What do you think?
Rate this book
Death by Toilet Paper
Fans of Louis Sachar will welcome the adventures of a contest-crazed seventh grader who uses his wits and way with words in hopes of winning a big cash prize to help his family avoid eviction.
Benjamin is about to lose a whole lot more than good toilet paper. If he doesn't make tons of money fast by selling candy bars and winning contests—like the Royal-T Bathroom Tissue slogan contest—his family will get kicked out of their apartment. Even with his flair for clever slogans, will Benjamin be able to win a cash prize large enough to keep a promise he made to his dad before he died? Or will he lose everything that matters to him?
Praise for Death by Toilet Paper
"Readers can't help but enjoy this heartening book about hanging in there."-- Kirkus Reviews
"Ben is a character kids will root for."-- Publisher's Weekly
"Would make a fine classroom readaloud."--The Bulletin
From the Hardcover edition.
Benjamin is about to lose a whole lot more than good toilet paper. If he doesn't make tons of money fast by selling candy bars and winning contests—like the Royal-T Bathroom Tissue slogan contest—his family will get kicked out of their apartment. Even with his flair for clever slogans, will Benjamin be able to win a cash prize large enough to keep a promise he made to his dad before he died? Or will he lose everything that matters to him?
Praise for Death by Toilet Paper
"Readers can't help but enjoy this heartening book about hanging in there."-- Kirkus Reviews
"Ben is a character kids will root for."-- Publisher's Weekly
"Would make a fine classroom readaloud."--The Bulletin
From the Hardcover edition.
272 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2014
68 people are currently reading
2031 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
May 21, 2014
Once again, Donna Gephart delivers a funny, heartwarming and wholly original tale of a boy who faces some real challenges: the death of a parent, the threat of eviction, the cruelty of a bully, and his grandfather's Alzheimer's disease. In trademark Gephart style, the seriousness of these issues is balanced with humor and optimism. Ben, the likable main character, pins his hopes on winning a contest with his witty slogans for toilet paper to avoid eviction from the apartment he shares with his mom and his grandfather. A quirky best friend named Toothpick and a spunky senior neighbor show Ben true friendship when the tough going gets even tougher. This book will make you laugh out loud; the scene with the dentures is HYSTERICAL! Be prepared to get a little verklempt, too, especially if you have recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Gephart should also be commended for her deft depiction of Jewish characters, something which is hard to find in books for middle grade readers. I will recommend this one to fans of Wendy Mass.
August 31, 2015
From the title and the cover, one would think this is a light hearted novel. There is humour but it is full of emotions. In fact, I woke up early one morning worried about the character and had to finish the book to make sure all was okay. What do you do when you are twelve, you have lost your Dad and money is an issue? This title explores this reality in creative, but always authentic and sensitive ways. Fantastic characters and family dynamics.
May 25, 2021
first book i ever cried to,, 6th grade me only checked it out because of the neat cover art
February 21, 2015
With a title like this you might be prepared for non-stop toilet humor, but ready to have your heart break a bit for Benjamin. Everything seems to be derailing in his life, but Benjamin meets it with hope and often humor. A great, heart-felt book. I love all the toilet paper facts interspersed throughout the book.
November 21, 2014
This book was fantastic! I read it to my 4th graders because it had been on lots of review lists. The book literally had me laughing out loud, tearing up and everything in between. Really heartwarming story about a boy's intense desire to help his family. My class actually clapped when it got over because they loved too!
August 12, 2014
A funny and heartwarming family story. Readers will enjoy Benjamin's honest reactions to the challenges in his life. Includes random facts about toilets and toilet paper at the beginning of every chapter, as well as a glossary of Yiddish words.
January 24, 2016
What a great, heartwarming story! I loved Ben's family and how they pulled together as a team to make it through this hard time. As did Toothpick and his dad. All good people! This book had me laughing, crying, anxious, and everything in between.
