Sprites Behaving Badly - by Wendy Walker (Paperback)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Wendy feels misunderstood until the arrival of her favorite cartoon characters. She can barely keep up with the mischief that unfolds, but she and the Sprites must defeat another time-traveling cartoon character an evil plan.

Book Synopsis

In the year 1993, twelve year old Wendy cannot seem to get along with anyone, and this includes her bossy and stubborn Aunt Zelda, with whom Wendy lives. Wendy loves watching an 80's cartoon about three Sprites that get into trouble all the time. One night, Wendy's dreams come true when the three Sprites arrive in a time machine that looks like a spaceship. They say that they came to life magically and, unable to get along with the producer of their old TV show, they decided to travel to 1993 so they could live with Wendy, who is their biggest fan.

Aunt Zelda reluctantly allows the Sprites to live with her and Wendy, but Wendy and the outspoken Sprites keep getting into trouble with Aunt Zelda who is mean and cranky. All Wendy wants to do is find meaning and purpose in life, but that doesn't seem to happen.

Wendy and the Sprites realize that they have a more serious problem than Aunt Zelda on their hands when another 80's cartoon character travels to 1993 - the arch villain Wowzer. Wowzer wants to spread racist messages to children using television. Wendy finally finds purpose when she and the Sprites hatch a plan to thwart Wowzer on national TV. Can they get their lives together so they can stop Wowzer from indoctrinating the nation's children?

Filled with 80's and 90's pop culture references, this is a fun, easy-to-read book for children 8 and older, and anyone young at heart.

Review Quotes

"Sprites behaving badly is a fun and entertaining read for children aged 8 and older. The plot of the story is well thought out, with a good mix of adventure, humor, and pop culture references from the 80s and 90s. The protagonist, Wendy, is relatable as a young girl struggling to find her purpose in life, and the arrival of the three Sprites adds an element of fantasy and excitement to the story."

"This is a fun read for young adults that will take you on a wacky adventure. There are many '80s and '90s references, which I really enjoyed, having grown up during those decades. I hope to see this book turn into a fun animated series at some point."

"What sets this book apart is its potent message of empowerment and acceptance. The narrative underscores that everyone, no matter how different, can find a place of belonging and purpose. The character development of Wendy from a misunderstood tween to a young heroine provides a strong role model for young readers, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and stand against injustice."