Title: Pudge Amazon and the Ugly Ostrich
Author: John Krause
Reviewer: Bibi Belford
Genre: Middle-Grade
Pages: 200
Date published: 2023
Publisher: Prairie Lakes Press
John Krause’s middle-grade novel, Pudge Amazon and the Ugly Ostrich, promises readers a rollicking, good time, super-sleuth mystery. When Pudge Amazon is blamed for vandalism to the school’s mascot, he enlists the help of his friends to find the real culprit. Because of his past pranks at Water Springs Elementary School, it’s even more important to clear his name before he’s branded a true troublemaker and possibly expelled.
His best friend, Rocky, a play-by-the-rules kid, reluctantly goes along with Pudge’s quest to discover who spray painted the giant ostrich. The two bullies—rich-kid Merritt and tough-guy Jimmy—might have sabotaged the statue. Or it could have been Caleb, who happened to be wearing the same outfit as Pudge the day he was incriminated? Which character is the red herring? Which character had motive?
While Pudge and Rocky are enroute to Merritt’s home, Taylor, a new student they’ve never met, races by on her skateboard, and they bump into her, literally. No one is seriously injured, and Taylor agrees to help them. Sneaking onto Merritt’s property is easy, compared to the problems they encounter sneaking out—fences with skinny iron bars, rottweilers, sprinklers.
But Pudge is undaunted by obstacles in his search for the truth. As he becomes desperate, his escapades grow riskier, each an unfortunate misadventure, and it seems he’ll never catch a break and exonerate himself. It’s down to the wire when suddenly the clues he’s been collecting come together and he knows whodunnit. Readers will race through the pages to find the answer.
Krause crafts a good mystery—well developed characters, and escalating obstacles. There are chapter titles, which entice readers to venture predictions, making this a good read aloud for classroom teachers. It’s also inclusive with well-chosen names, and characters who are diverse. It has humor and the yuck factor—popular with middle grade kids.
Although the references to Pudge’s size, and even the meaning of his nickname, are done lightheartedly, it does present a good opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss micro-aggression, and body positivity. When Pudge is carrying his mother’s purse, he’s questioned about it by two of his friends. This is another chance to discuss stereotypes, and gender norms.
Best of all, Krause has already planned a sequel, maybe even a series, so if you fall in love with Pudge, you’ll be wild-riding with him for a while.
Reviewer: Before becoming an author, Bibi Belford was a teacher, reading interventionist, and literacy coach. She has a BA in English and Education, an MA in Bilingual Literacy and writes middle grade books. She’s the author of Canned and Crushed, The Gift, Crossing the Line (Christopher Award Winner), and Another D for DeeDee (Starred Kirkus review). When not writing, she loves traveling, spending time with grandkids, and living in Chicago. Bibi’s goal is to write books that encourage kids to be everyday heroes and make positive changes in the world. She’s a member of CWA, WWA, Author’s Guild, SCBWI, ACWF, and the 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge.