November 2, 2015
If you think you have problems...then you haven't lived Ben Epstein's life! Ben's dad died the year before and now his mom is working at a local restaurant where she has to wear a paper piggy hat and gets little to no tips, some of which end up dropped in sticky syrup. Their rent is due (plus back rent) and they either need to cough up the cash now, or they'll get evicted from their apartment. Ben's grandpa Jake comes to live with them, but seems to be suffering memory loss and sometimes he's not himself. Grandpa Jake accidentally kills Ben's fish Barkley and he got caught at school for selling candy bars to make money to pay their rent. Ben has a run in with a bully and runs away from school...now it seems he's in even bigger trouble. To top it all off, they can only afford the worst, most horrible, no good toilet paper.
It was Ben's dad's dying request that he take care of his mother after he's gone, but he doesn't feel like he's been doing that. In fact, he feels like he's been an epic fail. Ben's idea to sell candy was such an easy way to make some cash fast, that he decides to give it another go...but what will happen if he gets caught again?
There are a couple of bright spots...Ben's friend Toothpick and his dad have been a positive influence in his life and Ben also loves to enter contests! Ben will enter any contest available and he has his eye on a big grand prize from Royal-T Bathroom Tissue...$10,000!! If he wins, they'll get to keep their apartment and Ben will feel like he is really taking care of his mother.
Will Ben get caught selling candy bars again? Will Ben and his family get evicted from their apartment? Can Ben save the day by winning the grand prize of $10,000? You'll have to read and find out!
It was Ben's dad's dying request that he take care of his mother after he's gone, but he doesn't feel like he's been doing that. In fact, he feels like he's been an epic fail. Ben's idea to sell candy was such an easy way to make some cash fast, that he decides to give it another go...but what will happen if he gets caught again?
There are a couple of bright spots...Ben's friend Toothpick and his dad have been a positive influence in his life and Ben also loves to enter contests! Ben will enter any contest available and he has his eye on a big grand prize from Royal-T Bathroom Tissue...$10,000!! If he wins, they'll get to keep their apartment and Ben will feel like he is really taking care of his mother.
Will Ben get caught selling candy bars again? Will Ben and his family get evicted from their apartment? Can Ben save the day by winning the grand prize of $10,000? You'll have to read and find out!
May 24, 2017
I had come across this quirky title on goodreads several times, and so, when I saw it at the library, I immediately picked it up.
The title and some reviews led me to believe that this would undoubtedly be a laugh-riot. Sadly, it fell completely short of my expectations. It's not that it's a horrible story or anything, but there was hardly a laugh-out-loud moment in the entire book.
Plus, what I had thought to be a funny title, turned out to be something I can't even bear to think about.
This picture just about sums up how I feel about this book :/
The title and some reviews led me to believe that this would undoubtedly be a laugh-riot. Sadly, it fell completely short of my expectations. It's not that it's a horrible story or anything, but there was hardly a laugh-out-loud moment in the entire book.
Plus, what I had thought to be a funny title, turned out to be something I can't even bear to think about.
This picture just about sums up how I feel about this book :/
October 8, 2016
Sad book his dad dies and they are poor that they cant pay for medical bills then now the grand parent is going to live with them its just sad but i liked it because the main character is smart and his doing fundraising and entering contest just for his family.I recommend this to people who likes inspirational books.
September 14, 2014
Fantastic middle grade read. Your heart will break for Ben and you'll want to open your arms to Ben's family and help them out.
August 31, 2015
What a great story with well developed characters. And told in a wonderful voice. Absolutely loved this book.
October 16, 2014
It is sometimes quite hard to leave characters in their stories once I close the covers of a book. I feel invested in their lives; I have celebrated their successes and have sympathized with their struggles. This feeling of warmth for believable, real characters is exactly what I feel for Benjamin, the protagonist in Donna Gephart's newest novel, Death by Toilet Paper.
I became engaged in the life of twelve year-old Benjamin. I didn't want him to worry about the rent his mom couldn't pay. I wanted to run to my bank, make a withdrawal, and send an anonymous envelope to the Epsteins that could solve their dilemma.
