I read this aloud to my fourth-graders. As we read the book, they took notes based on comprehension and critical thinking questions that I had prepared in advance. After each session, we discussed the questions, as well as their thoughts, questions, reactions to what we read.
Once we finished, I had them rate and review the book. They were asked to rate it between 1 and 5 stars, as well as provide an explanation for their rating.
The average rating was 3.73; I, therefore, rounded it up to 4 stars on this review.
Here are some of their comments:
3 stars: "I did not like the sound of eating worms. It gave me the chills but overall it was pretty good."
4 stars: " it was funny and entertaining but a little gross."
4 stars: " I liked it but didn't like that they are eating worms because I think it's DISGUSTING. Once they ate a live worm."
5 stars: "I liked the fight scenes."
5 stars: "I gave it 5 stars because it shows you that NOTHING is impossible..."
5 stars: "It was a great story about how friends can remain friends no matter what."

Written in 1973, I worried that it might be dated. It turned out not to be an issue, except that one student remarked, "$50 is not worth eating all those disgusting worms." (I agree!)
None of the ratings were lower than 3, so overall, the students enjoyed it. I did too. ( )

2.5**

This is almost a classic of children’s literature, having first been published in 1973. Billy and Alan make a bet: if Billy can eat fifteen worms in fifteen days, Alan will pay him $50.00. That’s motivation enough for Billy to get over his initial disgust. Of course, coating the worms in cornmeal, frying them in butter and covering them in various condiments helps him get them down.

I’m sure it appeals to the target audience of 8-to-11-year-old boys. I found it repetitive and ridiculous, but I am far from the target audience.

Apparently there is also a film of this book. The book includes some “recipes” (none of which use actual worms). ( )

Read again as prep for read aloud. Some of it is dated circa 1973, but the shenanigans are still good. ( )

Independent Reading Level Grades 3-5
Mark Twain Award
California Young Reader Medal
Sequoyah Award

Copy 1 BL 3.5