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The Bubble Wrap Boy: Discover the timeless classroom classic
The new book from the award-winning Phil Earle, author of Heroic and Being Billy.All my life I've been tiny Charlie from the Chinese Chippie, whose only friend is Sinus, the kid who stares at walls. But I believe that everyone's good at something. I've just got to work out what my something is... Charlie's found his secret skateboarding. It's his one-way ticket to popularity. All he's got to do is practice, and nothing's going to stop him - not his clumsiness, not his overprotective mum, nothing. Except Charlie isn't the only one in his family hiding a massive secret, and his next discovery will change everything. How do you stay on the board when your world is turned upside down?Phil Earle was born, raised and schooled in Hull. His first job was as a care worker in a children's home, an experience that influenced the ideas behind Being Billy and Saving Daisy. He then trained as a drama therapist and worked in a therapeutic community in south London, caring for traumatized and abused adolescents.After a couple of years in the care sector, Phil chose the more sedate lifestyle of a bookseller, and now works in children's publishing. Phil lives in south-east London with his wife and children, but Hull will always be home.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
31 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Phil Earle
48 books105 followersPhil was born in Hull in 1974, and he studied English and Drama at Hull University. He worked for a year as a carer in a children’s home, then after training as a drama therapist, he worked in a therapeutic community in London, which cared for multiply abused adolescents. Then, changing tack completely, he chose a marginally more sedate life as a children’s bookseller. It was here that he developed an obsession for kid’s literature, in particular, young adult fiction.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 29, 2014
I absolutely adored The Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle. I thought it was fun, funny and also really emotional and heart-wrenching. I've been a fan of Phil Earle's right from the beginning and even aimed at a slightly younger audience and with less edgy content, this is still an incredible book filled with characters and relationships that I really connected to on an emotional level.
I started this book, I have to admit, a little bit unsure. The other three books I'd read by Phil Earle have all been favourites of mine and they've all been pretty serious and emotional books. And I heard this book was meant to be more funny rather than edgy and I was feeling less confident in this change of direction. I was silly to worry. Because the same beautiful writing style and great voice that accompanied the author's previous books is still present and shining throughout The Bubble Wrap Boy.
This is Charlie Han's story, this small teenage boy who is a bit clumsy and kind of an outsider who is slightly smothered by his well-meaning but over-protective mother. Charlie's mother is a character who at first seemed really over the top and kind of a caricature of a mother and I really couldn't help but laugh at the extreme lengths she goes towards keeping her child safe, especially at the humiliation of her son. The scene where Charlie is delivering takeaway on a trike wearing every protective gear possible including being lit up in neon in broad daylight actually made me roar with laughter. But it isn't until a rather horrible scene occurs between Charlie and his classmates that I fully began to realise how awful it really must be to be in Charlie's position. It's just that he took it all in such a positive way towards the beginning of the story that had me fooled.
But despite being small in stature, Charlie has a big heart. And while he knows his mother wouldn't approve and that his dad won't stand up to his mother for him, Charlie starts pursuing his dream of being a talented skateboarder. I really loved Charlie as a character. I love how hopeful and positive he is about everything that gets thrown at him and I especially loved his best friend, Sinus, who along with his big nose carries around some pretty special secrets of his own.
This book was really very good. I loved how much the book is about friendship (Charlie and Sinus are the best!) and about family. It's also about not worrying about what other people think and doing your own thing and I loved seeing Charlie grow in confidence and into himself. I really loved the realisations that he comes to about himself and his family and his friendships. Besides that, he just made me laugh!
The Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle is another winner! Highly recommended from me.
I started this book, I have to admit, a little bit unsure. The other three books I'd read by Phil Earle have all been favourites of mine and they've all been pretty serious and emotional books. And I heard this book was meant to be more funny rather than edgy and I was feeling less confident in this change of direction. I was silly to worry. Because the same beautiful writing style and great voice that accompanied the author's previous books is still present and shining throughout The Bubble Wrap Boy.
This is Charlie Han's story, this small teenage boy who is a bit clumsy and kind of an outsider who is slightly smothered by his well-meaning but over-protective mother. Charlie's mother is a character who at first seemed really over the top and kind of a caricature of a mother and I really couldn't help but laugh at the extreme lengths she goes towards keeping her child safe, especially at the humiliation of her son. The scene where Charlie is delivering takeaway on a trike wearing every protective gear possible including being lit up in neon in broad daylight actually made me roar with laughter. But it isn't until a rather horrible scene occurs between Charlie and his classmates that I fully began to realise how awful it really must be to be in Charlie's position. It's just that he took it all in such a positive way towards the beginning of the story that had me fooled.
