In Finding the Worm, Mark Goldblatt revisits Julian "Twerp" Twerski and his friends and this outing is just as charming and thought-provoking as its predecessor, Twerp. This newest release is also a lot more poignant as thirteen year old Julian and his pals learn one of life's harshest lessons when one of their friends is diagnosed with cancer.

Just before Christmas of 1969, Julian and his friends, Lonnie, Eric, Howie, Shlomo and Beverly are called to the guidance counselor's office where they are learn that their close friend, Quentin, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The group is shaken by the news and although they are reassured that he will be fine, the kids are still worried. Julian takes his concerns to Rabbi Salzberg (whom they have nicknamed Magoo) who then uses Julian's bar mitzvah preparation to give him a few life lessons in addition to his haftarah instruction.

While Julian is trying to make sense of Quentin's illness, the school principal accuses him of defacing a painting. Since he was suspended from school the previous year, Julian's punishment is to write a 200 word essay on good citizenship. His pleas of innocence fall on deaf ears, and Julian is soon locked in a battle of wills with the principal as week after week, he turns in essays that are about everything except good citizenship. Since he refuses to take the punishment seriously, the principal ups the ante and Julian knows he is beat, but it is not until Julian discovers the perpetrator's identity that he turns in an incredibly insightful essay that shows remarkable maturity.

Despite their worries and Quentin's fragile health, Julian and the gang find plenty of time to enjoy being kids. They spend quite a bit of free time at Quentin's apartment since he is still recovering from surgery but they do get a few opportunities to have some outdoor fun as well. Baseball player Bobby Murcer makes a guest appearance that shows the depth of Quentin and Julian's friendship although all of the kids benefit from Murcer's generosity.

Finding the Worm is another entertaining and very heartwarming novel of friendship by Mark Goldblatt. Both humorous and heartbreaking, I highly recommend this marvelous story to readers of all ages. Although it is the sequel to Twerp, the story can be read as a standalone. ( )

Maybe I needed to read Twerp first (which I haven't read) in order to fully appreciate this book or maybe I couldn't relate to the characters but for whatever reason, I clearly didn't have the same response that lots of other reviewers had. I didn't hate it enough to throw it out, but I certainly wouldn't give it a prime spot on my shelves. Just didn't do much for me. ( )

Not just for kids - made me cry...that's all I'm going to say. ( )

Quentin is ill, seriously ill, but the all school interruption on the intercom for Quentin's closest friends to hightail it to the counseling office forbodes a far worse possibility. Miss Medina's encouragement of a positive prognosis falls on deaf ears, and Rabbi Salzburg, who bares physical resemblances to Mr. Magoo of cartoon fame, does little to assuage Julian's fears for Quentin and uncertainties about heaven.

Rich characterization from Twerp provides depth and familiarity with the colorful cast of characters, yet, with Goldblatt's wit and humor while tackling a serious subject, this sequel easily stands on its own.

For young people: You will laugh, celebrate, and even shed a few tears with your favorite characters, who continue to grow up alongside you. Danley makes yet another surprising appearance, giving you pause to reflect on what's really important in life.

For teachers: Attention to location details makes this book a perfect choice for combining a Google Lit-Trip with historic research, especially in regard to the Browne house.

For adults: While following the storyline of a youth preparing for his bar mitzvah, Finding the Worm unveils the realities of life and the sometimes painful metamorphosis of a boy becoming a man.

For all: If you ever have an opportunity to invite or to hear this amazing author in person, do so! You will be glad you did! (More than 500 students and teachers would attest to this).

Thank you to Random House Children's for sharing this ARC with me. ( )