The Bubble Wrap Boy

Loved this book! Read it in tandem with my 9 year old granddaughter and had a great "book club" experience discussing it with her. Highly recommend!

Made my daughter want to skateboard

This book represents the best in children's literature. It takes an unlikely, small Asian boy who is bullied and reviled by others and makes him a hero. I loved not only the story but the character of Charlie Han. His mother is so worried about him getting hurt that she makes him deliver take-out from their restaurant on a tricycle covered in reflecting tape. She 's so overprotective that she makes him wear swimming goggles to help decorate the Christmas tree! This is just two of the many images that make the story hilarious. This misfit has but one friend, a boy named Linus Sedgely, otherwise know as Sinus because his nose is so big. Once given the nickname it "stuck firmer than a fossilized booger under a desk." The two boys are ridiculed and reviled until Charlie takes up skateboarding. His overprotective, overbearing mother over reacts when she finds out and berates him in front of a group of skaters.The incident goes viral and Charlie become the brunt of bullying. One cruel incident includes bubble wrap. When the two boys team up in an attempt to make their walk of shame into a confident strut the plot takes an interesting turn.This book is impeccably written with humor and sensitivity and peopled with believable characters and real life dilemmas. I started the book yesterday and finished it today. So much for yard work and the dirty dishes in the sink. Seriously, this is a really good book. It touched my heart and I wish I had written it!

“The Bubble Wrap Boy” is a book that will resonate with every young reader who has been made to feel like an outsider. Phil Earle does an excellent job of expressing the frustration and the rebellion that ‘tweens and teens experience as a result of social and parental expectations.Charlie Han is different. He is undersized. He has only one friend – Linus “Sinus” Sedgely – and Sinus is weirder than Charlie. He has a very overprotective mother who is always taking night classes. His father runs the family’s Chinese takeout and says little, deferring to Charlie’s mother. Charlie delivers orders for his parents’ takeout using a tricycle because his mother wants him to be safe.When Charlie discovers skateboarding, he is enthralled. As Charlie gains confidence in his skateboarding skills, he sets his goal to compete in the half-pipe challenge at the local skate park. An unusual phone call results in Charlie discovering the truth about the reason for his mother being overprotective. Events develop and individual actions resulting from these situations coalesce into a satisfying, heartwarming conclusion.Phil Earle understands his characters and their emotions; his grasp of the ‘tween/teen psyche is exceptional. As “The Bubble Wrap Boy” progresses, Charlie and Sinus both develop and mature. Their friendship deepens from one based on their being “different” into one based on mutual respect and caring. In addition, both Mr. and Mrs. Han change for the better and begin to see Charlie as a maturing individual and not a little boy.“The Bubble Wrap Boy” is an excellent book and one that both adults and the target audience – ages 10 and older will enjoy.

I had a difficult time getting into this story, but by the end I really fell in love with Charlie Han and his family. This is a great story about coping with family dynamics, and being true to who you are. I didn't like Charlie very much at first. He comes across as bitter and a bit mean spirited. The story has an edge that was a bit unexpected for a book aimed at the ten year old set, with lots of talk of girlfriends, and getting "felt up". This one seems perfect for 12-14 year olds, but a tad mature for those younger readers.It took a bit for the story to take off, and after we get past some repetitive, bitter ramblings from Charlie, the narrative flew at a rapid pace. Charlie grows quite a bit during this story, and I loved the author's portrayal of his family. Their interactions were very well done, and the book reinforces the idea that even when parents aren't quite perfect, a family held together by love is a strong family indeed. Despite some early flaws, this is a great story that will appeal to young readers, especially those searching to overcome their own barriers and find their own unique ways to succeed.

School can be a difficult place for many children. If you are not in the 'in' crowd, and how many are, you often have feelings that you are not worthy. Bullying in school has become a big topic and a big problem, and many are trying to solve these dilemmas.Charlie Han was a nice young man, small in stature, and bullied at school. His parents ran a Chinese take-out, and he delivered the food by tricycle. Charlie's mother was so over protective, and she was so afraid he would get hurt. Charlie's father did the cooking at the Chinese take-out, and didn't have much to say. Charlie had one friend at school, Linus or 'sinus' as he was called at school. Linus was higher in the pecking order than Charlie was, and they got along.Charlie learned a new sport, and that was skate boarding. In fact he was so good that he wanted to compete in the next big sister boarding contest. Linus was all for it, mom was not. Charlie was building up his confidence which was a very big thing. One day Charlie overheard a very big secret on the phone. This changed his entire world, and for the good. This book is one that every child should read. Those that are bullied, and those that do the bullying will learn a great deal. It is not as important to be the best kid, but it's important to know your values and to stick to them.The author has written such a great book for children. Life is difficult at times,and it helps to read about others who have the same problem.Recommended. prisrob 09-12-15