Sticks and Stones and Skeleton Bones

Hobie, whose fifth grade class is meeting in a shopping mall because the school was devastated by a flood, has a disagreement with his best friend Nick that escalates into a big fight as the day continues. Sequel to "Hobie Hanson, Greatest Hero of the Mall."Hobie Hanson wants to dig up the treasures he and his friends buried for future archaeologists, but it leads him to unexpected trouble

Grade 3-5-- Hobie Hanson thinks digging up the gang's time capsule is going to be great fun, but he ends up in a feud with his best friend, Nick. Along the way Santa Claus and a skeleton named Mort get involved in this happily corny story that's sure to please Hobie's fans. Most of the action takes place in a closed-up store in a mall that has served as an elementary school since the real one was destroyed in a flood. While the situation may seem improbable, the action is fast-paced and humorous and the children are typical elementary-age students full of mischief and good intentions. An interesting sidelight is the conflict mediation during which Hobie and Nick resolve their differences. Hobie and his friends will continue to delight readers. --Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Readers who have chuckled over the antics of Hobie Hanson since his first appearance in Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub will hail his return. Here, the irrepressible Hobie is feuding with his friend, Nick, who--thanks to Hobie--has a red, swollen nose and a case of wounded pride. When Hobie's project is wrecked in art class and he takes a nasty tumble down an escalator, he believes Nick is to blame. The two decide to settle their differences at recess--but the resolution takes them both by surprise. Mort, the school's resident skeleton; the boys' feisty friend, Molly; two of their fifth-grade classmates trained in mediation; and a disillusioned Santa Claus all figure into Gilson's clever, quick-moving plot. Running gags and puns abound in the book's animated dialogue, which is very entertaining if not entirely believable. Hobie's fans won't mind; in his sixth starring vehicle, their hero is as witty and winning as ever. Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.