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Karmack
When a comic little creature enters the life of an elementary school bully, the boy's pranks start coming back to him like boomerangs. And as this boy's payback continues, he's forced to evaluate and change his behavior. When he finally does, both he and the reader learn the difference between bully behavior and true leadership. Karmack is a whimsical yet thought-provoking story for children ages 8 to 12. Elementary school teachers should find this a good read-aloud as well.
- GenresChildrensMiddle Grade
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2013
1 person is currently reading
915 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Whyte
3 books280 followersJ.C. Whyte discovered her love for writing at the age of eleven when her 6th grade teacher told the class to write a poem about a sport. She knew her classmates would probably choose a popular sport like baseball or football, so J.C. chose to write a funny poem about golf. To her surprise, the teacher really loved it and encouraged J.C. to continue writing. So she did.
Then that summer, students were told to choose 26 books from a reading list, read them and write a book report on each. BLAH! J.C. wanted to enjoy her summer, not spend it reading. Back then, she was a very slow reader and didn’t much enjoy the experience. Plus, kids didn’t have the fun books which are available today. But her wise teacher told J.C. she could write 26 stories instead of reading them. That was genius. J.C. didn’t actually write a full 26 stories, but she wrote at least one which made her teacher laugh out loud in class. And the teacher gave her an “A” on her summer reading assignment. J.C. never forgot that wise and wonderful teacher who let the budding author play to her strengths.
So as a result, J.C. knew at an early age she wanted to become a professional writer. Yet when she reached college, she also understood that writing stories seldom paid the bills. So she got her degrees in Journalism and Communications Management. Then for many years she channeled her creative energies into the field of Public Relations.
Marriage, kids, and several more degrees and occupations later (including stints as a travel agent and paralegal), J.C. entered law school – mostly because of the challenge of writing creative arguments for the court. But while in law school, she became a columnist for the student newsletter, writing humorous pieces on the strange and quirky life of a law student. She was thrilled when one of these articles was chosen for publication in The National Jurist, a magazine distributed to law students throughout the USA.
But after graduating and passing the Bar, J.C. realized within a few years that creative writing was still what made her heart sing. So now, as a grandma, she’s returned to writing for children. And with the publication of Karmack, J.C. has come full circle, back to where her writing journey truly began.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 28, 2014
In short, Karmack is a brilliant story. I can say, in all honesty, that I have not read a book like this one before. This book is written from the perspective of a bully and the transformation of the main character from a mean-spirited bully to a strong leader is incredibly well done. I just love this book for so many different reasons!
One of the things I appreciate is the way bullying is described and discussed. Chapter 1 dives into the story with the three bullies chasing after a “squealer” (i.e., someone who “told” on Sully). When Sully finally catches up to him, he pins him to the ground, but leaves him unharmed, “just knowing he scared the living daylights out of the kid was enough for Sully.” There are many different types of bullying described in the story including intimidation, playing pranks, insults, and physical acts of violence. Karmack also explains what bullying is and why it is wrong. Karmack makes it very clear, for example, that a trick or prank still hurts even if you don’t intend to cause harm. What is more important to consider are the consequences of your actions, regardless of your intentions. Agreed!
One thing that is particularly interesting is Sully’s explanation for his bullying. He describes how everybody looks up to him and that he has a reputation to uphold as “the Big Cheese”. He has come to believe that this is done through bullying, but both Karmack and his teacher point out that he, in fact, can become a respected leader by using different methods. I love this reframing of “bullying” as “leadership” and I have heard this argument before. So, essentially when there is a child at school who engages in bullying behaviour, this child can be encouraged to build on those same personality traits and lead by good example instead.
The author has clearly spent a great deal of time thinking through what the transformation of a bully into a positive role model would look like. It is clear from the start that Sully is perceived as a “leader”, but he rules through fear. But, as he learns about his fate and the fate of his friends if he continues to hurt the people around him, he attempts to control Karmack (literally tying him up!). He then begins to show concern for and try to protect his friends Breeze and Gonzo when he learns that one more negative act will topple their skyscrapers (i.e., their bad deeds will catch up with them and cause a very negative consequence). By the end of the book, he selflessly takes the blame for something he didn’t do so that all of his friends can go on a field trip. Is this realistic? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s hopeful – and I like THAT!
