian.(Paulsen 63-65) There was also other characters that developed like Avery with his toy cat and admitting how anxious he is and actually loosens up to the group by the end.
The conflict in the story is that these six kids, Regan, Taylor, Mason, Devon, Avery and Jordan that did not know each other or like eachother very much are forced into a bathroom to waid out an storm lockdown (the storm never comes). All though it is Character V.S society with Jordan V.S. Storm Threat it is more of Character V.S. Character with everyone is kind of conflicted. Mason is Angry at Taylor for not trying to work hard while she helps tutor her but eventually it turns out Taylor was pretty smart and actually just liked hanging out with Mason. Then there was Regan and Mason vs Jordan exploiting his anxiety and insecurities (ends up being solved). So basically there was no main conflict except for the characters just having mini arguments.
This Narrative novel has a very humorous light hearted mood to it. All though it dwells in the territory of anxiety it still keeps a humorous element to it. The author used very interesting vocabulary for the characters to say and I think that is one of the things the author did not do as great at. The lengthy, not really known vocabulary was a little overused but was used as comedic purposes. But what the author did do well was the overall humor of the story like having Jordan think of the weather warning as just away for the school to not getting any lawsuits if someone got hurt. What was also good was he made a character play the air guitar the whole time and it was such a delightful and hilarious character to have. Overall I’d say anyone who’s a fan of comedy or is actually relatable to anxiety will get a laugh out of this book and may inspire some anxious kids to get out there a little more.
Jordan does kinda of change during the book. At first, Jordan is a kid who just has bloody noses, gets in trouble and hides his social anxiety. He also is quick witted and cracks jokes that no one understands and has a very sophisticated vocabulary. For example on page 6 it states, “‘ I get a lot of nosebleeds.” That’s like saying the Titanic took on a little water. My counselor says it’s from social anxiety. Cary’s probably right, but I don’t want to deal with that just yet.” (Paulsen 6) Then as the story progresses he becomes more comfortable with the other kids and Regan confronts him about being insecure and anxious. By the end when Avery said that Devon (a kid in his own world playing his air guitar)was more accomplishment than having bloody noses and getting detention, Jordan realized if he could talk to all these kid in this bathroom without getting a bloody nose he would be fine getting out there, and takes a chance to join Regan’s fundraiser as a stand up comedian.(Paulsen 63-65) There was also other characters that developed like Avery with his toy cat and admitting how anxious he is and actually loosens up to the group by the end.
The conflict in the story is that these six kids, Regan, Taylor, Mason, Devon, Avery and Jordan that did not know each other or like eachother very much are forced into a bathroom to waid out an storm lockdown (the storm never comes). All though it is Character V.S society with Jordan V.S. Storm Threat it is more of Character V.S. Character with everyone is kind of conflicted. Mason is Angry at Taylor for not trying to work hard while she helps tutor her but eventually it turns out Taylor was pretty smart and actually just liked hanging out with Mason. Then there was Regan and Mason vs Jordan exploiting his anxiety and insecurities (ends up being solved). So basically there was no main conflict except for the characters just having mini arguments.
This Narrative novel has a very humorous light hearted mood to it. All though it dwells in the territory of anxiety it still keeps a humorous element to it. The author used very interesting vocabulary for the characters to say and I think that is one of the things the author did not do as great at. The lengthy, not really known vocabulary was a little overused but was used as comedic purposes. But what the author did do well was the overall humor of the story like having Jordan think of the weather warning as just away for the school to not getting any lawsuits if someone got hurt. What was also good was he made a character play the air guitar the whole time and it was such a delightful and hilarious character to have. Overall I’d say anyone who’s a fan of comedy or is actually relatable to anxiety will get a laugh out of this book and may inspire some anxious kids to get out there a little more.
March 24, 2020
Well I have to say I'm baffled. Did Gary Paulsen actually think he had a winner here? His talent is indisputable, but even the best have their mishaps. This is the book Paulsen probably wishes he never published. Without the Paulsen name, this book would gather dust.
The premise is good. Six kids are forced into a bathroom together after school during a weather lockdown. It ends up being a therapy session of sorts as each of them comes clean about who they really are.
First in, Jordan, dealing with a bloody nose which is a physical manifestation of his social anxiety. He tries to mask his anxiety by being the class comedian which often results in detention after school.
Next in, Avery, the new kid, who brought a stuffed cat to school and hid out in the theatre all day to avoid that dreaded first day of school.
