Book Title: Eggs
Author Name: Jerry Spinelli
Reviewed by TFK Kid Reporter: Avery Hardy
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of pages: 220
What's the basic storyline?
David, who is nine, lost his mother ten months ago in a tragic accident. Ever since, he has vowed never to break another rule, hoping that he will be able to bring her back somehow by doing everything "right." Primrose, who is 13, has never known her father, and lives with her very odd, fortune-telling mother. David and Primrose forge a friendship, and though a stranger might assume that they despise one another, they truly are the best of friends. Constant arguments briefly separate them, but they continue to help one another grow. Through their search for night crawlers, furniture and a family, David and Primrose begin to understand what life is all about.
Were the characters believable? What made them believable or unbelievable?
The characters in Eggs are in some ways not believable and, in other ways, realistic. Certain aspects of their lives seem unlikely. However, they are both children who face difficult situations and find solace in one another, and that makes them relatable.
Would you recommend this book to kids? Why or why not?
One must not mind reading depressing books to enjoy Eggs. A child who is particularly sensitive will most likely be brought to tears during parts of the book.
What's not-so-great about the book?
Eggs is not a happy book. It tells of death, depression and the feeling of being unloved. Throughout the story, I was left with a constant sense of dread. I also think that the length of the book was very disappointing. Spinelli seemed to write briefly on some of the better parts, and drone on and on in the less interesting areas.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best), how would you rate this book? Explain.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give Eggs a 4 because I found it to be so depressing. As I think of the book, a sigh escapes me for the deep pains of David and Primrose. So few bits of happiness were strewn throughout the chapters and, as a result, I did not have a positive reading experience.
