Donuthead

Franklin Delano Donuthead is very particular about his personal safety, health and sanitation. He prefers organic vegetables with antioxidants over the Twinkies his mother enjoys. He obsesses over the fact that there is a 1/2 inch difference of length in his two legs. And his ability to play baseball is hampered by his concerns over getting beaned in the head by the ball. When new girl Sarah Kervick shows up with matted hair and no hesitation in punching the school bully, Franklin's life is turned upside down. Franklin's mom takes an interest in Sarah who lives with her apparently abusive father in a rusty trailer park. Franklin isn't too happy about this since the possibilities for contamination are endless. But Sarah's blunt, up-front show more ways wear Franklin down just a little, especially when he realizes she has a soft spot for figure skating. Ever so slowly, Franklin inches a bit out of his self-imposed shell of protection and fear. show less

Franklin Delano Donuthead is a fifth grader with a lot of problems: For starters, his last name is Donuthead. He considers himself handicapped because one arm and leg are shorter than the other (by less than half an inch), his mother is trying to poison him with non-organic foods (like salami), he doesn’t have a father, and Sarah Kervick, the new girl, who’s mean and totally unhygienic, is attached to him, warts and all, like glue.

This is a hilarious and touching novel featuring a neurotic, scared boy and a tougher-than-nails girl who each help the other in more ways than they can imagine. Sue Stauffacher has crafted characters full of wit and sensitivity, with a little anti-bacterial soap thrown in for good measure.

Made me laugh right out loud, and cry,too. I swear Stauffacher wrote this with one of my former students in mind. Teaches that our quirkinesses are what make us great, that we should just be ourselves, and even gives a good dose of empathy for other's issues. A great read for kids or adults who work with pre-adolescents.

Summary:
This book portrays Franklin Delano Donuthead as a fearsome, Russian, fifth-grade germophobe. He doesn't have any friends until a new girl arrives at his school--Sarah Kervick. They are forced to be partners during a school field trip. She is nothing like Franklin. She is loud, dirty, and is not afraid of anything. This book shows us how a simple friendship, even between the most unlikely of friends can change each other’s life in ways that don’t seem possible.

Personal Reaction:
I loved this story. Although the traits of Franklin's are a tad more eccentric compared to mine, I found a bit of myself in his character. I was extremely shy as a child, and didn't make friends easily. I think that children could easily relate to show more the characters in this book, and would enjoy the humor that is brought out by this unlikely friendship.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. I could have the children write a journal entry about a fear they have or have had in the past, and how they can or did get passed that fear.
2. I could use this book to talk to the children about bullying and how having a sense of empathy for others can change someone's life. show less

The book’s title Donuthead is from the character’s name Franklin Delano Donuthead. Franklin is a elementary student who does not worry about what an average kid his age should worry about. He would be described being germ phobic and will not do ANYTHING that has a high statistic rate of getting physically injured including eating anything that is not organic. He doesn’t have any friends until one day he is paired up with a new girl on a school field trip. Sara Kervick is NOTHING like Franklin, she is not afraid of anything, she can beat up anyone that messes with her, and she is dirty. Through out the book Franklin discovers that Sara can’t read, doesn’t have a mother, and dreams of being an ice skater. Franklin’s mother show more takes in Sara and helps her with her appearance and ends up “working” for his mother so she can buy girl clothes. Franklin and Sara teach each other life lessons, and you wouldn’t think so in the begging since they were complete opposites. Does Franklin change his ways?

This was an awesome book. I LOVED the message, I loved the personalities, and I LOVED Franklin. I could go on about this book, it was humorous and entertaining. My favorite parts were Franklin’s two cents on every unhygienic or physical situation. I would recommend EVERYONE to read it, you will enjoy it! The ending was extra cute!

I would love students to read this book as a class assignment to relay the message of friendships. I would need parent consent because there are TWO little words that might be offensive. I would also have the students make a list of differences of the two friends, then make a comparison, because they are complete opposites but there’s more than meets the eye. show less

An amazing story about a boy who is a germ-a-phobe, a motherless girl with a dream of being an ice-skater, and how they become friends. Donuthead is a story about a friendship like none other. Donuthead has to face his fears, play baseball, and help Sara live her dream.

Franklin Delano Donuthead knows that life is scary. Germs are everywhere, kids could beat you up on the playground, preservatives and dyes in food could give you cancer, and don't get him started on the dangers of baseball. It's hard to have friends when every waking moment is spent figuring out how to protect yourself from these assailants. Then Franklin meets Sarah, a new girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Sarah is tough and when she gets thrust into sitting next to Franklin, she decides he needs to be tough, too. Franklin will do anything to avoid her, but maybe, just maybe, this could be the friend he's been looking for.

A sweet story about a neurotic boy and an underpriveleged girl with big dreams.