I adored this sweet book about being awkward and growing up. It's a fun read that really made me smile through most of it. It really needs to be on more reading lists. I feel it's perfect for the reluctant readers out there!

A fun middle grade story of what popularity really means and what we’re willing to do to hide shameful secrets. This was a solid 3 star book. Nothing horrible but nothing stand out special either,

This was a cute story and the kids really enjoyed it. We loved reading it together and laughing at some of the antics!

As a result of my various committee appointments and commitments I am unable to disclose my personal thoughts on this title at this time. Please see my star rating for a general overview of how I felt about this title. Additionally, you may check my GoodReads for additional information on what thoughts I’m able to share publicly. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this and any other titles you are in charge of.

This is an adorable and super fun read. This might be better suited for teens that are either in the process of or thinking of transitioning to dating and having relationships. Full of humor and relatable issues, this is a recommended read. I wish I had something like this when I was younger.

A Cheerful School Daze Romp

This is one of those books in which the hero starts out as a jerk and is ultimately redeemed through the care and friendship of those around him.

The premise is that Ben accidentally injures his school's mascot, and as punishment has to take over the role of that mascot, "Steve the Spud". At the outset the book is a bit wobbly because Ben treats this punishment as end of the world tragic, which the author never convincingly sells and which consequently makes the whole book seem a bit precious. Once we get past that, though, all of the supporting characters help Ben pull himself together, and learn some important lessons in the process.

The book features a funny and patient gal pal, an excellent buddy, at least two surprising new friends, a calm school principal, a crusty coach with a Yoda side, parents who are smarter than Ben, and a remarkably mellow and yet realistic school. So far, out of the whole gang, Ben starts out as the weakest link. We add some mean girl cheerleaders and jock bullies, but they are understated enough that that hardly interrupt the flow and they are mostly present because the plot requires it.

Ben is insightful and honest enough that he grows on the reader as the tale progresses. He is also honest about when he is in the wrong, and it's actually a pleasure to see him grow up as the story unfolds. For me, this mostly worked once the author backed off of Ben being over the top in his whinging about being the Spud. After Ben was given a little room to just be a kid, and his pals were given room to develop, the understated and sly humor took over and carried the tale. This was a good example of an author getting out of her own way and letting the story unfold.

The upshot was that this was light and entertaining, with some lively and authentic feeling insights and an upbeat vibe. There were lots of good lines, and a few nicely done set pieces that kept up the pace and good feelings. A nice find.

(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

This was one of the funniest books I've read in a long time! I read this out loud to my kids and had to stop reading several times because we were all laughing so hard. Poor Ben Hardy just can't catch a break, and when he ends up having to be the school mascot (a giant potato) at his new school, his life takes a bunch of unexpected and hilarious turns! What I loved most about Ben is that he makes a lot of bad decisions, but he thinks he's doing them for the right reasons. As he figures out the right path and how to fix everything, it's satisfying in a way that doesn't feel pedantic or moralizing. All of the characters in this book were lovely, the friendships were sweet and authentic, and the pacing was really well done. Highly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an eARC of this book. I gave this book 4 stars. It was laugh out loud funny, but also real and heartfelt. I was a new kid, in middle school, and I love books that touch on this topic. It is a hard thing to do, moving, and when you move to a small school where everyone already knows each other, that makes it even harder. I love that Ben, the main character, is trying to fit in, yet keeps messing it up! What a great book with strong themes and just so funny. It will be a favorite in my classroom.

This is one of those books that you look at and kind of question. I don't think mascot fiction is something that is plentiful, but after this, maybe it should be.

The story takes place in Idaho, because let's face it, where else would there be a potato mascot? Ben is given the punishment, um... honor, of being Steve the Spud after he injures the kid normally in the costume. The thing is, he is trying to make everyone believe that he is cool, and dressing up as a potato does not seem like the best way to achieve that.

Ben is a likable character whose antics make for a hilarious story. I appreciate that there was actual character growth, and his actions changed as he grew. I also appreciate that there were consequences for his actions. The whole book read as more real by having Ben struggling internally with what to do and how to deal with the problems he created.

For a debut, Arianne Costner nailed it.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Arianne Costner
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 24 Mar 2020

Let's be honest: the plot of this book is entirely expected. Ben is trying to find his place in his new school. He's thrown into a situation well outside of his comfort zone while also trying to capture the attention and affection of the popular girl. So of course the thing he finds embarrassing turns out to be to his benefit. The popular kids are mean, shallow, and no good fir him while the outsiders are the good people and where he belongs. This is all what we expect from a middle grade school story. What I didn't expect was just how entertaining it would prove to be. It's genuinely humorous. The little details, like a kid in a potato costume doing stupid dances and trying to do a hand stand is pretty entertaining. The little details like that make this a solid bit of entertainment and one I'd easily recommend.

For someone who lives in Idaho, not loving potatoes can be crippling, to say the least. How can one not love potatoes? Doesn’t Ben realise the endless possibilities it offers? I mean, just think about it: chips (in an assortment of flavours), fries (and endless combination of sauces, not to mention poutine), accordion potatoes, mashed potatoes, grilled potatoes, fried potatoes… Yum, much?

So please join me on this campaign to inspire Ben Hardy to love potatoes.

This book is such a delight to read for all ages. While it is about a middle school student, the themes is touches on are universal: acceptance, popularity, and relationships, both romantic and platonic. I mean, which adult can deny that they hesitate sometimes before doing something out of fear that it will have them labelled as a pariah, and cost them whatever social clout they might have? I know I definitely have felt trepidation at doing something I knew was right, just because of its potential consequences on my social “status” (although to be fair, I don’t think I have much of it in the first place).

It was also, quite honestly, just a plain fun read, and God only knows how much we need that at the moment. Thankfully available via Kindle, you might want to consider picking this little gem up just to brighten up that coronavirus self-isolation experience.

What a great book! Everyone will love the plot and humor of this book. Ben will be a character that readers will identify with and then be so carried away by the fun.

I absolutely adored this book. It was so cute. While I didn’t agree with all the choices Ben made for a good amount of the book before the end, I completely understand them. I would’ve had the same thoughts back in middle school and probably would’ve made a few of the same poor choices. The author did a great job of getting into a kids head and showing how middle school can be. By the end I was happy with Ben’s choices and the results of what happens and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Highly recommend

My Life as a Potato was absolutely hysterical. I am putting this one on my list for read alouds. My 4th graders would find this book to be so fun, and they should have books out there that make them laugh!

This is a must purchase book for middle grade and upper elementary libraries! I know that fans of Wimpy Kid will love My Life as a Potato. I am looking forward to book talking with my reluctant readers especially.!

My Life as a Potato is laugh-out-loud great and kids will LOVE it. Ben is an adorable character that kids can relate to, and the fact that he has to pose as a potato (the weirdest mascot, right?) is hilarious. You'll feel for him and you'll root for him!!


I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

I ADORED My Life as a Potato! It’s funny and full of potato content as our main spud hero, tries to lead a normal potato-free life (he HATES potatoes and is most probably cursed by them) while navigating a new school that just so happens to have a potato as its school mascot. And now, after an unlucky hot-dog tossing game, he is now tasked to become his worst nightmare. *Cue the potatoes*

I had the time of my life reading about Ben and his antagonism towards potatoes! This reminds me of my sister who HATES, absolutely HATES, a fruit called “Jicama” and every time I mention them she stops specifically anything she’s doing to hiss “I hate Jicamas”. I love it. Makes me laugh every time and now I will forever remember Ben and his potatoes.

But for real, being the school mascot sounds like a nightmare and being a potato is just SMASHING. Ben is extremely embarrassed by his newly found Potato Status and thus begins his secret life as Steve the Spud. So many potato shenanigans ensue in this heart-warming, laugh-out-loud, and giver of second-hand embarrassment Middle Grade novel about trying to fit in with new friends (perhaps even get a date for the school dance) and of the world’s dorkiest but most spudtastic mascot ever.

Go read it now!!!

This is such a fun book. Ben and his family move from California to Idaho in time for him to begin 7th grade. After a series of mishaps, Ben has to finish the basketball season as a potato named Steve Spud. He’s determined to keep it a secret from everyone, but in the end it all backfires in a gluey potato mess. Join Ben, Ellie, Hunter, and Mitch as they work their way through the angst that is middle school. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my review. This is a guaranteed laugh out loud read aloud for elementary and middle school ELA classrooms.

Ben Hardy has been cursed by potatoes. Moving to Idaho seemed like a bad sign -- and sure enough, a catastrophe in the cafeteria soon lands him a job as the substitute mascot for their school. Which is (you guessed it) a friendly spud. With learning how to maneuver in a musty old costume, sorting out his plans for the big school dance, and keeping his identity under wraps, Ben's life as a potato is anything but bland.

I'm always in the mood for good comedy, and My Life as a Potato is just that. Punchy but positive humor, understandable conflict, and sticky (or should I say starchy?) situations create an irresistible mashup that will have you asking for seconds. I found myself giggling on nearly every page and rooting for Ben through it all.

Readers who enjoyed The Doughnut Fix and Airball: My Life in Briefs will want to add this to their TBR ASAP!

Today I am excited to participate in the creative tour for #MyLifeAsAPotato by @authorariannecostner hosted by @mtmctours! This is a hilarious Middle Grade story about a boy forced to become the dorkiest school mascot ever! This book is perfect for anyone who has ever felt as a POTATO. 🥔 Out March 24, 2020 from @randomhousekids!⁣
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My thoughts on this insanely cute read and favorite things about the book is now up on my channel 📺 (Link in bio). You can also stand a chance to win a Hardcover copy - instructions in video 📺.
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Synopsis:
Ben Hardy believes he’s cursed by potatoes. And now he’s moved to Idaho, where the school’s mascot is Steve the Spud! Yeah, this cannot be good.

After accidentally causing the mascot to sprain an ankle, Ben is sentenced to Spud duty for the final basketball games of the year. But if the other kids know he’s the Spud, his plans for popularity are likely to be a big dud! Ben doesn’t want to let the team down, so he lies to his friends to keep it a secret. No one will know it’s him under the potato suit . . . right?

Life as a potato is all about not getting mashed! With laugh-out-loud illustrations throughout, hand to fans of James Patterson, Gordan Korman, Jeff Kinney, and Chris Grabenstein!
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