40 pages • 1 hour read
Slob
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Book Brief
199
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2009
YA
9-12 years
740L
Super Short Summary
Slob by Ellen Potter follows 12-year-old genius Owen Birnbaum, who, while dealing with bullying at school due to his obesity and intelligence, struggles with the trauma of his parents' murder. He endeavors to invent a device, Nemesis, to catch their killer and uncovers unexpected truths about his peers, leading to personal growth and recovery. The novel explores childhood obesity, bullying, and trauma.
Emotional
Challenging
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
4,255 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ellen Potter’s Slob garners a mix of positive and negative feedback. Readers praise the novel for its engaging protagonist and inspiring themes of resilience and intelligence. The book’s humor and emotional depth resonate well, though some find the pacing uneven and certain plot elements implausible. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Slob?
A reader who would enjoy Slob by Ellen Potter is typically a middle-grade to young adult reader who enjoys emotionally rich, character-driven stories. Fans of Louis Sachar’s Holes and Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree, which also explore themes of overcoming adversity, bullying, and resilience, will find this book appealing.
4,255 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jeremy Birnbaum
Jeremy Birnbaum
Known as Jeremy, she is Owen’s sister, described by Owen as a socially empowered individual with a strong moral compass and long red hair.
Mason Ragg
Mason Ragg
Mason is a large and strong new student at Owen's school, distinguished by scars from an accident, and he becomes a key figure in Owen's development as he moves past initial misconceptions.
Mr. Wooly
Mr. Wooly
Mr. Wooly is the gruff gym teacher who promotes competition over compassion and acts as an antagonist through his verbally bullying behavior toward students like Owen and Mason.
199
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2009
YA
9-12 years
740L
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