When the character of Karmack is introduced, we learn that he is a “karmic balancer” for the three boys. Karmack is a very interesting character as he is portrayed as very “child-like” in his appearance (i.e., his short stature) and his speech (i.e., he speaks like a toddler). I think this allowed the author to simplify the messages in the book about “karma”. So, essentially, if any of the boys do something bad, Karmack does something similar back to them. I loved how the character of Karmack was framed as a very compassionate being – he was truly concerned about his charges and often felt sad and worried that he would not be able to balance them before their skyscraper falls over. By the way, he couldn’t…
A word about karma… I have always taught my children about the concept of karma using the actual word. I imagine that there may be some parents (or some people in general) that do not believe in karma. I have a bit of a bias, because I agree wholeheartedly with much of what is said about karma in the book. I also thought it was genius to include an Indian school girl who could add to the discussion of karma. I do want to encourage people to not overlook the book if they don’t believe in karma because I think the discussions of how our actions hurt other people are valid regardless of what you believe in and this is the main lesson that Sully learns in the book.
My Bottom Line:
Karmack is a well-written, middle grade book tackling the difficult topic of bullying from the perspective of the bully. The character development is absolutely brilliant as the reader witnesses the transformation of Sully from an aggressive, angry bully to a positive role model and respected leader among his peers. While the concept of karma is not for everyone, I found myself agreeing with the main message of how our actions have consequences, intended or otherwise. I would recommend this book to middle grade classrooms as a great book to generate discussion around bullying. Ages 7+
* I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
One of the things I appreciate is the way bullying is described and discussed. Chapter 1 dives into the story with the three bullies chasing after a “squealer” (i.e., someone who “told” on Sully). When Sully finally catches up to him, he pins him to the ground, but leaves him unharmed, “just knowing he scared the living daylights out of the kid was enough for Sully.” There are many different types of bullying described in the story including intimidation, playing pranks, insults, and physical acts of violence. Karmack also explains what bullying is and why it is wrong. Karmack makes it very clear, for example, that a trick or prank still hurts even if you don’t intend to cause harm. What is more important to consider are the consequences of your actions, regardless of your intentions. Agreed!
One thing that is particularly interesting is Sully’s explanation for his bullying. He describes how everybody looks up to him and that he has a reputation to uphold as “the Big Cheese”. He has come to believe that this is done through bullying, but both Karmack and his teacher point out that he, in fact, can become a respected leader by using different methods. I love this reframing of “bullying” as “leadership” and I have heard this argument before. So, essentially when there is a child at school who engages in bullying behaviour, this child can be encouraged to build on those same personality traits and lead by good example instead.
The author has clearly spent a great deal of time thinking through what the transformation of a bully into a positive role model would look like. It is clear from the start that Sully is perceived as a “leader”, but he rules through fear. But, as he learns about his fate and the fate of his friends if he continues to hurt the people around him, he attempts to control Karmack (literally tying him up!). He then begins to show concern for and try to protect his friends Breeze and Gonzo when he learns that one more negative act will topple their skyscrapers (i.e., their bad deeds will catch up with them and cause a very negative consequence). By the end of the book, he selflessly takes the blame for something he didn’t do so that all of his friends can go on a field trip. Is this realistic? Maybe, maybe not, but it’s hopeful – and I like THAT!