Last in, Taylor, Devon, Mason and Regan. Taylor is somewhat of a bully. He's being tutored by Mason since he's failing English, and they continue with their tutoring session in the bathroom. Mason is proud of his academic ability. Devon says nothing the entire time, but continues to play his imaginary air guitar. Regan is the athlete who is positive everyone wants to be him.
In the end, they are all glad for this time in the bathroom and are disappointed when the "All clear" comes over the PA. They realize they are more alike than different. I fully appreciate Paulsen's desire to write a book with this message, but he fails on two counts.
1. The length of book (short) and the reading level (high) don't match. Lots of big words are used and students who are likely to pick this book are looking for an easy read.
2. The entire second half of the book is a repeat of the story except in play format. The dialogue is exactly the same. Who does that? I read a few pages then totally skipped to the end. It wasn't worth my time.
Bottom line. Cute idea. Interesting characters. Poor language usage. Epitome of redundancy. Skip.
The premise is good. Six kids are forced into a bathroom together after school during a weather lockdown. It ends up being a therapy session of sorts as each of them comes clean about who they really are.
First in, Jordan, dealing with a bloody nose which is a physical manifestation of his social anxiety. He tries to mask his anxiety by being the class comedian which often results in detention after school.
Next in, Avery, the new kid, who brought a stuffed cat to school and hid out in the theatre all day to avoid that dreaded first day of school.
Last in, Taylor, Devon, Mason and Regan. Taylor is somewhat of a bully. He's being tutored by Mason since he's failing English, and they continue with their tutoring session in the bathroom. Mason is proud of his academic ability. Devon says nothing the entire time, but continues to play his imaginary air guitar. Regan is the athlete who is positive everyone wants to be him.
In the end, they are all glad for this time in the bathroom and are disappointed when the "All clear" comes over the PA. They realize they are more alike than different. I fully appreciate Paulsen's desire to write a book with this message, but he fails on two counts.
1. The length of book (short) and the reading level (high) don't match. Lots of big words are used and students who are likely to pick this book are looking for an easy read.
2. The entire second half of the book is a repeat of the story except in play format. The dialogue is exactly the same. Who does that? I read a few pages then totally skipped to the end. It wasn't worth my time.
Bottom line. Cute idea. Interesting characters. Poor language usage. Epitome of redundancy. Skip.
July 6, 2018
VSBA 2018-2019 nominee. This entire book takes place in a middle school bathroom. Six middle school boys, very different from one another, are stuck in the bathroom because of a storm warning. What ensues is reminiscent of The Breakfast Club. It is first told as a story, then re-written as a play. Same story, different vessels. Good characterization & compelling characters, though a very short read. If I was in a middle school ELA classroom, I would use this! Not sure if my 3rd-5th graders will relate to the characters enough & am wondering if this really belonged on the Intermediate VSBA nominee list. However, the quirkiness and intellectual banter will appeal to certain students, I’m especially thinking of 5th graders.
February 2, 2022
After reading Hatchet I thought- oh I like this Paulsen guy. So one day while shelf reading I stumbled across "Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat". Well I must say it was the title that drew me in. What the heck is this about?
So I sat and read it.
OMG- I was laughing so much at this short sweet witty story of 5 middle school boys stuck in a bathroom during a weather advisory. I can just pictures boys I know in these characters roles.
The smart ass middle school boy- you know the one. The new kid. The overachiever....
As I write this I realize this is the Breakfast Club of middle school.
Thank you Gary Paulsen for the laugh and showing how diverse of a writer you are. Bravo!
(the end also has the story as a play if any middle schoolers wanted to act it out)
So I sat and read it.
OMG- I was laughing so much at this short sweet witty story of 5 middle school boys stuck in a bathroom during a weather advisory. I can just pictures boys I know in these characters roles.
The smart ass middle school boy- you know the one. The new kid. The overachiever....
As I write this I realize this is the Breakfast Club of middle school.
Thank you Gary Paulsen for the laugh and showing how diverse of a writer you are. Bravo!
(the end also has the story as a play if any middle schoolers wanted to act it out)
February 14, 2019
While the writing was fine, and there were some interesting parts, I just couldn't see how this huge new friendship thing could happen in less than 30 minutes of time together. Five of these kids had known each other for a long time. Why would they suddenly feel the need to be best friends? I can see becoming a little more open to people, but that was just too short of a time period to be believable for me.
Also, the characters were way too over the top. No kid this age talks like this. It would have been much more believable if the characters were high school students.
