Dweeb: Burgers, Beasts, and Brainwashed Bullies
What’s inside...
A smart and funny tale of perseverance, teamwork, and the true meaning of success. Strange things are happening at Ho-Ho-Kus Junior High. The cafeteria is covered in a sea of burger wrappers. Bullies aren't bullying anymore. And there's an eerie growling coming from the walls. If anyone can get to the bottom of these mysteries, it's Denton, Wendell, Eddie, Elijah, and Bijay. They may be misfits, but they're also the smartest kids in the eighth grade. There's just one problem. Vice Principal Snodgrass has framed them for a crime they didn't commit and imprisoned them in a secret room in the bowels of the school. His terms: Ace the dreaded Idaho Tests and all will be forgiven. Their plan: figure out who—or what—is to blame for the changes at school. It will take the nerdiest of skills. It will be scarier than talking to girls. It will be a true test, one that can be passed only by a select few. And those five boys are known as DWEEB.
Age
9-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character learned by the end of the story? How do you feel about their choices?
How did the characters' friendships change throughout the book? What can this teach us about handling our own relationships?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's situation?
How do the themes of teamwork and courage show up in the story, and why are they important in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your favorite part of the book and ask your child about theirs. This can open up a natural discussion about the characters and plot.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. For example, ask if they have ever faced a similar challenge as the characters and how they handled it.
Discuss the decisions made by characters in the book and explore together whether there were any alternative choices that could have been made. This helps develop critical thinking.
Use the themes of the book, such as courage and teamwork, as a starting point to talk about the importance of these values in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'Dweeb: Burgers, Beasts, and Brainwashed Bullies', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others, especially those who are different from him.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate towards their peers' feelings and learning to support friends who may be going through tough times.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the main character overcomes fear to confront bullies and stand up for what is right, showing bravery and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or standing up against unfair treatment in their environment.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist succeeds by working together with friends to solve problems, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children learn that teamwork can lead to achieving goals that might seem impossible alone, fostering cooperative skills in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The characters frequently question actions and motives, stressing the importance of thinking critically and not accepting things at face value.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to analyze situations in their daily lives, encouraging them to make informed decisions and ask questions when confused or curious.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book portrays how characters adapt and persevere through challenges, teaching the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to maintain their efforts and strive for success, even when faced with academic or personal challenges.