Jody Feldman
Greenwillow Books (2009)
ISBN 9780061214523
Reviewed by Ben Weldon (age 11) for Reader Views (9/09)
“The Gollywhopper Games” by Jody Feldman is the story of twelve-year-old Gilbert “Gil” Goodson as he undertakes a very important contest that could change his life. Packed full of puzzles and adventure, this is a very exciting book. When Gil enters a contest called the Gollywhopper Games, his life may take a turn for the better. But does Gil have what it takes to win?
Kids from all over the nation are rushing to try to win the Gollywhopper Games. The grand prize is one of every single game or toy the company has ever made plus lots and lots of money, and televised fame. The Games are a trivia and puzzle contest based on the Golly Toy and Game Company’s merchandise and history. If Gil can win, he and his family might be able to move away from the shame and false friends that have surrounded them ever since The Incident. But will Gil win?
I found the puzzles in this book very fun, ingenious and truly brain-twisting. Here is one of my favorite puzzles: “‘My coat keeps me the warmest during this January freeze,’ bragged Tracy. If the above sentence equals ZEBRA, then what does the following sentence equal? The pain in Matthew’s elbow lingered through the month of March.” Can you solve this puzzle? If you can’t solve it, read the book and find out.
I would recommend this book to people that like fantasy, adventure, and puzzle books. “The Gollywhopper Games” by Jody Feldman is a great book that contains many different surprise twists and puzzles. I found this book very interesting because instead of watching the characters do the puzzles in the book you can stop and try to do them yourself.
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