WMS
Reading Period ___
Name: _________________
Date: __________________
What should go in
paragraph #1?
1. Topic sentence
2. Title of book
(underline/italics)
3. Author
4. Genre
5. Setting (where)
6. Setting (when)
7. Opinion words
What should go in
paragraph #2?
1. Characters &
Character traits
2. Plot & problem
3. Three questions
about the problem
What should go in
paragraph #3?
1. Author’s style
(technique)
2. Themes (author’s
message)
What should go in
paragraph #4?
1. Rating
2. Recommendation
3. Closing (wrap up)
Crash, by Jerry Spinelli, is a hysterically funny realistic fiction
novel. This story takes place in Springfield, Pennsylvania,
during modern times.
This novel is about a middle school student named John
Coogan, otherwise known as Crash. When Crash was in first
grade, Penn Webb, a kind hearted, non-violent Quaker moved
into the neighborhood. While Penn tries to befriend Crash, he
soon is the victim of some of Crash’s early pranks. Eventually
Crash decides to leave Penn alone. But that all changed when
Mike Deluca, a fun loving jock, moved into the neighborhood in
sixth grade. Crash and Mike become instant friends and Penn
is once again an easy target for a “little fun.” How long will Mike
and Crash continue to torment Penn? Will Penn ever stick up
for himself? Will Crash ever feel remorse for the way he treats
Penn? Read this hilarious novel to find out!
Spinelli’s writing is “over the top.” He manages to use
humor to discuss the very real problems middle school kids
encounter every day. This book is filled with clever dialog and
language that kids can relate to. By using clear, short, easy
to read sentences, his themes of family, friendship, materialism
and just plain kindness are portrayed with the middle school
audience in mind.
If you are looking for a funny, non-mushy book about
some of the problems of middle school life, family, and
friendship, Crash is a serious contender; it is definitely on my
top ten list!