Spider Boy - by Ralph Fletcher (Paperback)

About the Book

Told in journal style that's ideal for boys and reluctant readers, this novel about a boy with a love of spiders is sure to appeal to arachnophiles and aracnophobes alike.

Book Synopsis

Humorous story about a boy's adjustment to new surroundings and kids in a new school.

Packed with fascinating facts about spiders, the story is told through journal entries and scenes of events. Author Ralph Fletcher follows seventh-grader Bobby Ballenger as he moves from Illinois to upstate New York with an ailing pet tarantula named Thelma.

The new school tests him further when a dispute over an unmonitored science exam escalates into playground scuffles and hallway taunts. Drawing on realistic classroom dynamics, the narrative pits Bobby against an arrogant swim-team star while pairing him with an outspoken new friend named Lucky.

Contains a spider bibliography.

• Middle School: At Regina White Middle School, an honor system experiment puts students in charge of their own classrooms, raising the stakes during testing.
• Making Friends: Seventh grader Lucky Prescott shares her running goals, family telescope sessions, and knowledge of venomous spiders to help Bobby find his footing.
• School Bully: Swim champion Chick Hall mocks Bobby as "Spider Boy" until a lunchroom confrontation and a playground tackle force both boys to face the consequences.
• Also by This Author: Flying Solo, Hello, Harvest Moon and Fig Pudding.

Review Quotes

"Creating and guiding a winning cast with a light, sure hand, Fletcher puts a fine, fresh spin on a familiar premise." Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Ralph Fletcher is the author of many well-received books for children, including the novels Fig Pudding and FlyingSolo. He lives with his family in New Hampshire.