Houghton Mifflin. 2002.
ISBN: 0618439099.
$6.99. Paperback. 256 pages.
Readers Annotation
The first time Chad hears the new Bozo at the dunk tank he decides that he wants to become one too.
Plot
Chad Turner doesn’t want to spend another summer doing nothing but hanging out on the Jersey Shore. He can’t convince his Mom that he’s ready for a job so he spends his time running errands for vendors and hanging out with his best friend Jason. While he wants to work he also wants to see Gwen, a summer worker at the shore. Everything changes the day he hears the new Bozo at the dunk tank dragging in his marks. Chad becomes enchanted with the idea of becoming a Bozo just like the guy in the tank, but he is soon disappointed. Chad discovers that the new Bozo is actually his mother’s new tenant upstairs. Malcolm, the new tenant, has secrets of his own. At first the two develop a dislike for each other. However, when Chad’s best friend, Jason becomes very ill, it is Malcolm that takes Chad under his wing and begins to teach him the art of becoming a Bozo. Chad learns that the power of laughter can help his friend recover from a serious illness, and the confidence he gains helps him to win Gwen.
Critical Evaluation
Author David Lubar is a master at creating male characters that are realistic and believable. Like many teen novels this book deals with a character that is trying to move beyond his parent’s expectations. Chad, who is quiet and unassuming, longs to break out and say the things he can’t voice. He wants to tell his mother that he longs to work as a Bozo, he wants to tell Gwen that he likes her, he wants to tell the neighbor (Malcolm) he thinks he is a jerk. But he can’t find his voice until he listens to Malcolm. As Malcolm fills a part of the void from his missing father, Chad comes to have a grudging respect for his new mentor. The real change for Chad comes when his friend Jason faces a grave illness. Chad must face the possibility that his friend might die. For Chad, finding his voice through the Bozo makeup gives him a power he never had. It is only while wearing costume that he is able to finally tell Gwen he would like to take her out. In the end Chad discovers that his true power is in creating laughter. Chad and his friends will keep readers entertained and asking for more.
Information about the author
To find out more about David Lubar you can visit his website at http://www.davidlubar.com/. Like most authors, he does not offer much biographical information, but his FAQ page is interesting because he answers questions about the writing process.
Genre
Fiction. Contemporary Issues.
Curriculum ties
None.
Challenge Issues
Violence, Criminal behavior, Alcohol and drug use
Challenge defense ideas
· Become familiar with the book and its content.
· Refer to the collection development policy of the library.
· Refer to reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher’s Weekly available for viewing on amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Dunk-David-Lubar/dp/0618439099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258086600&sr=8-1
· Try to get reviews of the book from teens that have read it.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Discuss why Chad wants to be the Bozo so badly.
2. Talk about how Chad discovers that there is more to being the Bozo than just insults.
3. Discuss how Chad finds that humor can help his friend Jason get well again.
Reading Level/Age
Young Adult. 12+.
Why I included this title
I have become a Lubar fan after reading Hidden Talents and True Talents. I would suggest his books to any reluctant reader.
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