When the character of Karmack is introduced, we learn that he is a “karmic balancer” for the three boys. Karmack is a very interesting character as he is portrayed as very “child-like” in his appearance (i.e., his short stature) and his speech (i.e., he speaks like a toddler). I think this allowed the author to simplify the messages in the book about “karma”. So, essentially, if any of the boys do something bad, Karmack does something similar back to them. I loved how the character of Karmack was framed as a very compassionate being – he was truly concerned about his charges and often felt sad and worried that he would not be able to balance them before their skyscraper falls over. By the way, he couldn’t…
A word about karma… I have always taught my children about the concept of karma using the actual word. I imagine that there may be some parents (or some people in general) that do not believe in karma. I have a bit of a bias, because I agree wholeheartedly with much of what is said about karma in the book. I also thought it was genius to include an Indian school girl who could add to the discussion of karma. I do want to encourage people to not overlook the book if they don’t believe in karma because I think the discussions of how our actions hurt other people are valid regardless of what you believe in and this is the main lesson that Sully learns in the book.
My Bottom Line:
Karmack is a well-written, middle grade book tackling the difficult topic of bullying from the perspective of the bully. The character development is absolutely brilliant as the reader witnesses the transformation of Sully from an aggressive, angry bully to a positive role model and respected leader among his peers. While the concept of karma is not for everyone, I found myself agreeing with the main message of how our actions have consequences, intended or otherwise. I would recommend this book to middle grade classrooms as a great book to generate discussion around bullying. Ages 7+
* I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 18, 2015
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Sully is the leader of a group of bullies that include his friends Gonzo and Breeze. While chasing down a kid from music class who had the audacity to squeal on him, he sees something on the bank building roof just before a pile of snow buries Gonzo. The next day at school everyone is laughing at Gonzo and what happened. When Breeze targets the new girl in the school cafeteria things once again go bad. Sully sees the same creature who dropped the snow on Gonzo, trip his friend Breeze.
The creature’s name is Karmack and it is his job to stop Sully and his friend from bullying. There will be terrible consequences if they don’t stop. It is his job to make Sully understand that the pranks he plays are another form of bullying. The author touches on several different types of bullying. I thought the things that happened to Sully and his gang to be very funny. I also thought it great that the only one who could see Karmack was Sully.
This is such a rewarding book. Instead of seeing the bully punished for what he has done, or getting his just desserts, we find a different take on this story. The bully is actually encouraged to be a positive leader and role model instead of leading people into bullying and intimidating others. I do think this would be a great book to put on my shelves. Any time you can find a book that touches on the topic of bullying and shows the importance of stopping bullying is enough of a reason to put the book on your shelves. I would definitely read more from this author.
Sully is the leader of a group of bullies that include his friends Gonzo and Breeze. While chasing down a kid from music class who had the audacity to squeal on him, he sees something on the bank building roof just before a pile of snow buries Gonzo. The next day at school everyone is laughing at Gonzo and what happened. When Breeze targets the new girl in the school cafeteria things once again go bad. Sully sees the same creature who dropped the snow on Gonzo, trip his friend Breeze.
The creature’s name is Karmack and it is his job to stop Sully and his friend from bullying. There will be terrible consequences if they don’t stop. It is his job to make Sully understand that the pranks he plays are another form of bullying. The author touches on several different types of bullying. I thought the things that happened to Sully and his gang to be very funny. I also thought it great that the only one who could see Karmack was Sully.
This is such a rewarding book. Instead of seeing the bully punished for what he has done, or getting his just desserts, we find a different take on this story. The bully is actually encouraged to be a positive leader and role model instead of leading people into bullying and intimidating others. I do think this would be a great book to put on my shelves. Any time you can find a book that touches on the topic of bullying and shows the importance of stopping bullying is enough of a reason to put the book on your shelves. I would definitely read more from this author.
August 27, 2013
I want a Karmack! Or maybe not. Well, only if it wouldn't be too painful.
The story is about bullies, a bully named Sully. Usually, I'm not too fond of bullies, but Sully's logic (or lack thereof) had me and my kids laughing. Plus, with Karmack around, Sully definitely gets what's coming to him. . .*cough* I mean, his balance was maintained.
This was a fun story, which actually caught my interest more than I thought it would during the first pages. Yep, I found it a little difficult to get into the characters at first. Some of that has to simply do with the fact that the main charaters are bullies--it's hard to 'feel' for a bully--and some of it had to do with the writing. I wasn't really connecting to it. So, I pulled in my intended audience troops and asked them. They were a tiny bit confused by one of the side-characters in the beginning - the Squealer. But after short explanation and a couple of small rough spots, we were all enjoying the story.
Karmack is a lovable character. He's clever and small and hard to get a hold of and knows exactly what he's doing. My kids were peeking in the bushes later to see if they could find Karmack somewhere around our house too.
The story is about bullies, a bully named Sully. Usually, I'm not too fond of bullies, but Sully's logic (or lack thereof) had me and my kids laughing. Plus, with Karmack around, Sully definitely gets what's coming to him. . .*cough* I mean, his balance was maintained.
This was a fun story, which actually caught my interest more than I thought it would during the first pages. Yep, I found it a little difficult to get into the characters at first. Some of that has to simply do with the fact that the main charaters are bullies--it's hard to 'feel' for a bully--and some of it had to do with the writing. I wasn't really connecting to it. So, I pulled in my intended audience troops and asked them. They were a tiny bit confused by one of the side-characters in the beginning - the Squealer. But after short explanation and a couple of small rough spots, we were all enjoying the story.
Karmack is a lovable character. He's clever and small and hard to get a hold of and knows exactly what he's doing. My kids were peeking in the bushes later to see if they could find Karmack somewhere around our house too.
September 1, 2013
Ladybug Lin here again and boy howdy are my wings flapping! OMG
What an UNEXPECTED DELIGHT this book is! From the very beginning I fell head-over-heels in THRILL with this book.
Who wouldn't?
I mean SERIOUSLY! Anyone who's ever been the recipient of a bully's cruelty will LOVE this book and the way Ms. J.C. Whyte's creative mind turns the tables.
KARMACK is a book I truly wish had been available when I was still actively teaching in the classroom...I can guarantee it would have held a prominent place in my yearly lesson planning...Yep... it really IS that good...AND that inspiring.
Ms. Whyte teaches the value of growing beyond bullying through her ingenious reworking of the concepts of Karma and consequences. This is one the the BEST Middle Grade/Tween books I have read...maybe in...well FOREVER!
Five stars just doesn't seem enough for the value this book offers, (Ten seems closer) but what I am forced to limit my praise to what is allowed...So, I, Ladybug Lin, with great reluctance, am forced to award KARMACK
ONLY FIVE STARS...while also pleading with Ms. Whyte to KEEP 'EM COMING! You're a Beacon for the future of our youth readers!
What an UNEXPECTED DELIGHT this book is! From the very beginning I fell head-over-heels in THRILL with this book.
Who wouldn't?
I mean SERIOUSLY! Anyone who's ever been the recipient of a bully's cruelty will LOVE this book and the way Ms. J.C. Whyte's creative mind turns the tables.
KARMACK is a book I truly wish had been available when I was still actively teaching in the classroom...I can guarantee it would have held a prominent place in my yearly lesson planning...Yep... it really IS that good...AND that inspiring.
Ms. Whyte teaches the value of growing beyond bullying through her ingenious reworking of the concepts of Karma and consequences. This is one the the BEST Middle Grade/Tween books I have read...maybe in...well FOREVER!
Five stars just doesn't seem enough for the value this book offers, (Ten seems closer) but what I am forced to limit my praise to what is allowed...So, I, Ladybug Lin, with great reluctance, am forced to award KARMACK
ONLY FIVE STARS...while also pleading with Ms. Whyte to KEEP 'EM COMING! You're a Beacon for the future of our youth readers!
July 7, 2013
This is a fresh and very imaginative way to tell a bullying story from the bully's perspective. I enjoyed it very much and think kids will too--the pace is just perfect, the story isn't too long and it has a great message. Sully learns through the creature Karmack that whatever he does has consequences, and gradually, throughout the story, the boy becomes a little older and wiser, and starts to channel his bullying tendencies in a better direction.
Creating a story with a moral that doesn't sound preachy is hard, and J.C. Whyte does this incredibly well. Kids will get this story and will learn something from it, but will have lots of fun along the way. I strongly suggest this book to parents with kids, to kids in general, and to anyone who wants to read a good story.
Nik's Picks Book Reviews
www.nikki-bennett.com
(The author provided a free book for an honest review.)
Creating a story with a moral that doesn't sound preachy is hard, and J.C. Whyte does this incredibly well. Kids will get this story and will learn something from it, but will have lots of fun along the way. I strongly suggest this book to parents with kids, to kids in general, and to anyone who wants to read a good story.
Nik's Picks Book Reviews
www.nikki-bennett.com
(The author provided a free book for an honest review.)
September 19, 2013
What an AMAZINGLY FUN story!
EVERYONE needs to read it!
Full of FUN, FANTASY, and FANTASTIC REVENGE on a bully!
Fun for ALL ages!
What would bullies do if every prank they pulled came around like a boomerang?
That is exactly what happens to Sully and his gang.
If they hit someone in the face then something ends up hitting them in their face.
If they make someone's lunch tray drop and splatter then something happens and their lunch tray drops from their hands and splatters all over them.
WHO or WHAT could be causing all of this?
It is "the one" who has been sent to "restore balance" before something dreadfully awful happens...And his name is KARMACK!
LOVED this story!
WOW!
Remember ~
What goes around, comes around...
Make it GOOD and SHARE this BOOK!
EVERYONE needs to read it!
Full of FUN, FANTASY, and FANTASTIC REVENGE on a bully!
Fun for ALL ages!
What would bullies do if every prank they pulled came around like a boomerang?
That is exactly what happens to Sully and his gang.
If they hit someone in the face then something ends up hitting them in their face.
If they make someone's lunch tray drop and splatter then something happens and their lunch tray drops from their hands and splatters all over them.
WHO or WHAT could be causing all of this?
It is "the one" who has been sent to "restore balance" before something dreadfully awful happens...And his name is KARMACK!
LOVED this story!
WOW!
Remember ~
What goes around, comes around...
Make it GOOD and SHARE this BOOK!
October 16, 2013
“Karmack” is an amusing middle-grade story about a bully who learns a valuable lesson about what it truly means to be a leader. Author, Whyte, creates a very likeable character in Karmack. His dialogue is funny and kids will enjoy reading about the creative ways he “balances” the “bad tricks” the bullies pull on their classmates. This story has a quick pace that will keep young readers interested until the very end. I highly recommend it for readers ages 8-12.
October 21, 2013
4.5 stars****
Sully is in 5th grade and proud to have earned his reputation as a tough guy and the leader of a group of bullies. He figures that next year, he will be in middle school and at the bottom of the tough guy ladder, so he needs to make the most of it while he can.
As he pulls his "pranks" he begins to notice a short little guy with a big nose. No one else can see the creature, so he must hunt him down and find out what is going on. He notices that each time he bullies someone, the little guy gives him back what he gives in a larger measure.
He names the creature Karmack. Karmack was created by the universe to restore balance when it is out of whack. In Sully and his friends case, they have done so many negative things, that if Karmack doesn't help them restore balance, nature will. Nature will be tougher on them than Karmack will.
Sully begins to see the error of his ways and realize that when he does good things, he is rewarded. It is a steep learning curve for him, and it is fun to see the mischief he and his friends cause that is returned to them.
This is a great anti-bullying book. I highly recommend it. It is fun to read and has a wonderful message.
Sully is in 5th grade and proud to have earned his reputation as a tough guy and the leader of a group of bullies. He figures that next year, he will be in middle school and at the bottom of the tough guy ladder, so he needs to make the most of it while he can.
As he pulls his "pranks" he begins to notice a short little guy with a big nose. No one else can see the creature, so he must hunt him down and find out what is going on. He notices that each time he bullies someone, the little guy gives him back what he gives in a larger measure.
He names the creature Karmack. Karmack was created by the universe to restore balance when it is out of whack. In Sully and his friends case, they have done so many negative things, that if Karmack doesn't help them restore balance, nature will. Nature will be tougher on them than Karmack will.
Sully begins to see the error of his ways and realize that when he does good things, he is rewarded. It is a steep learning curve for him, and it is fun to see the mischief he and his friends cause that is returned to them.
This is a great anti-bullying book. I highly recommend it. It is fun to read and has a wonderful message.
May 25, 2014
Sully is the Big Cheese in his middle school and he does not take his job lightly. He leads his band of miscreants in a barrage of pranks they consider funny and harmless, though their classmates would not agree. Sully sees his fellow students as "wanna-be's" unable to be as cool as he and his gang. He feels they see no fun in his pranks because they're jealous of him and his status.
That is until Karmack is forced to do his job. Karmack balances the world, he does what the universe tells him to, and when he gets the message that Sully and his gang need to be balanced before their Karma comes crashing down on them in a pile of destruction, he goes about the task full force.
In attempt to save Sully and his friends, Karmack is spotted by Sully who quickly captures him and asks him to stop. Sully tries every trick in the book to get Karmack to stop picking on him and his friends, not liking the taste of his own medicine.
Karmack is an adorable tale that anyone who has ever been bullied will enjoy and wish the little guy had been around to teach their bullies a lesson. This is a good, quick read with a good message and let's hope Karmack is out there somewhere showing the worlds bullies they're not so tough.
That is until Karmack is forced to do his job. Karmack balances the world, he does what the universe tells him to, and when he gets the message that Sully and his gang need to be balanced before their Karma comes crashing down on them in a pile of destruction, he goes about the task full force.
In attempt to save Sully and his friends, Karmack is spotted by Sully who quickly captures him and asks him to stop. Sully tries every trick in the book to get Karmack to stop picking on him and his friends, not liking the taste of his own medicine.
Karmack is an adorable tale that anyone who has ever been bullied will enjoy and wish the little guy had been around to teach their bullies a lesson. This is a good, quick read with a good message and let's hope Karmack is out there somewhere showing the worlds bullies they're not so tough.
January 18, 2016
A young group of boys bully kids at school. Suddenly the boys start to get injured after bullying a kid. The leader of the group, Sully, notices a little gnome like creature appearing when their bullying rubber banded back to them. Sully tries to make a deal with the nature spirit, Karmack, not understanding that what they were doing hurts others and Karmack was balancing good and bad to be even.
Excellent way to explain laws of karma to children. I think it was a great idea to have the bully as the main character. Stories like this are usually written with the kid who is getting bullied not the one dealing it out. It a refreshing change.
I could see the character Karmack getting a series of books. Since Karmack is a nature spirit we could see his family and friends. If there is spirit that balances his people when or if they do something bad. You could pretty much go anywhere with a fantasy character like Karmack.
Excellent way to explain laws of karma to children. I think it was a great idea to have the bully as the main character. Stories like this are usually written with the kid who is getting bullied not the one dealing it out. It a refreshing change.
I could see the character Karmack getting a series of books. Since Karmack is a nature spirit we could see his family and friends. If there is spirit that balances his people when or if they do something bad. You could pretty much go anywhere with a fantasy character like Karmack.
May 22, 2015
As a 40 year old women I usually do not read these type of books, however I am always trying to encourage my nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren to read. I entered the contest because not only was I given the opportunity to read this amazing book, but to also give it to my nephew when I was finished. I was also given another copy to donate to my granddaughters school.
This book is amazing and a great book for all kids. It is directed at the late elementary age heading into middle school when the times are hardest for most. It keeps the reader going. It has a wonderful messages about growing up bullying, changes in friendships, and behavior without "preaching the importance"".
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to win such a great book on Good Reads First Reads. I will definitely be picking up other books by this author for the kiddos!!!
This book is amazing and a great book for all kids. It is directed at the late elementary age heading into middle school when the times are hardest for most. It keeps the reader going. It has a wonderful messages about growing up bullying, changes in friendships, and behavior without "preaching the importance"".
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to win such a great book on Good Reads First Reads. I will definitely be picking up other books by this author for the kiddos!!!