Also, the characters were way too over the top. No kid this age talks like this. It would have been much more believable if the characters were high school students.
February 7, 2018
This book was disappointing after reading the summary. I was led to believe there would be a lot more action. An impending tornado, six boys stuck in a bathroom, something with a stuffed cat led me to believe the plot would be much more engaging. Instead I got 5 middle school boys who use great vocabulary and are enlightened to their strengths and weaknesses in a matter of 20 minutes. It will be a hard sell for reluctant readers.
August 4, 2018
Listened to an e-audio book. Did not listen to the play that apparently is in the back of the book.
Six kuds wait out a storm at a middle school. Jordan starts with a bloody nose, and another kid climbs in through the window. Reagan is the overachiever. Another plays air guitar while listening to his ear buds all day, every day. Taylor gets tutored by the final kid.
The kids all find out something about themselves and each other.
Six kuds wait out a storm at a middle school. Jordan starts with a bloody nose, and another kid climbs in through the window. Reagan is the overachiever. Another plays air guitar while listening to his ear buds all day, every day. Taylor gets tutored by the final kid.
The kids all find out something about themselves and each other.
July 13, 2023
Renton Highlands Reading My Library Quest, Children's Audio
I mean, Paulsen writes good characters and the balance of humor and emotional revelation was good, but the kids were a bit too quirky for my taste. The audio was really short -- the first disk was the book, and the second disk was the same narrator reading it out loud as a script, which would have been a lot more interesting if it were a real audio sort of thing.
I mean, Paulsen writes good characters and the balance of humor and emotional revelation was good, but the kids were a bit too quirky for my taste. The audio was really short -- the first disk was the book, and the second disk was the same narrator reading it out loud as a script, which would have been a lot more interesting if it were a real audio sort of thing.
March 19, 2024
This was cute - even more so because it foreshadowed the joke that COVID turned out to be... The isolation of people on the off chance that something may happen. This is basically what this book was about: kids were locked in the school bathroom, so they wouldn't leave, because the principal got a report that a storm may be coming ... (Spoiler alert - there was no storm, they were shut in for hours for no reason) ...
December 5, 2016
Precious. The story is clever, and I love that it is written in prose in the front and a play in the back. Perfect format for the classroom! I also like that all the characters' names are androgenous, so even though it is set in a middle school restroom, it could be the girls room OR the boys room... or it could be a mixed group in a gender-free restroom!
November 29, 2017
Six kids get stuck in a sticky situation with only a stuffed cat as entertainment. This book was fun and is featured in both traditional novel and drama format in the print copy in my library. This was a fast read for a younger reader who may need to build stamina or would be an excellent opportunity for a readers' theatre.
March 19, 2018
I’m a big fan of Gary Paulsen, but this book didn’t do it for me. While I appreciate the originality of a novella and play, I didn’t really like the plot. I kept getting lost in the dialogue of the boys and kept getting confused with which one was which. I’m not sure my students will pick this book up often.
June 21, 2018
Did you know Gary Paulsen has written more than just the Hatchet books? And they're funny?! This one features six very different kids (and a stuffed cat) all stuck in a bathroom together. If you like it, you can grab five of your friends and act it out using the play format at the end.
July 21, 2019
This was completely different from what I expected from Gary Paulsen, but it was funny! Great book for reluctant readers. In addition, the book is written as a short story and then retold as a one act play. If your child struggles with comprehension, they can get the same story in two formats without having to reread the book.
November 15, 2020
Meh. It was like "The Breakfast Club" if that cinematic brilliance had taken place in a bathroom, starring middle schoolers...except that nothing really happened. It's a short read, which might encourage some reluctant readers because they'll be able to finish something quickly, and the second half has the story written in play format...but not my favorite of Paulsen's works.
July 12, 2017
A; A short junior fiction story about a group of kids who find themselves waiting out an impending storm in the boys bathroom. They each have a backstory and may be considered misfits; in the end they become friends.
November 27, 2017
Fun short story and a nice play for students to reenact.
I liked the story. Just didn't love it. I would possibly call it bland? Curious to see how student react to it.
New Kid
Being Your self
Exentric
Weather
Friends
I liked the story. Just didn't love it. I would possibly call it bland? Curious to see how student react to it.
New Kid
Being Your self
Exentric
Weather
Friends
December 26, 2017
We listened to this on audio book, while on a road trip. Great story! The audio book was even able to pull off the play format very well. The characters were realistic and humorous, and the setting was fabulous!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews