Common Sense Note
Lots to talk about here, from what makes a great Halloween to what constitutes misbehavior and how adults should control it.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
"Safe and controlled and peaceful and boring" could well describe this book as well. The Herdmans hardly make an actual appearance at all, and most of the book is just a talky lead-up to Halloween. By then the author has built up so much anticipation that the actual event is a big letdown -- tame to the point of being lame.
We get to know the characters so little that many young readers, if they haven't read the first book, may not even realize that the narrator is a girl until well into the story. Virtually nonexistent characterizations, the thinnest of plots, and the mildest of humor make this a sad sequel to the funny and touching Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
From the Book:
It was the principal's idea, but it was the Herdmans' fault, according to my mother.
"Don't blame Mr. Crabtree," she said. "It wasn't Mr. Crabtree who piled eight kids into the revolving door at the bank. It wasn't Mr. Crabtree who put the guppies on the pizza. It was one of the Herdmans, or some of the Herdmans, or all of the Herdmans . . . so if there's no Halloween this year, it's their fault!"
Plot Summary:
The six wild Herdman kids, a destructive force in town at any time, tend to really let loose on Halloween, and the town has had enough. So the Mayor cancels Halloween, and the PTA decides to put on a "safe and controlled and peaceful and boring" celebration at the school. The kids have mixed feelings -- it means no Herdmans, but also no candy, and possibly no fun.
But when the Herdmans get wind of it, and of the town's desire to have a Herdman-free Halloween, they make their own plans.
Related Books:
More About the Herdmans
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Best School Year Ever
More Humorous Holidays
The Dreadful Future of Blossom Culp by Richard Peck
Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld
The True Story of Christmas by Anne Fine
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
 |
|
Violence |
|
|
|
|
Language |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorThe neglected Herdman kids misbehave in a variety of outrageous and creative ways, including stealing and bullying, mostly without consequences. |
 |
|
 |
|
CommercialismMany brand-name candies mentioned. |
|
|
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
|
|
