What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this book really is about eating
worms. Kids will laugh, but adults are likely to get grossed
out. There is a fistfight, and two of the boys cheat to win the
bet. This was released in 1973, and some gender roles seem
outdated.
Families might want to talk about why gross-out books are so popular. Why do you like them? What would be too much? Also, parents might want to ask kids what the message here is. Think past the gross stuff: Do the characters end up learning anything? Finally, families who see the movie may want to compare and contrast the two. What's different? Which version do you prefer?
Common Sense Media Review
There's one thing to be said for
How To Eat Fried Worms -- it gets kids to read. Its
disgusting premise -- a bet about eating worms -- is so in tune
with middle-grade humor that even kids who say they hate books
will read it and recommend it to their friends.
Its short chapters and numerous pictures help ease the transition to longer chapter books. The book, which has now spawned a movie, will have less appeal for adults. Grown-ups are likely to get tired of the repetition -- there are only so many ways to cook a worm, after all -- and may feel slightly sick along the way.
Parents are sure to cheer, however, when Billy's parents stop worrying and start supporting him. His mom even cooks up a Whizbang Worm Delight, an original creation.
In the end, this may not be literature, but the humor will genuinely appeal to kids reluctant to leave behind the silly humor of early reader series like The Adventures of Captain Underpants.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