I didn't want Benjamin to worry about the fact that his mom wasn't making enough money working at Piggy's Pancake House. I wanted to let my school know where they could hire a dependable, hard-working mother as a classroom or library aide.
I didn't want Benjamin to fret about his grandfather's forgetfulness. I wanted to comfort Ben and tell him of my own grandmother's struggle with a similar absent-mindedness to put him at ease.
That's what incredible books have. Authentic characters. Benjamin is an honest-to-goodness, down-to-earth, amazing-amazing-amazing kid. And I'll bet that every reader knows a kid just like Benjamin. That's why Death by Toilet Paper makes an excellent read.
I can't wait to book talk Benjamin's story to my eighth graders. In addition to the realistic protagonist and the exciting plot, this book is humorous. There are many snort-worthy sections. I know the exact pages I will read to begin my book talk ... pages 81-83. If these pages can be read silently or aloud without a single chortle, perhaps the reader should check his/her pulse.
The toilet paper facts at the beginning of each chapter only add to the enjoyment of reading this book. I have already shared several of the facts with my students. It's hard to resist!
I am happy to say that Benjamin has secured a forever home on the classroom bookshelf right next to Olivia and David and Vanessa.
I became engaged in the life of twelve year-old Benjamin. I didn't want him to worry about the rent his mom couldn't pay. I wanted to run to my bank, make a withdrawal, and send an anonymous envelope to the Epsteins that could solve their dilemma.
I didn't want Benjamin to worry about the fact that his mom wasn't making enough money working at Piggy's Pancake House. I wanted to let my school know where they could hire a dependable, hard-working mother as a classroom or library aide.
I didn't want Benjamin to fret about his grandfather's forgetfulness. I wanted to comfort Ben and tell him of my own grandmother's struggle with a similar absent-mindedness to put him at ease.
That's what incredible books have. Authentic characters. Benjamin is an honest-to-goodness, down-to-earth, amazing-amazing-amazing kid. And I'll bet that every reader knows a kid just like Benjamin. That's why Death by Toilet Paper makes an excellent read.
I can't wait to book talk Benjamin's story to my eighth graders. In addition to the realistic protagonist and the exciting plot, this book is humorous. There are many snort-worthy sections. I know the exact pages I will read to begin my book talk ... pages 81-83. If these pages can be read silently or aloud without a single chortle, perhaps the reader should check his/her pulse.
The toilet paper facts at the beginning of each chapter only add to the enjoyment of reading this book. I have already shared several of the facts with my students. It's hard to resist!
I am happy to say that Benjamin has secured a forever home on the classroom bookshelf right next to Olivia and David and Vanessa.
May 12, 2014
If you or your students liked How to Survive Middle School or Olivia Bean Trivia Queen, then you will be similarly pleased with Death by Toilet Paper. Once again, Gephart manages to interweave the heart-breaking home life of a young adolescent with elements of humor that keep the story accessible for kids ages 10-13. It has the familiar elements of the other two stories: a middle school aged child who is dealing with the loss of a parent (this time an actual death rather than a divorce) and creative child characters who have healthy obsessions; in this case Ben is obsessed with contests and his friend Toothpick makes gory videos.
I felt this was a more emotional story than the other two Gephart novels I have read (I actually cried during the flashback with Ben's father). I really worried that Ben may have just too many struggles to overcome in this one (a grandfather with the onset of Alzheimer's, potential eviction, a nasty bully at school), but once again the remaining parent, helpful neighbors, and good friends rally Ben whenever he is at his lowest, reminding readers who may be in similar situations that there is hope and help out there. The catchy book title and toilet trivia that starts each chapter will draw in the reluctant readers and hold onto them through the emotional highs and lows as they root for Ben and his mom to evade eviction and put the Grand Plan in action. We will definitely be including this novel in our middle school collection this fall.