But despite being small in stature, Charlie has a big heart. And while he knows his mother wouldn't approve and that his dad won't stand up to his mother for him, Charlie starts pursuing his dream of being a talented skateboarder. I really loved Charlie as a character. I love how hopeful and positive he is about everything that gets thrown at him and I especially loved his best friend, Sinus, who along with his big nose carries around some pretty special secrets of his own.
This book was really very good. I loved how much the book is about friendship (Charlie and Sinus are the best!) and about family. It's also about not worrying about what other people think and doing your own thing and I loved seeing Charlie grow in confidence and into himself. I really loved the realisations that he comes to about himself and his family and his friendships. Besides that, he just made me laugh!
The Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle is another winner! Highly recommended from me.
April 6, 2017
What I prefered in this book was the sens of humor, given by the author to his main character, Charlie. I laughed quite a lot, especially in the beginning. In the end the story becomes more serious. If I could I probably would have given 3,5 stars to this read.
As an exception there isn't any love-story in this YA book. The relations are between Charlie and his parents, and between Charlie and his only friend, Sinus. The second relation maybe the more interesting in my point of view.
The story is good, funny and wise, but a bit too much evident and educational for my adult tastes.
I also had some difficulties with the sunny disposition of Charlie. He's frequently saying that his life is hard, and from the reader point of view, it really is, but he never seems really affected. I don't say that he should have cried and anguished more about his life, just showed more depths.
I also couldn't believe that Charlie, who's easy going, clever and fun, didn't have any friend just because of his shortness. His winning personality should have have get him some friends (as all pupils can't have been such jerks).
Another point made me fret a little: to keep the story simple and straight some aspects are never set. For instance Charlie goes as school but he never seems to have classes really, this part of his life is a blur. As another example apart from Simus and briefly two older boys, there aren't any individuals at school. The pupils and teachers are just a concept, acting as a whole.
Nothing really important in itself, but it gave me the impression of a theatrical setting more than a realistic one.
But I'm splitting hairs, as usual!
A very good read :)
As an exception there isn't any love-story in this YA book. The relations are between Charlie and his parents, and between Charlie and his only friend, Sinus. The second relation maybe the more interesting in my point of view.
The story is good, funny and wise, but a bit too much evident and educational for my adult tastes.
I also had some difficulties with the sunny disposition of Charlie. He's frequently saying that his life is hard, and from the reader point of view, it really is, but he never seems really affected. I don't say that he should have cried and anguished more about his life, just showed more depths.
I also couldn't believe that Charlie, who's easy going, clever and fun, didn't have any friend just because of his shortness. His winning personality should have have get him some friends (as all pupils can't have been such jerks).
Another point made me fret a little: to keep the story simple and straight some aspects are never set. For instance Charlie goes as school but he never seems to have classes really, this part of his life is a blur. As another example apart from Simus and briefly two older boys, there aren't any individuals at school. The pupils and teachers are just a concept, acting as a whole.
Nothing really important in itself, but it gave me the impression of a theatrical setting more than a realistic one.
But I'm splitting hairs, as usual!
A very good read :)
November 26, 2015
Kijk, voor dit soort boeken doe ik het nou. Die onbekende titels lezen. Dit was een heerlijk verhaal en zou veel meer gelezen mogen worden!
September 25, 2015
Book #119 Read in 2015
The Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle
Charlie is known at school at the little, clumsy kid. His mother is very overprotective and won't let him do anything. Needless to say, Charlie's newfound love of skateboarding would not meet Mom approval so he hides it from her. He soon learns that his mother has been hiding one heck of a secret from him. Will the discovery of secrets bring this family closer together or tear them apart? This is an excellent book for middle schoolers. I received this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
The Bubble Wrap Boy by Phil Earle
Charlie is known at school at the little, clumsy kid. His mother is very overprotective and won't let him do anything. Needless to say, Charlie's newfound love of skateboarding would not meet Mom approval so he hides it from her. He soon learns that his mother has been hiding one heck of a secret from him. Will the discovery of secrets bring this family closer together or tear them apart? This is an excellent book for middle schoolers. I received this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for a honest review.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
May 14, 2023
Charlie is altijd al een onderdeurtje geweest. Hij woont boven de afhaalchinees: Passie voor Nasi (briljante naam 😁) en heeft een overbezorgde moeder. Maar dan ontdekt hij zijn grote passie en een geheim wat veel verklaart... Ik zat al grinnikend te lezen. Bijvoorbeeld: "Ze dacht er een nanoseconde over na." Echt super!
Charlie has always been an outsider. He lives above the Chinese takeaway: Passion for Nasi (brilliant name 😁) and has an overprotective mother. But then he discovers his great passion and a secret that explains a lot... I was already reading with a chuckle. For example, "She thought about it for a nanosecond." Really great!
Charlie has always been an outsider. He lives above the Chinese takeaway: Passion for Nasi (brilliant name 😁) and has an overprotective mother. But then he discovers his great passion and a secret that explains a lot... I was already reading with a chuckle. For example, "She thought about it for a nanosecond." Really great!
June 29, 2014
you can read my full review here: http://www.spinebreakers.co.uk/sp_rev...
this is my first phil earle book and i really enjoyed it. like i didn't know what to expect but yeah.
first of all it's set in the UK so yay. secondly, the main character s British Chinese so yay a POC character!
this book is about friendship, discovering who you are and what you're capable of, family and bullying. although there were lots of themes but not much was resolved like the bullying was horrible yet not dealt with. the family secret was BIG and CRAZY.
i felt like this book needed more description like for the skateboarding tricks and for the graffiti.
it is a very short book but a good book.
oh yeah so basically this boy is seen as a loser and wants to change that and feels like if he had a talent that could change his life so he discovers skateboarding and he practices and then things happen and he has this crazy overprotective mum (chinese mothers do tend to be overprotective) and yeah.
so Happy Reading!
=D
p.s i liked this book so i do actually want to read Phil Earle's other books. =)
this is my first phil earle book and i really enjoyed it. like i didn't know what to expect but yeah.
first of all it's set in the UK so yay. secondly, the main character s British Chinese so yay a POC character!
this book is about friendship, discovering who you are and what you're capable of, family and bullying. although there were lots of themes but not much was resolved like the bullying was horrible yet not dealt with. the family secret was BIG and CRAZY.
i felt like this book needed more description like for the skateboarding tricks and for the graffiti.
it is a very short book but a good book.
oh yeah so basically this boy is seen as a loser and wants to change that and feels like if he had a talent that could change his life so he discovers skateboarding and he practices and then things happen and he has this crazy overprotective mum (chinese mothers do tend to be overprotective) and yeah.
so Happy Reading!
=D
p.s i liked this book so i do actually want to read Phil Earle's other books. =)
May 31, 2015
Charlie Han is sick of being short. He’s sick of the jokes, the sayings and the fact that he is practically invisible at school (high school), except to be known as the short Chinese kid. He’s clumsy too, causing no end of disasters, so some kids even think he is special needs. It doesn’t help that his only friend (Sinus) is odd, staring at walls for ages and hardly speaking to anyone – even Charlie.
Charlie wants to find something he can stand out with, and he decides it’s going to be skateboarding. There are a few problems with this. He doesn’t have a skateboard, he has terrible balance and his mum is OTT with capital letters and won’t let him do anything she believes is slightly dangerous. He even has a three wheeler to deliver the takeaways from his parent’s shop.
I really liked this story and the discovery of why Charlie's mum was so OTT. I felt for Charlie and his obscurity and how it all came together in the end. Sinus was hilarious. This one is for everyone.
Charlie wants to find something he can stand out with, and he decides it’s going to be skateboarding. There are a few problems with this. He doesn’t have a skateboard, he has terrible balance and his mum is OTT with capital letters and won’t let him do anything she believes is slightly dangerous. He even has a three wheeler to deliver the takeaways from his parent’s shop.
I really liked this story and the discovery of why Charlie's mum was so OTT. I felt for Charlie and his obscurity and how it all came together in the end. Sinus was hilarious. This one is for everyone.
March 10, 2021
This book has been on my shelf for years already, but I only picked it up to be read today thanks to my little sister randomly choosing it as my next read. I absolutely have no memories as to why I bought this book, but I liked the neon bright yellow of its cover, so I dived in without much comments.
The book is about Charlie Han (who I suspected to be half-Chinese, but I can't really know because race isn't really an issue in this story, which is good in a way), who is rather lacking in his height, which caused him to constantly become the target of bullies in his school and neighbourhood. It didn't help that he is awkward and clumsy almost all the time, and only has a single "friend", Sinus—who happens to be an oucast as well. I had expected The Bubble Wrap Boy to be about how Charlie overcame these hurdles, and it is what I expected, but it turns out to be so much more as well.
The Bubble Wrap Boy is a story about a small boy with a big dream, and also about family love and finding the true meaning of friendship. I didn't like Charlie at first; the first chapter made him sound like someone that has a bitter outlook on his entire life. But Charlie himself said that he might sound bitter, but he wasn't, and the next chapters proved him right. It was easy to warm up to his character. Despite having an overprotective mother, a father that didn't offer much help to him when he pleaded for it, and a friend that sort of insulted every single part of his life, Charlie did not turn out to be a bad kid. All he wanted was to be able to do something that he loves and be good at it, without the overbearing observation of his mother.
When he finds out about skateboarding, he embraced it in no time. It caused more trouble than he needed: his mother was furious and doubled the overprotection, he drifted apart from Sinus, and he became the main subject of bully, earning the title Bubble Wrap Boy then. The way everyone bullied him made my heart broke for Charlie; he is just a boy who wanted to feel like he belonged, but everyone just turned him into a joke.
But that was the turning point for Charlie. When he finally learned the truth for the reason why his mother was too overprotective, Charlie started making plans to proof to her that he can do the things that he love without killing himself. His friendship with Sinus became stronger—it took me longer to warm up to Sinus' character because he was always sarcastic and I did not like that, but his loyalty to Charlie is strong and it was endearing to find out the things that he did for his friend. His plans did not run smoothly of course, but with his father's support and Sinus' constant encouragement, Charlie was finally able to proof himself to his mother.
I love the bond that strengthened between Charlie and Sinus, and I love that no matter how angry Charlie was at his parents' lies, he was not rude to them and tried his best to not to hurt any of them. I love how much Charlie loves to skate, and how much love he was able to pour to a family member that he just found out about. The Bubble Wrap Boy definitely highlights about the warmth of family love, the true meaning of friendship and the courage you need for the things and people that you love.
I'm actually glad I picked up this book to read!
P.S: The only problem that I had with this book might be why Charlie had to be a Chinese character though. The author is not Chinese himself, and there was not any Chinese culture included in the story, except for the fact that Charlie's family owns a Chinese food restaurant. Just something that I find a little bit iffy.
The book is about Charlie Han (who I suspected to be half-Chinese, but I can't really know because race isn't really an issue in this story, which is good in a way), who is rather lacking in his height, which caused him to constantly become the target of bullies in his school and neighbourhood. It didn't help that he is awkward and clumsy almost all the time, and only has a single "friend", Sinus—who happens to be an oucast as well. I had expected The Bubble Wrap Boy to be about how Charlie overcame these hurdles, and it is what I expected, but it turns out to be so much more as well.
The Bubble Wrap Boy is a story about a small boy with a big dream, and also about family love and finding the true meaning of friendship. I didn't like Charlie at first; the first chapter made him sound like someone that has a bitter outlook on his entire life. But Charlie himself said that he might sound bitter, but he wasn't, and the next chapters proved him right. It was easy to warm up to his character. Despite having an overprotective mother, a father that didn't offer much help to him when he pleaded for it, and a friend that sort of insulted every single part of his life, Charlie did not turn out to be a bad kid. All he wanted was to be able to do something that he loves and be good at it, without the overbearing observation of his mother.
When he finds out about skateboarding, he embraced it in no time. It caused more trouble than he needed: his mother was furious and doubled the overprotection, he drifted apart from Sinus, and he became the main subject of bully, earning the title Bubble Wrap Boy then. The way everyone bullied him made my heart broke for Charlie; he is just a boy who wanted to feel like he belonged, but everyone just turned him into a joke.
But that was the turning point for Charlie. When he finally learned the truth for the reason why his mother was too overprotective, Charlie started making plans to proof to her that he can do the things that he love without killing himself. His friendship with Sinus became stronger—it took me longer to warm up to Sinus' character because he was always sarcastic and I did not like that, but his loyalty to Charlie is strong and it was endearing to find out the things that he did for his friend. His plans did not run smoothly of course, but with his father's support and Sinus' constant encouragement, Charlie was finally able to proof himself to his mother.
I love the bond that strengthened between Charlie and Sinus, and I love that no matter how angry Charlie was at his parents' lies, he was not rude to them and tried his best to not to hurt any of them. I love how much Charlie loves to skate, and how much love he was able to pour to a family member that he just found out about. The Bubble Wrap Boy definitely highlights about the warmth of family love, the true meaning of friendship and the courage you need for the things and people that you love.
I'm actually glad I picked up this book to read!
P.S: The only problem that I had with this book might be why Charlie had to be a Chinese character though. The author is not Chinese himself, and there was not any Chinese culture included in the story, except for the fact that Charlie's family owns a Chinese food restaurant. Just something that I find a little bit iffy.
November 6, 2016
Charlie Han is a 14 year old, oddly small, clumsy, loser. At least thats what the kids at school think. He only has one friends, a boy named Sinus Sedgely, who has a huge nose, and is almost weirder than Charlie himself. Charlie also has troubles at home, because his mom is a control freak, suffocating him and watching over everything Charlie does. Charlie's dad lets his wife run the house, so he isn't any help to Charlie.
Charlie's parents own a Chinese takeout restaurant by the name of Special Fried Nice. His dad mostly runs it, while his mother spends her time taking classes on anything and everything. When Charlie finally convinces his mom to let him help with deliveries and to get him a bike, Charlie is stunned. Maybe things are looking up for him! Well, Charlie's mom doesn't get him a bike, she gets him a trike that you can walk at a slow pace faster that what is goes. She also makes him wear a huge helmet and safety pads every time he goes out. Now instead of being a cool kid like he had hoped, he becomes the laughingstock of the neighborhood. The food is cold by the time he gets to the house.
One day, while delivering, Charlie sees some kids skateboarding and is fascinated. He sets his sights on skateboarding, which to Sinus seems like an impossible goal, seeing as he can't walk without tripping, and his mom won't even let him ride a bike. Charlie starts practicing in secret, and eventually gets befriended by a bunch of cool skateboarders. This makes Sinus mad, as now he doesn't have a friend.
Sinus and Charlie cook up an elaborate plan to make themselves popular, using Sinuses hidden graffiti skills, and Charlies skateboarding skills. Along the way, Charlie discovers that there is a hidden reason to his mom's paranoia and learns more about his dad too. Will Charlie fix his family, become popular, and convince his mom to let him skateboard?
I liked this book because I am also clumsy, so it made me laugh! It also was a nice easy read, and taught good lessons about being yourself and if you try your best you can do anything.
I didn't like the way the author put so much emphasis on being popular though. Popularity, in my opinion, doesn't necessarily mean that you are happy.
I recommend this books to preteens, teens, and young adults who like realistic fiction.
Charlie's parents own a Chinese takeout restaurant by the name of Special Fried Nice. His dad mostly runs it, while his mother spends her time taking classes on anything and everything. When Charlie finally convinces his mom to let him help with deliveries and to get him a bike, Charlie is stunned. Maybe things are looking up for him! Well, Charlie's mom doesn't get him a bike, she gets him a trike that you can walk at a slow pace faster that what is goes. She also makes him wear a huge helmet and safety pads every time he goes out. Now instead of being a cool kid like he had hoped, he becomes the laughingstock of the neighborhood. The food is cold by the time he gets to the house.
One day, while delivering, Charlie sees some kids skateboarding and is fascinated. He sets his sights on skateboarding, which to Sinus seems like an impossible goal, seeing as he can't walk without tripping, and his mom won't even let him ride a bike. Charlie starts practicing in secret, and eventually gets befriended by a bunch of cool skateboarders. This makes Sinus mad, as now he doesn't have a friend.
Sinus and Charlie cook up an elaborate plan to make themselves popular, using Sinuses hidden graffiti skills, and Charlies skateboarding skills. Along the way, Charlie discovers that there is a hidden reason to his mom's paranoia and learns more about his dad too. Will Charlie fix his family, become popular, and convince his mom to let him skateboard?
I liked this book because I am also clumsy, so it made me laugh! It also was a nice easy read, and taught good lessons about being yourself and if you try your best you can do anything.
I didn't like the way the author put so much emphasis on being popular though. Popularity, in my opinion, doesn't necessarily mean that you are happy.
I recommend this books to preteens, teens, and young adults who like realistic fiction.
Read
September 2, 2021Charlie Han wishes more than anything that he was bigger. Being the tiniest kid in his school and living in an apartment connected to the Chinese takeout his parents own, isn't winning him any popularity with the rest of his peers. In fact he is the target for most of the jokes and a fair amount of the torture dreamed up by the cool kids. That well-known phrase "good things come in small packages" doesn't offer even a tiny bit of comfort.
Too make matters worse, Charlie's mother wins first prize for being over-protective. She doesn't let him step out on the street without endless warnings and whatever protective gear she can dream up. She finally lets him make deliveries for the takeout, but he has to use a clunky, old three wheel bike with a huge basket. It barely moves and isn't cool at all.
When Charlie discovers a hidden love for skateboarding, he knows he must keep it a secret from his mother. He begins to think this danger-filled sport might be his special something. He even earns a bit of respect from the other skaters at the skate park, that is until the day his mother shows up and terrorizes everyone within the sound of her extremely loud voice.
