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School Daze #2
Do the Funky Pickle
A fast, fun, friendship read from the Newbery-award winning author of Maniac Magee.
Eddie Mott has a problem. He is completely and hopelessly in love with his friend Sunny...and he's way too wimpy to tell her. But the school dance is approaching quickly and Eddie knows it's time to act. He has to find a way to make Sunny notice him...but how? Eddie and Pickles come up with a plan that's sure to attract attention. But the girl who falls for Eddie at the dance isn't Sunny--it's Angelpuss, the girlfriend of the toughest, meanest eighth grader around. Eddie is in big, big trouble--unless he and Pickles can come up with some new moves...fast.
Eddie Mott has a problem. He is completely and hopelessly in love with his friend Sunny...and he's way too wimpy to tell her. But the school dance is approaching quickly and Eddie knows it's time to act. He has to find a way to make Sunny notice him...but how? Eddie and Pickles come up with a plan that's sure to attract attention. But the girl who falls for Eddie at the dance isn't Sunny--it's Angelpuss, the girlfriend of the toughest, meanest eighth grader around. Eddie is in big, big trouble--unless he and Pickles can come up with some new moves...fast.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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About the author
Jerry Spinelli
113 books4,010 followersWhen Jerry Spinelli was a kid, he wanted to grow up to be either a cowboy or a baseball player. Lucky for us he became a writer instead.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
He grew up in rural Pennsylvania and went to college at Gettysburg College and Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than 25 books and has six children and 16 grandchildren.
Jerry Spinelli began writing when he was 16 — not much older than the hero of his book Maniac Magee. After his high school football team won a big game, his classmates ran cheering through the streets — all except Spinelli, who went home and wrote a poem about the victory. When his poem was published in the local paper, Spinelli decided to become a writer instead of a major-league shortstop.
In most of his books, Spinelli writes about events and feelings from his own childhood. He also gets a lot of material from his seven adventurous kids! Spinelli and his wife, Eileen, also a children's book author, live in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 5, 2009
This book has no right to be very good -- it's just a throwaway book by a children's author better known for his more ambitious books. But I tore through this during reading time at the school where I tutor, and really enjoyed it. Spinelli is great, and maybe I just love YA literature...
October 22, 2022
Best book I ever read in my life. Might name my child after Angelpuss
November 23, 2025
This is actually the third book in the series.
January 28, 2009
Do the Funky Pickle was about a boy named Eddie Mott, who really likes this girl named Sunny. There is a school dance coming up, and he wants to ask Sunny to it, but he's too afraid. His other friends help him and give him suggestions at how to ask Sunny, but this seems to cause a lot of drama. Will Eddie give up his nerve to ask Sunny? Or will he be a coward and give up?
I decided to give this book a text to world connection, because there is always a ton of drama in middle school. Sometimes, when somebody has a crush on another person, they might be afraid to tell them. In this case, Sunny expresses a very out-going girl, where as Eddie is more quiet. Sometimes, if two people show different expressions, it may be more difficult to be with that person.
I rated this book, 3 stars because I loved the realistic drama, but I thought this book was definatly not challenging. Maybe if you were a 4th or 5th grader, you might it find of intrest. I would recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of Jerry Spinelli or anyone who likes DRAMA.
I decided to give this book a text to world connection, because there is always a ton of drama in middle school. Sometimes, when somebody has a crush on another person, they might be afraid to tell them. In this case, Sunny expresses a very out-going girl, where as Eddie is more quiet. Sometimes, if two people show different expressions, it may be more difficult to be with that person.
I rated this book, 3 stars because I loved the realistic drama, but I thought this book was definatly not challenging. Maybe if you were a 4th or 5th grader, you might it find of intrest. I would recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of Jerry Spinelli or anyone who likes DRAMA.
January 1, 2017
I don't know if this is simply dated, or if Spinelli has a different perspective than mine. But the adults are fairly absent here, especially the parents. Bullies and after-school fights are taken for granted as just a part of life. Apparently Spinelli thinks kids should work out their problems amongst themselves? To a certain extent, I agree... but in the case of the events in this book, I totally disagree. Bullies need to be stopped, ideally by helping them find hope and health, before they go on to bigger crimes.
And so much is not explained - I wish I could find the first book in the series. Why is Sunny such a snot? Is it because she's reluctant to grow up and face teen and adult issues? How is Pickles so wise and such a winner? Why does the principal focus on these four?
And so much is not explained - I wish I could find the first book in the series. Why is Sunny such a snot? Is it because she's reluctant to grow up and face teen and adult issues? How is Pickles so wise and such a winner? Why does the principal focus on these four?
April 5, 2016
The main character Edie is in love with her friend sunny. He feels unconfident to tell sunny he like her. He knows the dance is coming so he needs to act quickly. The weird thing is the girl who falls for Edie is one of the girlfriend of the meanest and toughest guy in the school.
September 10, 2023
This is a fun book and a very funny book.
