The Secret of Ferrell Savage
Silly, fast-moving story of sleds and family secrets.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Secret of Ferrell Savage is a humorous book rooted in a real-life cannibalism story. The true-life historical event is discussed, but the characters don't engage in any cannibalism. That intriguing history is just the backdrop for a story about middle-school crushes, bullies, and finding your own identity.
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What's the Story?
Now that he's 12, Ferrell Savage is finally old enough to compete in the Big Sled Race -- but he's even more interested in making an impression on his longtime friend, Mary Vittles. But a strange new kid named Bruce Littledood shows up at the race, and he has a bone to pick with him over some family history. Ferrell grudgingly goes along with Bruce's demand for a sledding rematch, but only to help Mary keep her family's past a secret.
Is It Any Good?
THE SECRET OF FERRELL SAVAGE is a fast, fun read. The thrills are minor -- readers will come very close to figuring out the big secret long before Ferrell does, but they'll enjoy the journey. The sledding scenes are highlights. The best parts, however, are Ferrell's sweet and awkward feelings for Mary.
The story is a little self-consciously silly: When Ferrell does online research, he confuses "cannibal" with "cannonball." And author J. Duddy Gill gets goofy with all the characters' names: There's Bruce Littledood, Ms. Goodkind, and Ms. Bland, for example, and of course Ferrell Savage. Despite some rough patches, this slim novel's an entertaining read and a promising debut for Gill.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what traits in their family seem to be passed down through generations. How does your family's history influence your life today?
Why do you think books set in middle school are so popular these days?
Does the crush in The Secret of Ferrell Savage ring true? What other books have you read that deal with middle school crushes?
Book Details
- Author: J. Duddy Gill
- Genre: Humor
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Atheneum
- Publication date: February 4, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 176
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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