Charlie believes his hopes and dreams of becoming an awesome skater are over, but then he discovers a secret his mother has that might be just the thing to force her to allow him to return to the half pipe and his dreams.
Author Phil Earle captures Charlie and the other quirky characters perfectly. Humor and candid dialogue make THE BUBBLE WRAP BOY a wicked good read. Earle proves that friendship, love, and family can make dreams come true.
Too make matters worse, Charlie's mother wins first prize for being over-protective. She doesn't let him step out on the street without endless warnings and whatever protective gear she can dream up. She finally lets him make deliveries for the takeout, but he has to use a clunky, old three wheel bike with a huge basket. It barely moves and isn't cool at all.
When Charlie discovers a hidden love for skateboarding, he knows he must keep it a secret from his mother. He begins to think this danger-filled sport might be his special something. He even earns a bit of respect from the other skaters at the skate park, that is until the day his mother shows up and terrorizes everyone within the sound of her extremely loud voice.
Charlie believes his hopes and dreams of becoming an awesome skater are over, but then he discovers a secret his mother has that might be just the thing to force her to allow him to return to the half pipe and his dreams.
Author Phil Earle captures Charlie and the other quirky characters perfectly. Humor and candid dialogue make THE BUBBLE WRAP BOY a wicked good read. Earle proves that friendship, love, and family can make dreams come true.
November 27, 2021
“Would it? I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to find a bit of my brain big enough to hide all my emotions. Not when they ranged from anger to regret to downright filthy bitterness at what I’d missed out on.”
Charlie Han is a character not unlike Auggie, of “Wonder” fame, in fact, the boy almost manages to translate better to life than the latter.
A short statured Chinese boy, the 14 year old is a pessimist, to a degree almost impressive for his age. However, although the book ends on a positive note with that expectation for the worst changed, the audience sees a snarky and witty narrator throughout the chapters, only growing in vibrancy and meaning as he progresses from knocking down stage sets to rolling down skateboard ramps.
This book is one that really showcases the concept of human resilience, and how sometimes that resilience comes after one is vulnerable, discovering what hurts and heals them before they can press on.
I found the characterization in this book to be extremely impressive, Sinus, the father, and even Dora are all unique and well formed. Each one manages to become more filled in as you read, solid and real as though one were spending time with an individual and becoming familiar.
Bubble Wrap Boy is aimed at a younger audience, but with its enduring message of harnessing autonomy and themes of resilience it is a bright and worthwhile read for any age.
Charlie Han is a character not unlike Auggie, of “Wonder” fame, in fact, the boy almost manages to translate better to life than the latter.
A short statured Chinese boy, the 14 year old is a pessimist, to a degree almost impressive for his age. However, although the book ends on a positive note with that expectation for the worst changed, the audience sees a snarky and witty narrator throughout the chapters, only growing in vibrancy and meaning as he progresses from knocking down stage sets to rolling down skateboard ramps.
This book is one that really showcases the concept of human resilience, and how sometimes that resilience comes after one is vulnerable, discovering what hurts and heals them before they can press on.
I found the characterization in this book to be extremely impressive, Sinus, the father, and even Dora are all unique and well formed. Each one manages to become more filled in as you read, solid and real as though one were spending time with an individual and becoming familiar.
Bubble Wrap Boy is aimed at a younger audience, but with its enduring message of harnessing autonomy and themes of resilience it is a bright and worthwhile read for any age.
May 8, 2017
Charlie is a teenage, Chinese boy whom lives his life as his parents only child, but overly protected still by his mum, the way she sneaks off and goes to evening classes all the time arouses suspicion in Charlie over where she really goes.
He wants to skate though despite knowing his mum would disapprove and he is very clumsy as well and when she finds out, the skate park kids and his best friend Sinus end up dubbing him bubble wrap boy after an incident.
Eventually, Charlie's mum's secret is out by accident and Charlie finds out why his mum is so overprotective of him and he can't blame her but he does want to help her as well as perform at the skate park event coming up.
The book deals with the effects of growing up in school and fitting in loosely while focusing on family secrets and parenting a lot. Charlie stands up for himself to prove to his mum mostly but his dad too that he can't always be protected from bad stuff that will happen as it's inevitable really to never expect it to happen.
It's uniqueness sells it to me as I truly enjoyed it and the developing mystery as you read on and untangle it!
He wants to skate though despite knowing his mum would disapprove and he is very clumsy as well and when she finds out, the skate park kids and his best friend Sinus end up dubbing him bubble wrap boy after an incident.
Eventually, Charlie's mum's secret is out by accident and Charlie finds out why his mum is so overprotective of him and he can't blame her but he does want to help her as well as perform at the skate park event coming up.
The book deals with the effects of growing up in school and fitting in loosely while focusing on family secrets and parenting a lot. Charlie stands up for himself to prove to his mum mostly but his dad too that he can't always be protected from bad stuff that will happen as it's inevitable really to never expect it to happen.
It's uniqueness sells it to me as I truly enjoyed it and the developing mystery as you read on and untangle it!
August 14, 2017
The Bubble Wrap Boy is a realistic fiction about a Chinese boy named Charlie Han and the troubles he faces socially and within his own family. We learn quickly that Charlie's daily life is difficult at best, and he regularly struggles to avoid humiliation. He feels extremely alone since his only friend is a boy named Sinus who is also treated like a social outcast. The author does an excellent job of creating empathy for the main character.
Although I found the beginning of the story slow to develop, particularly since it repeats the same theme in various situations, the introduction of a family secret captured my attention and reignited my interest in the plot line. The final message of the book is beautiful as it centers on the power of true friendship, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the importance of strong family communication. The author also did a good job of character development with Charlie's parents and his best friend, Sinus.
This is a great choice for 6th and 7th graders, and possibly struggling readers in 8th grade.
Although I found the beginning of the story slow to develop, particularly since it repeats the same theme in various situations, the introduction of a family secret captured my attention and reignited my interest in the plot line. The final message of the book is beautiful as it centers on the power of true friendship, overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and the importance of strong family communication. The author also did a good job of character development with Charlie's parents and his best friend, Sinus.
This is a great choice for 6th and 7th graders, and possibly struggling readers in 8th grade.
July 9, 2023
This was the fifth book of my self-assigned summer reading. I wasn’t expecting much going in, based on the blurb, and although I basically liked the story, I didn’t come away impressed.
I found Charlie pretty believable as a character, and his relationship with his mom was perfect. His best friend was less realistic. His dad just seemed like a TV dad trope; I’m not a fan of “smart wife, dumb husband.” Charlie’s mom had a big secret that was revealed in a bizarre way, and the ending left me unsatisfied.
I haven’t read Wonder, so I can’t compare this book to that one. If you’re looking for a middle-grade book with a male protagonist, or you’re racially diversifying reading choices, you could definitely do worse than this one, but I liked Jack in Confessions of a Class Clown a whole lot more.
I found Charlie pretty believable as a character, and his relationship with his mom was perfect. His best friend was less realistic. His dad just seemed like a TV dad trope; I’m not a fan of “smart wife, dumb husband.” Charlie’s mom had a big secret that was revealed in a bizarre way, and the ending left me unsatisfied.
I haven’t read Wonder, so I can’t compare this book to that one. If you’re looking for a middle-grade book with a male protagonist, or you’re racially diversifying reading choices, you could definitely do worse than this one, but I liked Jack in Confessions of a Class Clown a whole lot more.
October 19, 2019
Charlie punya berbagai halangan dalam ngembangin passionnya. Sederhana aja, bisa latian skateboard secara bebas tanpa perlu sembunyi-sembunyi dari mamanya yang dikit-dikit parno takut dia kenapa-kenapa. Saya baca buku ini diiringi tarikan nafas berat setiap mamanya datang buat menginterupsi, let your son do what he want to do. Belum lagi pertemanan Charlie sama Sinus yang saya anggep berat sebelah, karena bacanya dari persepsi Charlie doang kan.. :")
Meskipun akhirnya tau, ya saya ngarepnya nih masih ada dialog antar mamanya dengan Charlie. Minta maaf buat nyembunyiin Dora dan jelasin alasan dia jadi super protektif. At the end of the day, Charlie deserve it. He must know the truth.
Meskipun akhirnya tau, ya saya ngarepnya nih masih ada dialog antar mamanya dengan Charlie. Minta maaf buat nyembunyiin Dora dan jelasin alasan dia jadi super protektif. At the end of the day, Charlie deserve it. He must know the truth.
May 18, 2022
Interesting, Inspiring.. deals a lot with bullying and how to go on without giving into it. Sometimes overprotecting parents can be suffocating but the story goes on to tell why their behaviour is such and teaches a lot of patience while preserving their special gift.
This book is also along the lines of Wonder which too though subtlely deals with bullying and inspirations. The author has pepper a lot of humor to masquerade the torment of bullying and carried deep emotions in terms of family. In the end, believing in oneself and loyalty wins the day. A must read for kids and adults alike.
