Beware the Ninja Weenies and Other Warped and Creepy Tales by David Lubar
Tom Doherty Associates, 2012
Format: Book
Rating: 4
Genre: Horror, Short Story
What did you like about the book?
This is the sixth “Weenies” book featuring David Lubar’s unique brand of quirky short stories. The thirty-two stories vary in length from two pages to six. Though there is not an overriding theme, in Lubar’s hands bullies and children who are vain or selfish tend to come to a bad end, extreme curiosity can be dangerous or even fatal, and true friendship is rewarded. Aliens feature in several tales, including one in which chipmunks turn out to secretly be the smartest species on earth. Video games also appear frequently, with one story told from the viewpoint of the knight fighting the battles within the game and another in which a boy is so preoccupied with his game that he doesn’t notice aliens are attacking his neighborhood. In the end pages, Lubar includes two useful sections: a Reader’s Guide with activities and discussion questions and “A Word or Two About the Stories” where he reveals the source of his ideas for each story.
What didn’t you like about the book?
To whom would you recommend this book? (Read-alikes if you can think of them)
I would recommend this to young people, especially boys, age nine to twelve, who like to read ironic and/or mildly scary stories.
For readalikes, see the five previous “Weenies” books by David Lubar as well as the Dare to be Scared books by Robert San Souci.
Who should buy this book?
Middle schools and public libraries, especially any libraries where the previous “Weenies” books are popular.
Where would you shelve it and why?
Shelve with your other Short Stories.
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles?
Not necessary, but it’s good to be aware that it exists.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City:
Mary Melaugh, Marshall Middle School Library, Billerica, MA
Date of review: 7/25/12
