Weird Weirder Weirdest: A collection of quirky tales

The book is a collection of very interesting short stories for younger about oppressors and the oppressed, stuff to think about for the bullies, sparks of hope for the oppressed.
The stories mainly take place among students and at school.
Also well readable for adults, it is very varied and interestingly written
Beautifully done, with matching pictures in front of the corresponding text.
In addition, there are teaching notes available - a very good idea!

I received a MOBI.file copy of this book from the author through a giveaway she recently had on LibraryThing, and the following is my honest opinion.

As I began reading this book, my inner-child took over as it reminded of my younger days going to school and reading those marvelous stories by William Sydney Porter, who was better known by his pen name of O Henry.

I can remember, those stories, like the ones written here by the author, Martii MacLean, had been rather quirky with each having a surprise ending. And even though it’s been over fifty years since I’ve read them, I still can remember the gist of what some of the stories had been about.

As my inner-child, I loved the imaginative stories which Ms. MacLean has written here, like show more the one about the pen who writes what it wants to and not what the pen’s holder want to write, especially when Dylan’s disbelieving teacher began using the pen himself.

And what young girl hasn’t imaged that her dolls were a real person. What boy has never imagined about time traveling or even stopping it. With stories like these, any child should enjoy reading this book

My inner-child, seems to be telling me that Ms. MacLean in writing this book has used her inner-child to write it. And giving me, my inner-child, and her readers this enchanting, amusing reading experience, I’m giving her 5 STARS. show less

This is a delightful book aimed at junior readers, although I personally thoroughly enjoyed it myself and believe it is quite an interesting book for all ages.
The 7 short, almost bizarre, stories makes the reader think throughout......and even beyond the end of each story. However I do wish at times the stories would actually reveal the point as I felt I was left slightly short changed and wondered what would have happened if the story had progressed further! Having said that I still do believe this book does release important learning lessons in the most fascinating way and I loved it. I also appreciated the way all the stories and characters are relatable to real life.
The narrative itself is fast paced but simple and with a very good show more tone making it a pleasing and fun read for all. show less

The book opens with a story that will make you giggle and smile, if not laugh out loud.
The boys play games at a carnival, thinking they are rigged so no one wins. When Dylan finally earns a prize he finds he must take the one he is given. No one believes him when he says what results is not his fault!

The second story has a Dystopian flavor while being reminiscent of how things were in the past. Hopefully it makes you think about equality and how you can do something to make the world a better place.

Story number three also has some social aspects to it but told in a magical way that will satisfy you.
When the new girl at school can't make friends and wants to change the bullies ruling the playground, she finds help in an unexpected place. show more The fitting in theme continues in additional stories.

The Patchwork Girl has all the elements of classic fairy tale.
Remember, they are not all sweetness and light.
Very well done.

The final two stories deal with consequences. Wanting things is fine, but what you do to get them matters. Life isn't all it can be when you are focused on the wrong things.

Overall I enjoyed this collection and think it would be great to start conversations with groups. show less

This book is an imaginative book for younger readers involving odd and downright weird stories that will leave the reader thinking long after the tale is over. My favorite of all has to be Hands Free with Fashion Victim and Having Writ Moves On being close seconds. I honestly wish there was more to Hands Free; being able to revisit that world would be wonderful.

I loved this book. It had great lessons for children. (And some adults. :) It's full of short story's all with a lesson to be learned. To sum it up it's like a twilight zone for children. The Australian lilt is fun an adds to the lore and overall feeling and tone for the book. It's not scary but makes you think twice about what you wish for. Encouraging the reader to dig a little deeper into their own experiences and way they have treated others. This is a great book for a class discussion. I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I feel its perfect for late elementary through middle school, and early high school.

I absolutely loved this book. Definitely written for YA. Highly recommend for teens/school age to read the stories. My reviews are listed below for each story:

Having Writ Moves On - Great story about a weird pen that writes itself crazy things. The poor boy kept getting in trouble and finally at the end the principal finally realized the boy was speaking the truth.

The Patchwork Girl - Loved this story about a stitching witch who stitched a child. The evil mayor locked the witch away and the child never became a real girl but a patchwork one. Great ending, didn't see it coming.

The Crack - Story about a girl who gets notes in cracks in different places. Strange but a neat story.

Just Desserts - Cute story about a new girl in school getting show more bullied and teased. She gets them back with very special cupcakes. This one was my favorite.

Hands Free - Excellent story about kids with gyros in their hands to keep powered in order to go to school. But the main character loves to teach the non schooled kids to read. It was an interesting ending.

Fast Boy - It was ok. Story about a boy who gets a watch who can stop time. But other things happen unbeknownest to him when he messes with time too much.

Fashion Victim - Possibly the best story in the book. About a nasty girl who has to win at everything and when she loses the race, she gets new running shoes that make her go faster but at what cost? Loved it because it talks about bullying and how she realized that what she was doing was wrong. All kids should read this. show less