This book is also along the lines of Wonder which too though subtlely deals with bullying and inspirations. The author has pepper a lot of humor to masquerade the torment of bullying and carried deep emotions in terms of family. In the end, believing in oneself and loyalty wins the day. A must read for kids and adults alike.
September 26, 2017
Charlie is a small Chinese teenage boy who is struggling to fit in and has an overprotective mother who isn't considerate of his feelings. He finally discovers skateboarding and meets new people. I enjoyed the book and the literacy devices throughout the book. I did struggle when the boys wrapped him in plastic bubble wrap, he couldn't move, and had difficulty breathing. I thought that was a little much, but it will keep young reads intrigued. I appreciated Charlie's determination and perseverance to achieve the half-pipe challenge with his one true friend, Sinus, to support him.
August 24, 2020
Charlie Han reminds us all that we all have a talent. Seen as the short kid that lives above the Chinese restaurant he doesn’t fit in. He best friend in Sinus whose true name is Linus but the nickname stuck because of his large nose. He and Charlie have each other’s back. Charlie finds out a family secret and why his mother is so overly protective, but how can he get his freedom and not break his mother’s heart. Sinus is there, as always, to help Charlie tell his mother about his changing life. Really helps tell young kids about things not being what they seem in a way that they can understand.
June 16, 2022
I picked this one up on a whim and I'm so glad I did. The characters and situations are relatable and the things youth go through can be horrendous. The frustrations, the being different, the over protective parent...all relatable in some way and if not personally relatable, then a good window opportunity to see life through another's eyes. Love the surprise turn of events when Charlie becomes aware of secrets held. A must read.
July 26, 2017
This was a great book! I loved the complexity of the characters, and how their relationships entwined. The author does use a couple foul words here and there, but mainly just the word "ass". I thought the themes were beautifully expressesed. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to 6th and 7th graders.
October 2, 2017
Charlie Han is being smothered by his mother - not allowed to do anything on his own. Charlie discovers his talent for skateboarding and is passionate about it, but must hide this from his mother. Sinus his friend stares at walls..... yes really - weird until we are told what his passion is.
A story of friendships and overcoming bullies and challenging beliefs.
A story of friendships and overcoming bullies and challenging beliefs.
March 1, 2018
At last! Omg screw my reader’s block isk isk. It’s took me almost month to finish this book!
“If there’s a saying I do believe in, it’s this:
Everyone’s good at something.”
Honestly I love this book! The conflict is very simple yet the impact of it is very powerful! Everything about this book is beautifully written 🌸
“If there’s a saying I do believe in, it’s this:
Everyone’s good at something.”
Honestly I love this book! The conflict is very simple yet the impact of it is very powerful! Everything about this book is beautifully written 🌸
August 6, 2019
The humour in the book is good but there's too many 'big issues' being dealt with for it to be really fun.
Bullying. Dysfunctional families. Brain damage. Disability. Death. Guilt.
It just felt like how much more misery could be introduced? No one wants to look forward to reading each day and have to constantly deal with so many sad issues.
Bullying. Dysfunctional families. Brain damage. Disability. Death. Guilt.
It just felt like how much more misery could be introduced? No one wants to look forward to reading each day and have to constantly deal with so many sad issues.
June 8, 2021
3.5 stars
A short main character super appealed to me, and I do love middle grade books when young main characters discover why their parents have become who they are. The skateboarding is, of course, a fun perk, too!
A short main character super appealed to me, and I do love middle grade books when young main characters discover why their parents have become who they are. The skateboarding is, of course, a fun perk, too!
March 24, 2023
Overbezorgde moeder, die hem dus het liefst wil inpakken in bubbeltjesplastic.
Hij wil skateboarden, maar dat mag natuurlijk echt niet.
Hij doet ontdekking over zijn moeder die verklaart waarom ze zo overbezorgd is.
Hij wil skateboarden, maar dat mag natuurlijk echt niet.
Hij doet ontdekking over zijn moeder die verklaart waarom ze zo overbezorgd is.
March 6, 2017
A book about determination and prejudice - the hero wins through in the end and learns some valuable lessons about friendship and loyalty along the way!
March 28, 2018
This book is amazing and wicked wiht lots of savageness level MAX
May 11, 2019
Really moving, enjoyable, loved it. Made Billy worried at points, but the end was really happy/sad
November 7, 2019
Talk about championing the underdogs magnificently! A brilliantly written book interlaced with resilience and empathy. ‘Everyone is good at something!’ Such an uplifting sentiment.
March 6, 2020
Awesome
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