July 4, 2018
I received this book from a Giveaway here on Goodreads. I was sent two copies and one of the copies went to Propel East Elementary as requested by the author. I read the book for myself and though that it was a very good book . I liked the story and the short chapters. I think it will be a good read for students and I think they will get a lot out of it. The rewards and punishments of actions is well illustrated. I will review this book again after I read it with my 8 year old and we will tell you what he thought. I believe it will give him something to think about. Thank you J. C. Whyte.
December 17, 2014
Perfect for classroom read-alouds, a fifth grade bully learns how to transform from a tough guy to an effective leader through a series of comic reversals.
First Place winner of the 2014 Purple Dragonfly award for chapter ebooks, and silver award winner in pre-teen fantasy in the 2014 Literary Classics International Book Awards.
July 4, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommended read for 5th grade boys in particular. Bully boys can discover their better natures with a little help from a karmic balancer! Lots of action, and short enough to keep attention from wandering.
November 9, 2013
A fun read with important lessons for us all about Karma, and why bullies have more to balance than most people. Great for ages 9 up, child centered, non-preachy, action packed, great classroom read aloud.
July 8, 2015
Sully is the ringleader, The Big Cheese. There’s none bigger, and he has the whole fifth grade living in fear of his wrath. One wrong look, and you get clobbered.
That is, until one day Sully and his gang are chasing down the squealer. They manage to corner him in the alley at the bank, and just as one of his gang is going in for the clobber, a bunch of snow falls off the roof and hits him. HARD. Sully looks up and sees this…creature.
As the days go on, Sully continues to see this creature around town and at school. Sully isn’t sure why he is the only one who is able to see the little guy, but he is out for blood.
Karmack is quite nimble and so fast most don’t see him. It’s very rare for anyone to see him, but he’s been sent to balance the karma in Sully’s life…and those of his gang. Their skyscraper of bad tricks is getting to tall and it’s about to come crashing down. That’s Karmack’s job.
Sully goes back and forth with Karmack, and tries to convince Karmack that his behaviors and actions are just practical jokes on others. That’s what Sully keeps telling himself, but Karmack is still the karmic balancer and does his job.
The dialogue between Sully and Karmack is quite humorous, and Karmack warns Sully that one of his friends’ skyscrapers is about to fall. Being a good friend, Sully does everything he can to stop his friends from doing bad things, but eventually the skyscraper comes falling down. Sully knows there is a way to cheat his own skyscraper down, and he’s trying to figure out how to do that.
Even though Sully is turning himself around, maturing, and keeping his nose clean, when a mustache appears on a sentimental photo in his teacher’s drawer and halts the fifth grade field trip, everyone thinks it’s Sully whose done it…and for revenge. Sully makes a choice that changes his fate and his karma.
Sully goes through a lot of personal growth throughout his fifth grade year. He discovers it’s not always fun and games when you’re bullying others. He also discovers the power of love and attraction. He doesn’t know why he likes this one particular girl, but she always makes him smile and do good things.
This is a great book to read for younger, elementary-aged children. It is interesting to see the turn-around in Sully throughout the year, and how he tries to help others and cheat down his own skyscraper by doing good things.
That is, until one day Sully and his gang are chasing down the squealer. They manage to corner him in the alley at the bank, and just as one of his gang is going in for the clobber, a bunch of snow falls off the roof and hits him. HARD. Sully looks up and sees this…creature.
As the days go on, Sully continues to see this creature around town and at school. Sully isn’t sure why he is the only one who is able to see the little guy, but he is out for blood.
Karmack is quite nimble and so fast most don’t see him. It’s very rare for anyone to see him, but he’s been sent to balance the karma in Sully’s life…and those of his gang. Their skyscraper of bad tricks is getting to tall and it’s about to come crashing down. That’s Karmack’s job.
Sully goes back and forth with Karmack, and tries to convince Karmack that his behaviors and actions are just practical jokes on others. That’s what Sully keeps telling himself, but Karmack is still the karmic balancer and does his job.