I felt this was a more emotional story than the other two Gephart novels I have read (I actually cried during the flashback with Ben's father). I really worried that Ben may have just too many struggles to overcome in this one (a grandfather with the onset of Alzheimer's, potential eviction, a nasty bully at school), but once again the remaining parent, helpful neighbors, and good friends rally Ben whenever he is at his lowest, reminding readers who may be in similar situations that there is hope and help out there. The catchy book title and toilet trivia that starts each chapter will draw in the reluctant readers and hold onto them through the emotional highs and lows as they root for Ben and his mom to evade eviction and put the Grand Plan in action. We will definitely be including this novel in our middle school collection this fall.
March 28, 2017
This middle grade realistic fiction novel is very popular in my classroom library. On one of the rare occasions that it wasn't riding around in one of my students' book box, I decided to borrow it myself for a few days. I can see why so many kids love this book.
The characters are very real. Benjamin is a seventh grader who has some heavy problems weighing on him. His father passed away recently from lung cancer, his overworked mother is behind on the rent for their apartment, and his elderly grandfather has moved in with him and his mom.
Benjamin is constantly entering contests and sweepstakes in the hopes of winning a big prize that could help with his mom's money troubles. Kids can definitely recognize themselves in these pages and feel like their experiences are being reflected and honored.
The book, while dealing with some pretty serious topics, is still able to make readers laugh. Benjamin is entering a contest to come up with a new slogan for Royal-T toilet paper, and so there is certainly enough potty humor to keep fourth and fifth graders (and myself) giggling.
When I return this copy to my classroom library, I'll definitely be book-talking it to kids who haven't picked it up yet.
The characters are very real. Benjamin is a seventh grader who has some heavy problems weighing on him. His father passed away recently from lung cancer, his overworked mother is behind on the rent for their apartment, and his elderly grandfather has moved in with him and his mom.
Benjamin is constantly entering contests and sweepstakes in the hopes of winning a big prize that could help with his mom's money troubles. Kids can definitely recognize themselves in these pages and feel like their experiences are being reflected and honored.
The book, while dealing with some pretty serious topics, is still able to make readers laugh. Benjamin is entering a contest to come up with a new slogan for Royal-T toilet paper, and so there is certainly enough potty humor to keep fourth and fifth graders (and myself) giggling.
When I return this copy to my classroom library, I'll definitely be book-talking it to kids who haven't picked it up yet.
September 2, 2015
My 6th grade son and I really enjoyed reading this book together, and I'd recommend it as a great book for middle-school-aged boys. In the story, Ben is coping with a lot. His father died last year. He and his mom are having financial troubles and may get evicted from their apartment. And now his grandfather, who suffers from dementia, has moved in with them! Despite all this, Ben's attempts at raising money through sweepstakes and selling candy appear valiant, and the story is told sensitively and with humor. Each chapter begins with an interesting factoid about toilet paper or toilets, and a glossary in the back of the book defines the Yiddish words sprinkled through the book. There were some flaws with the writing--some information could have been given earlier to help understanding, other information was repeated multiple times, and there was a subplot that didn't feel like it ended. Despite these flaws, the book was very enjoyable and I would recommend it.
June 12, 2017
I couldn't put this book down. It is heart-warming, eye-opening, and hilarious. I learned a lot from reading this book. Also, it portrays the life of a middle-schooler really realistically. This book has many twists and turns. I definitely could not predict what was going to happen—at any point in the book. This book does not sugar-coat things, but, at the end of the day, it restores my hope in humanity.
Death by Toilet Paper is unique in so many ways. There was so much more to this book than I ever thought possible. Bravo, Donna Gephart! This will be a book that stays with me a long time. I can't wait to start recommending it to others!
P.S. After reading Death by Toilet Paper, I am very interested in reading Donna Gephart's other books.
Death by Toilet Paper is unique in so many ways. There was so much more to this book than I ever thought possible. Bravo, Donna Gephart! This will be a book that stays with me a long time. I can't wait to start recommending it to others!
P.S. After reading Death by Toilet Paper, I am very interested in reading Donna Gephart's other books.
December 13, 2014
Hilarious middle-reader novel about a boy who enters contests in hopes of winning to help his mom financially. It does have a dead dad and a grandpa going senile plus some serious bullying but I still found it more on the refreshing side. I enjoyed reading toiler paper facts that start off each chapter.