It is book 3 of the School Daze collection - don't let anyone tell you otherwise! When Spinelli combined the collection into a single book, this one is put third. It is also the third chronologically, not the 2nd. It got published at the same time as Who Ran my Underwear up the Flagpole, but it has a slightly larger ISBN. Somehow Amazon and Goodreads got it in their head that this is book 2; it is not.
Anyway, if you're looking for a less serious Spinelli that tackles good middle-grade issues, look no further than the School Daze books.
It is book 3 of the School Daze collection - don't let anyone tell you otherwise! When Spinelli combined the collection into a single book, this one is put third. It is also the third chronologically, not the 2nd. It got published at the same time as Who Ran my Underwear up the Flagpole, but it has a slightly larger ISBN. Somehow Amazon and Goodreads got it in their head that this is book 2; it is not.
Anyway, if you're looking for a less serious Spinelli that tackles good middle-grade issues, look no further than the School Daze books.
May 29, 2018
At first, I didn't like this book. I was wondering why the heck the author was writing about violence to his age group audience. Then, I kept reading because Pickles is a really chill guy. Afterwards, I stayed because it was interesting to see how four different people are friends with other. Awesome characters by the way. Lastly, I really liked this book because in the end, there was a very good lesson taught out of this.
July 23, 2023
This was by the Maniac Magee author so I figured it would be good!
...
If I skipped the last chapter, I would have been SO MAD, because what they gotta do to my introvert bookworm?? ::ToT::
(it's definitely good but a bit traumatic for me, in terms of reliving the BS of school)
...
If I skipped the last chapter, I would have been SO MAD, because what they gotta do to my introvert bookworm?? ::ToT::
(it's definitely good but a bit traumatic for me, in terms of reliving the BS of school)
April 1, 2025
Read this when I was a kid and suddenly remembered it today. Went back and read it again quick.
I didn't understand why the Mott kid didn't embrace Angelpuss's love for him then and to be honest, I still don't now - kid was pulling a punk baddie two years his senior in the 6th grade off rizz alone & was too blind to appreciate it. Back when I was in 5th or 6th grade reading it, I would have taken a beating any day of the week to be in his shoes.
In any case, very nostalgic read.
I didn't understand why the Mott kid didn't embrace Angelpuss's love for him then and to be honest, I still don't now - kid was pulling a punk baddie two years his senior in the 6th grade off rizz alone & was too blind to appreciate it. Back when I was in 5th or 6th grade reading it, I would have taken a beating any day of the week to be in his shoes.
In any case, very nostalgic read.
April 15, 2020
A fun, enjoyable book with some underlying ideas to make you think.
This is a book for kids. The main characters are sixth-graders, two boys and two girls.
I enjoyed spending time with these characters.
This is a book for kids. The main characters are sixth-graders, two boys and two girls.
I enjoyed spending time with these characters.
April 28, 2024
I read this because I saw it in a little free library and remembered that I like the author. The book was fine, small fries, and after finishing, all I’m left with is that (bless their teachers and parents, cuz) middle schoolers are the worst.
December 31, 2019
☆2.5 stars ☆
August 22, 2020
I wonder if I would have given this book more stars if I had read it in the 90's?
February 12, 2024
It was a book that was written like books used to be written. Not bad though.
I did not read the first book, just read this 2nd book.
I did not read the first book, just read this 2nd book.
April 1, 2025
This author is good at making me chuckle.
June 8, 2020
This is actually #3 in this School Daze series!!
My favorite JUV FIC author. I am Never disappointed in his books. As an adult I find reading adult books back to back a bit cumbersome. So what I do is a read an adult book then I read a JUV FIC book, that seems to be working out great for me
My favorite JUV FIC author. I am Never disappointed in his books. As an adult I find reading adult books back to back a bit cumbersome. So what I do is a read an adult book then I read a JUV FIC book, that seems to be working out great for me
March 5, 2017
not the best spinelli book. the characters are cute, but the story lacks the emotional tug that I've grown to love and expect from spinelli. most of the emotions are pretty superficial. there is a touch of bullying, but in a school that promotes fist fights, it's not as impactful as it could be.
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November 30, 2016 This 25-chapter book is interesting. Anyone could probably relate their middle school days to it. Do The Funky Pickle, is a realistic fiction book. A bunch of kids named Eddie, Sunny, Salem, and his best friend Pickles attend Plumstead Middle School. I have a friend just like Eddie; his name is TJ. When it comes to girls, he always comes to me for a guidance or help.
The main characters are Eddie and Sunny. Eddie wants to go to the dance with Sunny, but Eddie is too nervous so he asks his friend Pickles to help him. Each of his friends gave him advice, like to be himself, pretend to be famous, or wear nice clothes. After dancing everyone loved him. But Eddie only wanted one person, Sunny. A girl Angelpuss falls in love with him.
I like that I can relate my life to this book when I was younger. In the book I dislike that it was confusing to understand. All the characters and plot was all over the place. This book is a believable book and hard to stop reading; it’s funny. Do The Funky Pickle brings memories back when I was young attending school dances. I recommend this book to someone that likes drama and funny books
The main characters are Eddie and Sunny. Eddie wants to go to the dance with Sunny, but Eddie is too nervous so he asks his friend Pickles to help him. Each of his friends gave him advice, like to be himself, pretend to be famous, or wear nice clothes. After dancing everyone loved him. But Eddie only wanted one person, Sunny. A girl Angelpuss falls in love with him.
