The Golly-Whopper Games

THE GOLLY-WHOPPER GAMES

By:  Jody Feldman

FIRST SENTENCE

“If Gil Goodson was to have a chance, any chance at all, he would have to run faster than he was running right now.”

SUMMARY

from book flap

Gil Goodson sure hopes he’s ready.  His future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Games Company’s ultimate competition.  If Gil wins, his dad has promised the family can move out of Orchard Heights – away from all the gossip, the false friends, and bad press that have plagued the Goodsons ever since The Incident.

Gil’s been studying for months.  He thinks he knows everything about Golly’s history and merchandise.  But does he know enough to answer the trivia?  Solve the puzzles?  Complete the stunts?  Will it be more than all the other kids know?  Gil’s formidable opponents have their own special talents.  He must be quicker and smarter than all of them.

The ride of Gil’s life is about to begin.

REVIEW

There are two reasons I chose this book from the library shelf.  One – a fun and colorful title and cover.  Two – The Golly-Whoppers Games was a Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee for 2009-2010.  Bluebonnet books are always winners for me!

This book tells the story of Gil Goodson, a tween boy who dreams big.  Ever since his father has been falsely accused of stealing from the Golly Toy & Games Company, life has been miserable for Gil and his family.  Gil sets out to save his family’s image by winning the Golly Whopper Games competition.  If he wins, his family will have enough money to move away and start over.   Hhmm, Gil’s last name is Goodson and he is a Good Son to his father – interesting.

The competition is held at the Golly Toy & Games Company, a magical and out-of-this-world toy company.  I would SO love to work there as a toy tester!  Jody Feldman has one amazing imagination to dream up such an enchanting place. The competitors must solve riddles, figure out puzzles, and keep their wits about them to win.  I was on the edge of my seat to see who would win!

Other characters are introduced during the competition.  They each have their own unique talents and personalities.  My favorite was Liviana, who was the stereotypical smart girl.  I didn’t care much for her mother because she put too much pressure on Liviana, but I think including her helped explain why Liviana was the way she was.

I totally recommend this book to kids of all ages!  In fact, my little brother is reading it right now.

RATING

5        Plot

5        Characters

5        Attention Grabbing

4        Girlie Meter

5        Ending

24      TOTAL

5        STARS