Roxie and the Hooligans » (Reprint)

Lord Thistlebottom's Book of Pitfalls and How to Survive Them has taught Roxie Warbler how to handle all sorts of situations. If Roxie's ever lost in the desert, or buried in an avalanche, or caught in a dust storm, she knows just what to do. But Lord Thistlebottom has no advice to help Roxie deal with Helvetia's Hooligans, the meanest band of bullies in school.

Then Roxie finds herself stranded on a deserted island with not only the Hooligans but also a pair of crooks on the lam, and her survival skills may just save the day -- and turn the Hooligans into surprising allies.

Children's Literature

In this fanciful romp, nine-year-old Roxie and her large ears bear the brunt of teasing in her small New England town. The rough Hooligans, under the leadership of Helvitia Hagus, catch Roxie, no matter how early to or late from school she goes. One day when Roxie, followed by her pursuers, jumps into a dumpster full of school garbage, they are tossed into the ocean but are able to make it to an island. But alas, the island also houses two thieves who make it tough for the Hooligans. But not for Roxie. Using rules from her beloved Uncle Dangerfoot's survival book, Roxie summons moxie and good old-fashioned courage. With smart moves and quick wit, she not only outfoxes the thieves and summons her uncle, but also wins the respect of the Hooligans. This spoof-of-adventure tale, set in a seemingly Victorian time when garbage is dumped in the ocean, also features several humorously anachronistic modern details, such as plastic water bottles. Boigner's pencil illustrations reflect the humor nicely. Clueless parents and teachers are helpfully on the sidelines while Roxie solves her own problems. Young readers will take note: use your noggin, do not panic, and do something!