The Wrecker

by David Skinner

Theo, the boy genius, enlists Michael, the new kid, as his ally in a secret plan to "wreck" the bully of the eighth grade once and for all

Genres: Young Adult

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

About the author

Unlike the characters in his stories, David Skinner is strikingly human and, according to some people, quite likable. He currently lives in the badlands of suburban Colorado Springs with his wife, Jenn, and his pug, award-winning snuggler and chewer-of-things-that-are-not-his, Howie. “The Antichrist of Kokomo County” is Skinner’s debut novel.

Reviews

[Robbie Quattrocchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! The fantasies it helped me create got me through 5th grade and the tortures I had to endure. I would recommend it to anyone who is harassed in school.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"We wanted to wreck Jeffrey Pratt - shatter his mind. Burst his soul."

At the junkyard, pieces of junk call out to Theo. Theo collects all the pieces he needs and then takes them home to create his mechanical inventions. His inventions include a spider that can tie shoes, a dancing box, even a bird that makes water out of air. But now he's about to try his biggest invention. He wants to create a machine that will wreck a bully named Jeffrey Pratt. Theo recruits Michael to be his partner in this endeavor and although Theo is a bit strange, Michael agrees to help, especially after he witnesses Jeffrey Pratt in action.

[Zeb Hermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most memorable books from my childhood. Very strange.

[Christiane · Rating 3 out of 5]

New boy in school, Michael, just hopes to make a friend and avoid bullies. Instead he is chosen by outcast genius Theo to be his "ally" in a plot to destroy school bully Jeffrey Pratt. This is a short, odd story, mostly realistic but with fantastical elements. Theo builds mechanical creations from the junkyard, things like a spider that ties shoelaces and a flying bird. When Theo and Michael decide to build a machine to "wreck" Jeffrey Pratt it's hard to know how much is real and how much is pretend. Written in 1995, this reminds me somewhat of David Almond in style and tone. I liked it but am not sure who I'd recommend it too.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember really liking this book.

[Maggie Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, can't wait to read the others in this series. Much better than many of Cussler's books. Rich with historical detail, fast paced.

[John Sever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weirdest Creepiest book ever!!!!! I liked it!