We see quiet, thoughtful boys less often. So often boys are written as rowdy and loud, with scraped knees and baseball bats forever in tow. What I love about this book is that Waylon is like the little boys who are in my life, but who I don't always see portrayed well in kids' books. Clementine fans will be thrilled to note that Clementine makes a couple of cameos, and observant ones will already be a little familiar with science whiz Waylon, who appeared in earlier books as one of Clementine's classmates. I was so sad when I heard that Sara Pennypacker had written her last Clementine book, but I would have felt so much better if I had known that Waylon was on the way. A great addition to any collection and a fantastic read. And kids need to realize that being male doesn’t equate to being athletic, funny, or reckless. Kids want to see themselves reflected in the books they read. In considering the We Need Diverse Books movement, I’ve found that in addition to diversity in race, ethnicity, gender identity, physicality, religion, and LGBTQA-we need stories that reflect a broader range of personalities. The quiet, thoughtful boy has been ignored, underserved and underrepresented.

So much male-centered elementary fiction focuses on Daring!Boys or Class!Clowns. And what distinguishes this novel is that it centers on a frequently unaddressed male protagonist. The story though, is genuinely focused on Waylon. And it’s without a doubt, One Awesome Thing.įor Clementine fans, our fave plucky red-head does make an appearance, albeit brief. Just when it looks like Waylon’s universe is about to explode, something brings it all together. Waylon just wants his old sister back, not this alien creature who wears only black, repeatedly utters “what’s the point?” like it’s her mantra, and refuses to respond to her real name. Meanwhile at home Waylon’s older sister, Neon, seems to have vanished and left a martian in her stead. Yes, apparently even brainy Waylon can be victim to kid urban legend. Well.he wouldn’t mind avoiding new kid Baxter Boylen. He has no need for cliques and arbitrary social division. Waylon’s about peace, love, & happiness and wants to be friends with everyone. Arlo Brody, the undisputed King of the 4th Grade, is dividing boys into two groups: Shark-Punchers and The Others (methinks Arlo has been watching too much LOST). However, It’s impossible for poor Waylon to concentrate on his scientific advancements when everything in his life is spontaneously combusting. Bonus: you never have to leave the couch. Teleportation, human gills, and a pretty rockin’ cupcake delivery service where you manipulate gravity, so cupcakes come directly to you.

Waylon is filled with ideas for making life better through science. Meet Waylon: his school’s Most “Scientiest” Kid.

Clementine pennypacker