Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

As in, another book for a Christmas present. Yesterday I finished Arianne Costner’s My Life as a Potato, and I’m thinking it will be a great fit for my son. (At least, I hope so. He’s frustratingly unpredictable, though.) Here are the points in its favor…

1. It takes place in Idaho–where we go regularly to visit family.
2. It’s about a kid who makes an impulsive decision that ends up getting him in trouble. (He should relate.)
3. To avoid getting in trouble with his parents, he agrees to become the school’s mascot for two weeks–which is, of course, a spud. (My son loves sports enough I’m hoping even a mascot’s experience will speak to him.)
4. He wants to be liked–which in the minds of middle schoolers equals cool. (Most middle schoolers ought to be able to relate to THAT.)

Other points in its favor? He tries to keep it secret, but ultimately handles it well. (Was I still annoyed at the deception? Yes, but I’m in my mid-40s and hate that kind of plot. At least he’s way smarter about it than Aladdin was–if it hadn’t been for Robin Williams, I think I would have actively disliked that movie.) His friends are nice people, his family feels real, and the ending is kind of fantastic. Bottom line? My Life as a Potato is relatable, entertaining, and quietly wholesome, which makes for a solid find for middle school boys. If it doesn’t make you laugh at SOME point, you may be broken.

Just–cross your fingers that my unpredictable son will really like it, okay?