The dialogue between Sully and Karmack is quite humorous, and Karmack warns Sully that one of his friends’ skyscrapers is about to fall. Being a good friend, Sully does everything he can to stop his friends from doing bad things, but eventually the skyscraper comes falling down. Sully knows there is a way to cheat his own skyscraper down, and he’s trying to figure out how to do that.
Even though Sully is turning himself around, maturing, and keeping his nose clean, when a mustache appears on a sentimental photo in his teacher’s drawer and halts the fifth grade field trip, everyone thinks it’s Sully whose done it…and for revenge. Sully makes a choice that changes his fate and his karma.
Sully goes through a lot of personal growth throughout his fifth grade year. He discovers it’s not always fun and games when you’re bullying others. He also discovers the power of love and attraction. He doesn’t know why he likes this one particular girl, but she always makes him smile and do good things.
This is a great book to read for younger, elementary-aged children. It is interesting to see the turn-around in Sully throughout the year, and how he tries to help others and cheat down his own skyscraper by doing good things.
August 30, 2013
3 STARS!!!
Curtis, a.k.a. Sully, is your typical 5th grade bully. He has his small band of followers, which consists of Breeze and Gonzo. He gets his kicks out of tormenting others. One day things start to change. For every bad thing the boys do, a bad thing happens in turn to them. Sully notices a small figure during one particular stunt. He sets out to capture it and does. The creature tells Sully that he’s a karmic balancer. Therefore, Sully begins calling him Karmack. Karmack begins to teach Sully all about balancing his good deeds with his bad.
I’m torn on this book. I’m not a believer in karma, but I did enjoy watching Sully “grow up” and learn to think of others. I believe that aspect is a good lesson for children, even with those having differing spiritual beliefs. My twelve year old son is going to read this, and I’ll share his opinions after he finishes. In the meantime, knowing his likes, I think he would like the book well enough. If you read my review on The Door in the Wall, I can safely say he’d like it a whole lot more than that. There were parts that were funny to me, and I’m sure he’d find them a lot funnier than I did. He’d hopefully pick up on putting others before yourself and thinking of how your actions affect others!! Those are definitely two wonderful morals to the story!!
So, I give this book a solid 3 STARS!! I think there’s definitely a good moral to the story, and I think most children that enjoy reading would like this. I look forward to reading more from J.C. Whyte and sharing them with my children!!
*I recieved a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Curtis, a.k.a. Sully, is your typical 5th grade bully. He has his small band of followers, which consists of Breeze and Gonzo. He gets his kicks out of tormenting others. One day things start to change. For every bad thing the boys do, a bad thing happens in turn to them. Sully notices a small figure during one particular stunt. He sets out to capture it and does. The creature tells Sully that he’s a karmic balancer. Therefore, Sully begins calling him Karmack. Karmack begins to teach Sully all about balancing his good deeds with his bad.
I’m torn on this book. I’m not a believer in karma, but I did enjoy watching Sully “grow up” and learn to think of others. I believe that aspect is a good lesson for children, even with those having differing spiritual beliefs. My twelve year old son is going to read this, and I’ll share his opinions after he finishes. In the meantime, knowing his likes, I think he would like the book well enough. If you read my review on The Door in the Wall, I can safely say he’d like it a whole lot more than that. There were parts that were funny to me, and I’m sure he’d find them a lot funnier than I did. He’d hopefully pick up on putting others before yourself and thinking of how your actions affect others!! Those are definitely two wonderful morals to the story!!
So, I give this book a solid 3 STARS!! I think there’s definitely a good moral to the story, and I think most children that enjoy reading would like this. I look forward to reading more from J.C. Whyte and sharing them with my children!!
*I recieved a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
February 13, 2016
Rather give this a 2 1/2 rating. It's a good book to know about if you need a conversation starter with your class or a group of kids about bullying, pranks, intention. I didn't like the idea of balancing bullying with bullying, but I do like the idea that you can choose to be different and you can take responsibility for doing good and being kind. Karma would be an interesting discussion.
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