Tamaya
and Marshall walk the two miles back-and-forth to Woodbridge Academy together
every day. Both kids have always enjoyed attending the private school, but
lately Tamaya's been concerned that her friends are calling her a “goody
two shoes". She can’t understand what's wrong with following the rules.
Marshall has been struggling ever since Chad came to school and decided he wasn’t
cool. Now no one wants to sit with Marshall anymore, and he’s becoming more
insecure as the days go on. When Chad threatens to beat up Marshall after
school, Marshall decides to take a shortcut through the forbidden woods. Tamaya
has no choice but to follow. The walk through the woods is tough because they
have to crawl and walk through lots of obstacles. Tamaya is fascinated by a patch
of fuzzy mud that she sees. What is it? Is it bacteria or some kind of strange
film or mold? The further they walk the more cuts and scratches they get, not
to mention Tamaya’s torn sweater. If only those were the worst things to come
from the woods. When Tamaya wakes up the next morning a strange rash has broken
out all over her hand and arm. Back at school there is even worse news that
puts Marshall and Tamaya in a spot where they must make a tough decision. Only
they don’t agree. What is going on with the fuzzy mud? Is it safe or is there
something else going on?
I have read
other books by Louis Sachar, so I was very curious to read Fuzzy Mud. I enjoy hearing from both Marshall and Tamaya as the
story progressed. Tamaya would make a great friend! I also thought the
interviews and depositions with scientists that were sprinkled throughout the
book helped add to the mystery and made me start to worry about what was going
on. I didn’t always agree, but it was interesting to see what Marshall and
Tamaya decided to do when they were in a tricky spot. This book will make
readers think about right and wrong, energy and bacteria, as well as what could
be lurking in the woods. I would recommend this to kids in fifth grade and up who
like mystery and books that are spooky.
Has
anyone else read Fuzzy Mud? Or have
you read another book by Louis Sachar? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Happy
Reading!
~L
