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How To Eat Fried Worms

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1973

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Book Brief

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Thomas Rockwell

How To Eat Fried Worms

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1973
Book Details
Pages

118

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

7-12 years

Lexile Level

560L

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Super Short Summary

In How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell, Billy accepts a $50 bet from his friend Alan to eat 15 worms in 15 days in order to buy a minibike. With their friends Tom and Joe taking opposing sides, Billy faces various challenges and tricks as he consumes the worms, each with different preparations and toppings, while also encountering deceptions and obstacles designed to make him lose the bet.

Humorous

Adventurous

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

50,667 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Thomas Rockwell's How To Eat Fried Worms offers an entertaining and humorous tale that appeals to children with its daring and imaginative plot. While the book's gross-out factor and silly premise delight young readers, some critics find the story overly simplistic and lacking depth. Overall, it remains a fun, engaging read for its target audience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How To Eat Fried Worms?

A reader who would enjoy How To Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell is likely a middle-grade student who appreciates humor, adventure, and a touch of gross-out fun. Fans of Judy Blume's Freckle Juice or Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School will find similar enjoyment in this quirky, light-hearted read.

4.2

50,667 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Billy Forrester

Billy is a risk-taking, portly kid who undertakes a bet to eat 15 worms in 15 days, facing his fears and gaining self-confidence in the process.

Alan is a nervous and impulsive worrier who bets Billy can’t complete the worm-eating challenge, often resorting to tricks to derail him.

Tom is Billy's loyal friend and assistant during the worm-eating bet, who contributes to Billy's efforts and defends him against opposition.

Joe is a clever, educated friend of Alan’s who devises schemes to challenge Billy’s progress in the worm-eating challenge.

Billy’s mother is supportive and helpful throughout his worm-eating adventure, providing a stable and loving household environment.

Billy’s father is a humorous and sensible figure who reassures his family about the harmlessness of the worm challenge and brings balance to the story.

Alan's father serves as a motivator for Alan’s actions by enforcing fairness and justice among the boys.

Pete is Tom’s younger brother, whose actions help ensure fairness and completion in the worm-eating bet.

Book Details
Pages

118

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

1973

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

7-12 years

Lexile Level

560L

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