Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading

Greenwald, T. (2011). Charlie Joe Jackson’s guide to not reading. New York: Roaring Brook Press.

Book Summary

Charlie Joe Jackson hates to read. He hates reading so much that he’s had a deal with his friend Timmy to read his school books for him. Timmy tells Charlie the plot and Charlie gives him an ice cream sandwich. It’s a good deal until Timmy decides he’s not doing the work for Charlie anymore. And then Charlie’s parents find out he’s not reading--and he’s in a whole lot of trouble. But just because he’s in trouble doesn’t mean that he’s going to start reading. Instead, he comes up with a plan to help him get through the biggest project of the year, the Position Paper, without reading. To do this, he gets a new reader for his project, and offers him a mega prize: the cutest girl as his girlfriend. But will this plan work or will everything blow up in his face?

Impressions

Charlie Joe was a compelling narrator with a great voice. His humor was apparent throughout the book, especially with his tips for not reading. Greenwald understands the desires of young non-readers to avoid reading; he notes in his author bio that his own sons avoid reading like the plague. So he crafted a story full of humor, plot twists, and some drama to entice even reluctant readers. He even structures the story for reluctant readers, and tells them so, with Charlie Joe’s “How Not to Read” tips throughout the books. The chapters are short and there are illustrations throughout the book. Many young boys who are forced to read a book for school would definitely end up enjoying this one, despite themselves.

Professional Review

Charlie Joe Jackson is a likable middle schooler and an unabashed nonreader. In fact, he's so against the practice that he constantly flirts with danger to ensure that he never has to crack a book. He makes deals with friends to fill him in on assigned reading. When he is caught, it becomes much more difficult to pull off his year-end, research-heavy "Position Paper." He nails it, but there is no happy ending, and he writes a book—this book—as punishment. Greenwald believably inhabits the mind of a tween, with the cliques and short-lived first romances that come with it. Charlie Joe narrates his story while providing humorous tips between chapters about reading and avoiding it. This is a fun, fast-moving look at middle-school life through the eyes of a kid who would rather clean his room than pick up a book. Reluctant readers will be pleased.

Jonker, T. (2011, August 1). School Library Journal.

Library Uses

This would be a great booktalk in a classroom. The hook may appeal to non-readers and illustrated chapter books are popular among younger readers. It would also be good on a readers’ advisory list for young boys, among titles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and so forth.