October 3, 2015
Wat een fantastisch boek voor een hoop jonge lezers. Benjamin is een innemende jongen die ervoor zorgt dat je pagina na pagina leest. Het verhaal loopt weliswaar goed af, zoals verwacht, maar het eindigt niet voorspelbaar.
January 20, 2015
Perfect mix of hilarious and heart-breaking -- just like real life.
September 1, 2016
The Book Death by Toilet Paper was absolutely an extraordinary book one of the quotes from the book said "life is like a roll of toilet paper." "The closer gets to the end the faster it seems to go." This is a very emotional book it will make you laugh, cry, get angry, scared, and more. The book is about this boy, his mom, fish, dad, best friend, friends dad, a bully, and the boys grandpa. Him and his mom are going through lots of hard, difficult changes. I think people who like How to Survive Middle School will like this book.
I love that in the book before every chapter there is real toilet paper facts. I feel that I can relate to this book because I lost a pet just like he did. Also when we have a garage sale I saw a lemonade to make money just like he did with chocolate bars. I would recommend this book. It has very colorful words, and you could learn something good from it. I think I will get this book 5 stars. I enjoyed this book so much that everyday I would tell my parents about it.
Many things I liked about this is that they call the toilet throne. I also liked how they put the book together. She use very descriptive and captivating words. What I did not like is that the book of course had to end, other than that it was the best book in the world. Whoever reads this book will certainly like it. The book has some Jewish words in it, so if you want to know what they mean you can look in the back of the book. If you're a seventh grader then you'll love it.
What it be cool if they made a second book? I think so, because if you enjoyed it as much as I did I'm sure the second one will be even better. This book gets you excited because Ben always enters in sweepstakes and it's fun to see if he wins anything. His grandpa sometimes doesn't have such a great memory so it's funny because he does some pretty funny things, like put toilet paper in the sink to make it softer.
I hope my review was good enough to persuade you into reading this book, I mean who doesn't love silly grandpa's, sweepstakes, and of course toilet paper! I don't want to give away the ending so I'll just let you find it out yourself. This book will make you see how good you have it in life. If you do a review like this I hope you choose this book. If not that's OK because everyone has a certain taste in books. Well I think I said enough about the splendid book. This is a laugh out loud, hard to put down book, and great for all middle schoolers. Especially if you love to read and write. Good luck!
I love that in the book before every chapter there is real toilet paper facts. I feel that I can relate to this book because I lost a pet just like he did. Also when we have a garage sale I saw a lemonade to make money just like he did with chocolate bars. I would recommend this book. It has very colorful words, and you could learn something good from it. I think I will get this book 5 stars. I enjoyed this book so much that everyday I would tell my parents about it.
Many things I liked about this is that they call the toilet throne. I also liked how they put the book together. She use very descriptive and captivating words. What I did not like is that the book of course had to end, other than that it was the best book in the world. Whoever reads this book will certainly like it. The book has some Jewish words in it, so if you want to know what they mean you can look in the back of the book. If you're a seventh grader then you'll love it.
What it be cool if they made a second book? I think so, because if you enjoyed it as much as I did I'm sure the second one will be even better. This book gets you excited because Ben always enters in sweepstakes and it's fun to see if he wins anything. His grandpa sometimes doesn't have such a great memory so it's funny because he does some pretty funny things, like put toilet paper in the sink to make it softer.
I hope my review was good enough to persuade you into reading this book, I mean who doesn't love silly grandpa's, sweepstakes, and of course toilet paper! I don't want to give away the ending so I'll just let you find it out yourself. This book will make you see how good you have it in life. If you do a review like this I hope you choose this book. If not that's OK because everyone has a certain taste in books. Well I think I said enough about the splendid book. This is a laugh out loud, hard to put down book, and great for all middle schoolers. Especially if you love to read and write. Good luck!
Read
February 15, 2015Yep, I admit it; the title and cover sold me on this one. Didn't even read the description, just bought it.
Ben is in seventh grade. He spends his free time entering sweepstakes. Hoping to finally win an awesome grand prize, Ben enters mail-in contests and logs into online sweepstakes. He has gotten lucky a few times, but so far that has only earned him a life-time supply of instant oatmeal (plain) and a barbecue grill. Those along with a few other minor prizes continue to fuel his hopes for a BIG win.
Times have been tough since his dad died. His mother works hard as a waitress at a pancake restaurant by day and studies at night to pass the final test to earn a certification as an accountant. No matter how much she earns and how frugally they live, they are still behind in their rent payments and are about to be evicted. Winning the grand prize in the Royal-T toilet paper caption contest would be just what they need to catch up on the rent and help them out until Ben's mom can pass that test and get a better job at Mr. Daniels' CPA firm.
Between dodging the landlord, dealing with a bully at school, and worrying about his grandfather's memory issues, Ben is trying everything he can to help his mother make their Grand Plan come true. Ben is a kind-hearted kid who puts his personal needs aside for the sake of family.
DEATH BY TOILET PAPER by Donna Gephart is a fast-paced middle grade novel that touches on financial hardship and dedication to family and friendship. I'm glad the title and cover caught my eye.
Ben is in seventh grade. He spends his free time entering sweepstakes. Hoping to finally win an awesome grand prize, Ben enters mail-in contests and logs into online sweepstakes. He has gotten lucky a few times, but so far that has only earned him a life-time supply of instant oatmeal (plain) and a barbecue grill. Those along with a few other minor prizes continue to fuel his hopes for a BIG win.
Times have been tough since his dad died. His mother works hard as a waitress at a pancake restaurant by day and studies at night to pass the final test to earn a certification as an accountant. No matter how much she earns and how frugally they live, they are still behind in their rent payments and are about to be evicted. Winning the grand prize in the Royal-T toilet paper caption contest would be just what they need to catch up on the rent and help them out until Ben's mom can pass that test and get a better job at Mr. Daniels' CPA firm.
Between dodging the landlord, dealing with a bully at school, and worrying about his grandfather's memory issues, Ben is trying everything he can to help his mother make their Grand Plan come true. Ben is a kind-hearted kid who puts his personal needs aside for the sake of family.
DEATH BY TOILET PAPER by Donna Gephart is a fast-paced middle grade novel that touches on financial hardship and dedication to family and friendship. I'm glad the title and cover caught my eye.
March 18, 2017
This is a solid tween read for kids who like their books with a bit of humor but also enjoy a novel that centers around real-life issues. Our protagonist is Benjamin, a 7th grader whose father has died of cancer in the past year. His death left Ben and his mom with a mass of debt and a grand plan to make things right. The novel opens with the scary realization that he and his mom are about to be evicted from their apartment; they simply can't make the rent and money is extremely tight. Ben has a knack for winning contests and he enters all the sweepstakes he can find. He enters into a contest to create the new slogan for a toilet paper brand and is hoping to win some fast cash. Add to this chaotic mix a grandfather who suddenly moves in with them and is suffering from Alzheimers.
Don't let the cover fool you with it's cute title and cartoon-like illustration. There are some heavy issues in this tale; Ben's flashbacks to his father's painful demise, heart-wrenching moments of his grandpa loosing his memory and a creepy bully who makes life difficult for Ben. There is a lot of humor too which keeps the plot from becoming too depressing and that is a major plus. There is a glossary in the back of yiddish terms which goes to demonstrate how many are used in this book. This could be a turn-off for some kids but my guess is that a kid that would read this kind of book wouldn't mind it.
Don't let the cover fool you with it's cute title and cartoon-like illustration. There are some heavy issues in this tale; Ben's flashbacks to his father's painful demise, heart-wrenching moments of his grandpa loosing his memory and a creepy bully who makes life difficult for Ben. There is a lot of humor too which keeps the plot from becoming too depressing and that is a major plus. There is a glossary in the back of yiddish terms which goes to demonstrate how many are used in this book. This could be a turn-off for some kids but my guess is that a kid that would read this kind of book wouldn't mind it.
