Parents' Guide to

Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom

By Mary Eisenhart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Funny diary of an 8-year-old worry wart braving summer camp.

Book Rachel Vail Humor 2012
Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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What's the Story?

Justin Krzeszewski, whose third-grade adventures and worrying ways were the subject of Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters, returns in this sequel: JUSTIN CASE; SHELLS, SMELLS, AND THE HORRIBLE FLIP-FLOPS OF DOOM, in which he's trying to survive the following summer. It's harder than usual because instead of going to science camp, he's determined to go to regular camp with the "runny-aroundy kids" -- inspired by his father's quotation of Goethe that if he's brave, mighty forces will come to his aid. Only he's a terrible athlete, flip-flops hurt his feet, the counselors are mean, and some of his "friends" are more like bullies. For a kid who's still worrying about protecting his stuffed animals from monsters in the night, it's a lot to deal with.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Many kids (as well as adults) will relate to Justin's fears, and will enjoy the mix of irony, fretfulness, and occasional brilliance with which he confronts them. Author Rachel Vail has a well-deserved reputation for not having forgotten what it feels like to be a kid, and in particular for understanding the kinds of things kids actually worry about, whether they make any sense to adults or not. And Matthew Cordell's funny line drawings add to the fun.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Justin's parents had such different reactions to learning about the Knuckles game -- his mom was furious and his dad just thought it was normal boyhood fun.

  • Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom is meant to be a funny book. Do you think it works? Do the line drawings add to the humor?

  • Do you think Justin worries too much? Do you think he's trying not to worry so much?

Book Details

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