I like that I can relate my life to this book when I was younger. In the book I dislike that it was confusing to understand. All the characters and plot was all over the place. This book is a believable book and hard to stop reading; it’s funny. Do The Funky Pickle brings memories back when I was young attending school dances. I recommend this book to someone that likes drama and funny books
November 24, 2009
I would definitely up the rating of this book to two and a half stars.
It was really nice, revisiting these characters that are fleshed out so well in the first two School Daze books. Jerry Spinelli is primarily known for his individual novels, but in this set of four books he has proven that he is wonderfully adept at creating a memorable short series, as well. One of the most lasting impressions in my mind of this book is that it's too bad there weren't more of them.
Jerry Spinelli allows the surprising, short moments of tenderness in the narrative to creep up on the reader and spring out suddenly, not like a practical joke but like a warm hug. I very much like this book, and would certainly recommend it, along with the other three School Daze entries, to anyone.
It was really nice, revisiting these characters that are fleshed out so well in the first two School Daze books. Jerry Spinelli is primarily known for his individual novels, but in this set of four books he has proven that he is wonderfully adept at creating a memorable short series, as well. One of the most lasting impressions in my mind of this book is that it's too bad there weren't more of them.
Jerry Spinelli allows the surprising, short moments of tenderness in the narrative to creep up on the reader and spring out suddenly, not like a practical joke but like a warm hug. I very much like this book, and would certainly recommend it, along with the other three School Daze entries, to anyone.
March 28, 2016
The book i read was Do The Funky Pickle by Jerry Spinelli.The book is about a kid named Eddie who wants to go to the dance with a girl named sunny.But Eddie is to nervous so he asks his friends to help him.Each of his friends say something different, be yourself, pretend to be famous, or wear nice clothes.Confused Eddie just be's himself.At the dance he does a dance that makes everyone love him.But a girl named Angelpuss takes it too far and wants to fight Eddie.What will become of Eddie read the Funky Pickle.I rated this book 3 out of 5 stars because it was confusing to understand all the characters and the plot was all over the place.I recommend this book to anyone who likes suspense and comedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 6, 2010I finished this book its a level u and if you want to read a book for fun on your level this would be the one to read... its basically about a boy name Eddie who's best guy friend is name is Pickle and his best female friend name is Salem and they both give the most opposite advice possible and Eddie has to figure out which advice he is going to listen to and this is very difficult for him because he trusts both of them if you want to find out why Eddie needs advice go on and read it!! In addition there is a big show that happens after a school dance in Eddie's school because a new dance was create by..?? and guess what it is called... read the book to find out more!!
October 14, 2012
Author Study:
I loved reading, Do the Funky Pickle by Jerry Spinelli. It is a story about love, bullying, and friendship. It includes four main characters, Eddie, Pickles, Sunny, and Salem. Eddie is in love with Sunny and is trying to win her over with the help of Salem and Pickles. This is a funny story that a 4th-6th grader would enjoy. Students would relate well to this book because of the likable characters. Jerry Spinelli does a great job of writing books that elementary school students would enjoy. I would recommend this book!
I loved reading, Do the Funky Pickle by Jerry Spinelli. It is a story about love, bullying, and friendship. It includes four main characters, Eddie, Pickles, Sunny, and Salem. Eddie is in love with Sunny and is trying to win her over with the help of Salem and Pickles. This is a funny story that a 4th-6th grader would enjoy. Students would relate well to this book because of the likable characters. Jerry Spinelli does a great job of writing books that elementary school students would enjoy. I would recommend this book!
June 22, 2011
This second book in the School Daze series reminded me how much I missed the Plumstead crew! While the first book focused mainly on Sunny, Eddie took center stage in this one. While it was a still a funny read, Sunny hardly appeared in the book at all and I wish that there had been a LOT more of her.
January 23, 2015
Cute story about a boy named Eddie. Eddie is in love with his good friend, Sunny. He is too shy to tell her and he needs to ask her to the dance. However, he uses the Funky Pickle to nab her attention. Unfortunately , he gets the attention of the girlfriend of the meanest kid on campus. Trouble arises.
October 7, 2014
This is about Eddie, Pickle, Sunny and Salem they go to Plumstead Middle School. The middle school dance is coming Eddie wants to ask Sunny. With Salem's help will Sunny say yes?
I really liked this character Sunny because she reminds me of one of my friends.
I really liked this character Sunny because she reminds me of one of my friends.
October 22, 2015
It was ok. Loved that Salem was so excited for the author visit! Too mature for 3rd grade I thought. Main characters are 6th graders, so might be ok for 5th. Still not sure what a nickelhead is and why they had bald spots shaved into their heads...did I miss this strange trend in the 90's?
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October 26, 2008I LOVED IT
January 29, 2010
Read in the fifth grade. Loved it so much that I took my teacher's copy from the classroom at the end of the school year, though not on purpose. Whoops.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews