Dead Wednesday
"Jerry Spinelli has created another middle grade masterpiece." —BookPage, starred review
On Dead Wednesday, every eighth grader in Amber Springs is assigned the name and identity of a teenager who died a preventable death in the past year. The kids don black shirts and for the whole day everyone in town pretends they're invisible—as if they weren't even there. The adults think it will make them contemplate their mortality. The kids know it's a free pass to get away with anything.
Worm Tarnauer feels invisible every day. He's perfectly happy being the unnoticed sidekick of his friend Eddie. So he's not expecting Dead Wednesday to feel that different. But he didn't count on being assigned Becca Finch (17, car crash). And he certainly didn't count on Becca showing up to boss him around! Letting this girl into his head is about to change everything.
This is the story of the unexpected, heartbreaking, hilarious, truly epic day when Worm Tarnauer discovers his own life.
In Dead Wednesday, Jerry Spinelli weaves a tale that explores the complex emotions of growth and change through the eyes of a young boy named Wedgie. Set in the small town of Maniac, the story begins on a Wednesday when Wedgie's life is turned upside down by the disappearance of his beloved grandmother, Mama. As Wedgie grapples with the grief and confusion of her absence, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Through his interactions with his family, friends, and the quirky characters that inhabit Maniac, Wedgie learns to navigate the complexities of life and death. He confronts his fears, challenges societal norms, and discovers the strength within himself to overcome adversity. Spinelli masterfully captures the raw emotions of Wedgie's journey, allowing readers to connect deeply with his struggles and triumphs.
Dead Wednesday is a poignant and heartwarming coming-of-age story that delves into themes of family, friendship, and the power of the human spirit. With his signature wit and sensitivity, Spinelli paints a vivid picture of a small town and its inhabitants, creating a world that readers will find both relatable and unforgettable.
As Wedgie navigates the challenges of adolescence and the loss of his grandmother, he learns valuable lessons about life and death, the importance of cherishing relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit. Dead Wednesday is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of friendship and the strength of family bonds in the face of adversity.
Rating:
