Eddie Whatever

I loved EDDIE WHATEVER. It is a story in which Jewish children will see themselves portrayed as the main character and non-Jewish children will meet a child that they, too, can relate to, or aspire to be. Eddie is the kind of child that is bound to make our world better, listening to the said and unsaid, as the author has so eloquently shared. His respect for the elderly is heartwarming. Our seniors have paved the in-roads we trod today and still have so much to offer. Many thanks for Eddie Whatever. I loved it! In fact, I turned it into an interactive Jamboard for my students. View a sneak peek here. https://twitter.com/GiftedTawk/status/1443914311248842754?s=20

care-center, senior-citizens, bar-mitzvah, Oklahoma, falsely-accused, family, family-dynamics, friendship, robotics, theft, memories, investigation*****

Eddie is an ordinary kid preparing for his Bar Mitzvah and that includes community service at the local care home. He also has some problems in his home life that the parents don't want the kids to know about. While at the home he learns that the old folks are interesting once he takes the time to listen to them, even when some of them repeat the same things over and over or don't talk at all. He even learns things about the holocaust and even about gangsters. Then the thefts begin and his sleuthing follows soon after. .Excellent story!
I can testify to the changes that can happen to young folk when they spend time with folks at care home as I worked as a second shift nurse in them for several years.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Lerner Publishing Group, Carolrhoda Books ® via NetGalley. Thank you!

Eddie's life is busy. But is it full? He doesn't find out until he's forced to spend 25 hours doing community service. At an old-folks home! His grandparents aren't this old, so he wonders how to fill 2 hours a week...refilling water pitchers?

He was silly to worry! How likely is it, really, that a young boy (working toward his bar mitzvah) could work that long without some odd things happening? The first day begins with a ghost. Another unexpected thing is that he begins to care about the people; a lot. Thefts and shady pasts are uncovered! Then things get even more difficult!

Stuff at home is tense too. Eddie's parents think they're protecting their kids by hiding a secret. But kids always know when something is wrong, and their fears are torture! After some parental honesty, things go better at home, but other problems become almost unmanageable.

This book has funny moments, embarrassing kid moments, successes, and mystery. But the primary story is about how Eddie discovers a new world through these "old seniors," and the things he learns and experiences change who he is. Some are fun, some are serious, but he has the support of friends, a wonderful family, and a group of residents who won't bother to remember his last name--in case he doesn't stay. In time, he learns to love the name Eddie Whatever.

The mystery moves the story along, but it's more character-driven. Memorable and thoughtful; it's a refreshing look into the lives of good people with positive intentions.

This book would make a great gift for kids interested in the Jewish culture in America, in middle-school, relationships, and a light mystery.

5/5 Stars

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook!

#EddieWhatever #NetGalley