Award Winning Author Does It Again

Sixteen years ago, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Newbery and Caldecott Award Banquet during the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans. I don't remember the food or our dinner companions, but I do remember listening to the amazing speeches, especial that of Louis Sachar. We were fortunate enough to have the privilege of meeting Mr. Sachar following the dinner and I, of course, had him sign my copy of Holes.

Holes
by Louis Sachar

Holes is not the only fabulous book written by Mr. Sachar, in fact there are two additional books in the Holes series -- Stanley Yelnats' Survival Guide to Camp Green Lake (2003) and  Small Steps (2006). He is also the creator of the Wayside School series and Marvin Redpost series. His last book, The Cardturner was published in 2010.

I was beyond thrilled when I received word that I would get to read the next great work in this fabulous list of writings by Mr. Sachar, Fuzzy Mud. I was immediately engrossed in the writing. I loved the descriptions of his characters. He has a way of creating characters to whom the reader can relate, whether for the good or the bad. Chad, for instance, is not the nicest of characters, but there are pre-teens and teens who will see themselves. Maybe through his character development these young people will see they are not alone in their circumstances.

If Mr. Sachar continues his writing in the same vein as stated in his Newbery acceptance speech for Holes, "The book was written for the sake of the book, and nothing beyond that. If there's any lesson at all, it is that reading is fun" I applaud him, as always. I love the the subtlety of the math and science included in the book. This title will be one I will most definitely keep in mind when attempting to place the right book with the right reader. Fuzzy Mud is one of those books that you have to read in one sitting. The reader is "sucked in" (Sorry, I just had to do it!) and cannot get away. If one is inspired to calculate or discover something new because of the story, then it is a great side effect of wonderful writing.

Two thumbs WAY UP for Louis Sachar and Fuzzy Mud. Put it on your "To Be Read" list because you will have to wait awhile for this title. Delacorte Books for Young Readers shows the release date as August 4, 2015.

Fuzzy Mud
by Louis Sachar

To comply with the guidelines set up by the Federal Trade Commission, Delacorte Books for Young Readers has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this book for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.