Boy Bites Bug

Seventh-grader Will Nolan's attempt to defuse a tense situation leads him to eat a live stinkbug, earning him the nickname "Bug Boy." As he delves into the world of entomophagy (eating insects) for a class project, Will navigates the complexities of middle school friendships, particularly with his best friend Darryl and new student Eloy Herrera. The story addresses themes of loyalty, prejudice, and self-discovery as Will learns valuable lessons about acceptance and standing up for what's right.​

Recommendation: This engaging novel is recommended for readers aged 8–12 who enjoy stories about friendship dynamics, personal growth, and cultural exploration. Rebecca Petruck combines humor with meaningful themes, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences.​

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers interested in contemporary realistic fiction​
• Educators and parents seeking books that address cultural sensitivity and personal development​
• Readers curious about unique topics like entomophagy​

Similar Reads:

• Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan​
• The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty​
• Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling​

Stylistic Features:

• Third-person narrative focusing on Will's perspective​
• Blend of humor and serious themes​
• Incorporation of factual information about entomophagy

Content Warnings: The novel addresses issues of prejudice and contains instances of racial slurs, which are presented to highlight and challenge discriminatory behavior.