Gender Blender by Blake Nelson (Delacorte Books for Young Readers 2006)is the PERFECT middle school book. When I booktalk it, it's the one that students ask to borrow (or, keep) the most. Normally, when I booktalk a book, I use my own words (cuz yeah, that's what a booktalk is) but the jacket copy on this book does my job for me, so I'm putting it here word for word:
Emma:
Wants Jeff Matthews to notice her.
Hates sexist boys.
Wonders when she’ll get her period.
Tom:
Must avoid looking like a wuss.
Must deal with his blended family.
Must get a chance with Kelly A.
Then something freaky happens: Emma and Tom switch bodies. And until they can find a remedy:
Emma:
Can’t believe she has a . . . thingie.
Hates mean girls.
Finds out secondhand that her period has arrived.
Tom:
Must learn to put on a bra.
Must deal with an overachieving family.
Must not be alone with Jeff Matthews.
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Seriously, who could resist this book? I cannot tell you how much students giggle when I say "thingie" Yes, Gender Blender IS hilarious, but it also has great heart and empathy. So, Random House, BRING IT BACK!!
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Anyone notice that I again cheated and barely did any of my own writing for this? Just used the jacket copy again (bwa ha ha).
