The Word Eater

Sixth grader Lerner Chase, new girl at Cleveland Middle School, is considered a slug (Sorry Loser Under Ground) by the popular kids in the MPOOE (Most Powerful Ones on Earth) Club. As Lerner soon discovers, her new pet worm, Fip is a most unusual fellow. Fip is an outcast in the worm world; instead of dining on dirt, as worms are wont to do, he much prefers to eat the print off a page. First, the little worm nibbles the words "Mack's Thumbtacks" off the label on the box. Instantly, that brand of thumbtacks disappears from earth. The repercussions reverberate worldwide, as papers fall off bulletin boards everywhere. Lerner and Fip become allies in an entertaining and pointed satire about the power of words and the responsibility that comes with power. Once Lerner recognizes Fip's singular talent, she feeds him the words "spinach soufflé" off the school lunch menu. Poof! Spinach soufflé vanishes everywhere. Now Lerner compiles a list of words her worm might eat, including tooth decay, fractions, and Mad Cow disease, but soon comes to realize the gravity of her actions when she arranges for Ripper, a mean Attackaterrier dog, to cease to exist.

Readers can make a list of words they'd consider having Fip eat, and trace the possible consequences, large and small, if those words were gone for good. The story packs in many meaty issues to ponder and, if you're reading the book aloud, to discuss with listeners, including the use and abuse of power, the tyranny of school cliques with their leaders and followers, the triumph of social outcasts and downtrodden children, and a look at individual accountability in perpetuating good or evil. And it's great fun to read, to boot.

Reviewed by : JF.

Themes : BEHAVIOR. HUMOR. LANGUAGE. MAGIC & MAGICIANS.