Richler, Mordecai. (2009). Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang. Toronto, Ontario: Tundra Books.
Summary:
Jacob Two-Two, too young to do anything, but yearning for more adult responsibility, is finally given an errand to run for his father. Upon asking twice for two pounds of firm red tomatoes, the grocer, Mr. Cooper believes that he is insulting him. Jacob Two-Two runs away from the grocer, only to be immersed in a deep fog. When he awakes he is in a holding cell awaiting trial for mocking the grocer. Since the adults hate children, Jacob Two-Two is sentenced to a Children’s Prison for his crimes. Will Jacob Two-Two be able to escape from the Hooded Fang?
Advisory Information:
-Themes:
a. an unlikely hero realizes his own self worth and rises to the occasion: Jacob Two-Two realizes that he is strong enough to fight for himself and others.
b. staying true to yourself: Jacob Two-Two does not let his surroundings affect what he believes in. He insists upon saying everything twice while in prison.
c. finding the good in people: Jacob Two-Two is able to see the good in the Hooded Fang before the Hooded Fang can see the good in himself.
-Age Recommendation
I think that beginning readers would enjoy this book, so I would recommend it to readers aged 6-9.
-Other Information:
The book was illustrated by Dušan Petričić.
Reaction:
As the youngest of six, I understood how Jacob Two-Two felt. The text has a quirky feel; that for some reason kind of reminded me of Roald Dahl. I think that the idea of a young boy who is able to use his own smarts with the help of others to overthrow what is obviously a miscarriage of justice in the adult world will resonate well with young readers.
Summary:
Jacob Two-Two, too young to do anything, but yearning for more adult responsibility, is finally given an errand to run for his father. Upon asking twice for two pounds of firm red tomatoes, the grocer, Mr. Cooper believes that he is insulting him. Jacob Two-Two runs away from the grocer, only to be immersed in a deep fog. When he awakes he is in a holding cell awaiting trial for mocking the grocer. Since the adults hate children, Jacob Two-Two is sentenced to a Children’s Prison for his crimes. Will Jacob Two-Two be able to escape from the Hooded Fang?
Advisory Information:
-Themes:
a. an unlikely hero realizes his own self worth and rises to the occasion: Jacob Two-Two realizes that he is strong enough to fight for himself and others.
b. staying true to yourself: Jacob Two-Two does not let his surroundings affect what he believes in. He insists upon saying everything twice while in prison.
c. finding the good in people: Jacob Two-Two is able to see the good in the Hooded Fang before the Hooded Fang can see the good in himself.
-Age Recommendation
I think that beginning readers would enjoy this book, so I would recommend it to readers aged 6-9.
-Other Information:
The book was illustrated by Dušan Petričić.
Reaction:
As the youngest of six, I understood how Jacob Two-Two felt. The text has a quirky feel; that for some reason kind of reminded me of Roald Dahl. I think that the idea of a young boy who is able to use his own smarts with the help of others to overthrow what is obviously a miscarriage of justice in the adult world will resonate well with young readers.