August 25, 2016
"Death By Toilet Paper" is one of the best-written children's books I've read in over thirty years of parenting and over two decades of teaching. Ben is a young boy whose father has died, and his mom is struggling to pay their past-due rent as the threat of eviction looms over them. The characters in the story are totally believable, well-developed, and easily identified with. I've just finished reading this one to my grade four class, and it caused toilet paper to take over: science experiments, social studies connections with our area's wood being used in toilet paper production, a jingle-writing contest for toilet paper in music class, integration of math skills....and the list goes on. We'll be finishing up the unplanned toilet-paper unit next week with a visit to a factory which produces toilet paper. All of this from a 'kids' book!' I enjoyed the story as much as my students, and this would be a great book for a parent or grandparent to read with a child. Suspenseful moments at every turn kept my students begging for more!
Unfortunately for other authors, this book has become the benchmark against which I measure all other literature for my classroom.
Unfortunately for other authors, this book has become the benchmark against which I measure all other literature for my classroom.
January 18, 2015
This was a nice enough little story about a boy who loves to apply for sweepstakes. His father is dead and his mother is working hard to keep them from being evicted from their apartment.
I gave Death by Toilet Paper only three stars because I couldn't picture who I'd give this book to. While it hit all the middle school appropriate points (a little school bullying, a weird but true-blue best friend, a seemingly insurmountable problem that magically resolves at the end) there was nothing particularly interesting about the book, aside from having a culturally-Jewish flavor to it. I won't buy this one for my classroom library.
I gave Death by Toilet Paper only three stars because I couldn't picture who I'd give this book to. While it hit all the middle school appropriate points (a little school bullying, a weird but true-blue best friend, a seemingly insurmountable problem that magically resolves at the end) there was nothing particularly interesting about the book, aside from having a culturally-Jewish flavor to it. I won't buy this one for my classroom library.
March 7, 2016
Benjamin has lost his dad to cancer and now feels like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, as he struggles to help his mother and find a way to pay their back rent and keep their apartment. This funny, tender work of realistic fiction is a great introduction to poverty for middle-school age readers, who may have friends in Ben's straitened circumstances and not even be aware of it. Also a thoughtful look at the hidden as well as the overt consequences of bullying. My 11-year-old and I both really enjoyed this depiction of a warm, loving, struggling family.
April 15, 2020
Really 4.5! This was a heartwarming novel about a boy who loves to enter sweepstakes, and all the real life, adult troubles that plague his life. I think this was a good mix of “man, like really sucks but there are good moments sometimes,” and humor and emotions and fun facts about toilet paper? This novel will immediately draw school aged children in just for the title. There is even a friendship theme and I love friendship!
February 28, 2021
My fourth-grade students loved listening to this book as a read-aloud. We were lucky enough to snag a spot on Donna Gephart's World Read aloud day schedule. Donna zoomed into our class for a dynamic author visit.
My students grieved when (spoiler alert) the death occurred. They were cheering for Ben the whole way. My students were grossed out and angry by the things that happened to Ben. It was a high-interest read-aloud.
My students grieved when (spoiler alert) the death occurred. They were cheering for Ben the whole way. My students were grossed out and angry by the things that happened to Ben. It was a high-interest read-aloud.
September 13, 2014
This is the absolutely cutest juvenile book that I have read in a long time. I laughed at the antics of the characters and cried with them as they were in the process of losing their apartment. I picked up this book because of the title and am glad I did. I enjoyed the facts about toilets and toilet paper. One never knows when that sort of info will come in handy!
Read
April 14, 2015Benjamin wanted to keep the best toilet paper but Benjamin has to find a summer work that will pay him more then enough to keep the toilet paper. So, Benjamin gets a job and works as hard as he could, but then suddenly he damaged the persons lawn mover and so he had to work with scissors but he only got half the price. The book 'Death by Toilet Paper' is about fun, angry, and sadness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews