Alex Sparrow and the Really Big Stink

Overview: Alex responds to a pop up add on the computer to purchase a lie detector but it turns out that the catch is he is the human lie detector. Whenever he tells a lie or hears someone lie, his ear lets out a very smelly fart and the bigger the lie, the worse it smells! Armed with this new superpower and having made friends with a girl who has also gained the power to talk to animals, they set out to investigate who is brain washing people into being good at their school. This book is very funny and is sort of a cross between a gross out comedy with fart jokes, and the demon headmaster. The character of Alex is not your standard fodder for a 'hero' in the story as he is not always nice, makes some terrible decisions and definitely loves himself a bit much! However, in a way that is the best thing about his character. He is flawed but more normal. As I read his attitudes and actions in the book I can picture certain pupils being exactly the same! (and they are not the kinds of boys who normally use the library) Therefore I think this book would be a great way in for reluctant readers. HOWEVER: All this said, there was something incongruous about the characters, the setting and the language in the book. I had a dilemma in deciding what age bracket to put this book in as we have a reasonably strict policy regarding swearing in books available and accessible for younger readers. The complexity of the plot and the reading level of this book makes it an accessible read for reluctant readers and thus also younger readers but it does contain a surprising amount of swearing. I couldn't work out the target audience for the story, given the language. If it is aimed at KS2 then there is too much swearing for us to allow it in out library (others may view it differently) but if it is aimed at reluctant lower KS3 readers then why not set it in Y7 rather than a primary school? I would certainly advise parents or primary school teachers to read it before deciding if you want to allow the children to read it. Our school is a church school so that may affect the views of staff. My daughter in y6 read it and was unfazed by the language but did say that her teachers would not necessarily approve. In summary, if the language does not bother you, a great entertaining read that reluctant boys may find engaging and funny.

Suggested Reading Age 9+