I read this book mostly because I hadn't finished the two other books I was considering reviewing. It actually turned out to be very subtle and funny.
The story is about Louis, a boy who cannot stop talking. His constant chattering gets him into trouble. His teacher is so stressed that she needs to take aspirins at the end of the day! It drives his family nuts and is, in general, a nuisance. One day, his talking takes him too far when he accidentally tells the teacher that he will think up his own fundraiser to get money for the school library.
After a conversation with his gran, he finally has an idea. Since his mouth gets him into trouble, he will have a sponsored silence for seven hours straight. The teachers, who have had enough of his yammering, think this is a great idea, especially Mr Hambleton, as shown in this quote: "A whole percussion band practice without you talking! Oh, it's too good to be true! I can hardly wait."
Soon the fateful day arrives. Louis finds that because he always talked, he missed out many interesting parts of school life, and gains a special magnifying glass. He mends his chattering ways.
This story, told in the first person, is funny and interesting. The fact that it was written by the master author Anne Fine only makes it better. It has well developed characters who are believable and likable. Gran did not feature in much of the book but she was a very amusing character. Eventhough this book is short, it is a good read. (ages: 7-10)
Noah J.
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