The Gollywhopper Games

The Gollywhopper Games #1

by Jody Feldman, Victoria Jamieson (Illustrations)

Ladies and gentlemen!
Boys and girls!
Welcome to the biggest, bravest, boldest competition the world has ever seen!
The Gollywhopper Games!
Are you ready? Gil Goodson sure hopes he's ready. His future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised the family can move out of Orchard Heights—away from all the gossip, the false friends, and bad press that have plagued the Goodsons ever since The Incident. Gil's been studying for months. He thinks he knows everything about Golly's history and merchandise. But does he know enough to answer the trivia? Solve the puzzles? Complete the stunts? Will it be more than all the other kids know? Gil's formidable opponents have their own special talents. He must be quicker and smarter than all of them. The ride of Gil's life is about to begin. Win! win! win!

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Childrens, Juvenile, Fiction, Puzzles

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Jody Feldman never knew she always wanted to be a writer when she grew up. If you’d cornered her as a kid, she’d have mentioned doctor or teacher, but that was just an answer. Her passions ran more toward treasure hunter, codebreaker, movie director, or inventor, but her practical side couldn’t imagine how to get there.

Her path to writing meandered through the University of Missouri School of Journalism and a short career in advertising. She wrote a lot about shoes. And then a lot more.

Jody’s first children’s novel, The Gollywhopper Games received the 2011 Georgia Children's Book Award and the 2011 Grand Canyon Readers Award, and found its place on many other state lists. It also received the Kids Wings Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature and the 2008 Midwest Booksellers Choice Awards Honor for Children’s Literature. Her second, The Seventh Level (both books from HarperCollins/Greenwillow) debuted on the Summer 2010 Indie Next List and received the 2011 Missouri Writers Guild Show Me Best Book Award. Upcoming, thanks to popular demand, two follow-ups to The Gollywhopper Games.

A lifelong resident of St. Louis, Jody likes to travel, cook, watch football, and solve crossword-type puzzles. And she loves knowing she can explore any dream, career or adventure with the characters in her books.

Reviews

[Gwen the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most fun and easy to recommend books I've read in a long, long time. It's like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for a new generation, set in a toy factory, rather than chocolate, and with much more satisfying games.

Gil is trying his hardest to get into The Gollywhopper Games, a contest sponsered by Golly Toy & Game Company. The winner gets all kinds of money and great prizes, but what Gil is hoping to win is some self-respect. His dad used to be an employee of Golly but he was wrongfully accused of stealing and the family's life has never been the same. Gil figures if he can win the games, he can save their reputation...or have enough money to leave town.

The Gollywhopper Games is a trivia, puzzle, and stunt contest based on toys and games that Golly sells. Who better to win than someone who's known the company forever?

The games themselves are a kaleidescope of colors, giant toys, pulsing lights, and fantastic and imaginative trials. It's a fast-paced read with terrific characterizations. You even root for the other kids, not just Gil. This is the perfect read to end your summer vacation.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all. So. This one is a serious contender for Emily's Favorite New(ish) Children's(also ish) Book. Right up there with The Mysterious Benedict Society, with a large margin over Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library.

Inspired by a young reader looking for a comparable book to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this book takes the reader on a similar journey of said Charlie Bucket, but with a modern twist. Child with sad backstory? Check. Supporting children with one glaring personality aspect and a parent to match? Check. Spoiled rich kid? Check. Child obsessed with TV? Check. Quirky runner of company with attachment to protagonist? Check. Zany room filled with things they had never imagined? Check. Prize of a lifetime? Check.

I'm probably missing a few things there, but that's where the most glaring similarities end. The supporting cast were a little deeper than Dahl's. For example, child obsessed with TV also had an appreciation for history, too. I have my heart set on hoping she would become a history teacher. The supporting cast grew as characters, and not just by a stretching machine, if you know what I mean. Each one came away with a unique lesson that they learned, and on their way to being a better person. I loved Gil's rapport with his parents. Each time they said "good-bye" just showed how strong their relationship with him was. I loved each line of suspenseful prose (and poetry) throughout the story, as well as the creativity and inventiveness in the puzzles and stunts.

While paralleling Charlie in many ways, this story does not give the feel of a tale-twice-told during its reading. It was only when I reflected back after reading that it was inspired by Charlie (in the acknowledgements) that I realized everything listed above. This story feels fresh, fascinating, and downright FUN. 5 fantastic stars.

[Cinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, despite the fact that puzzles intimidate me.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found while looking for more like Encyclopedia Brown. Turns out it's more like a cross between Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. There are definitely some solvable puzzles in here, and a nice story too (though it is a contemporary fantasy, just as Dahl's classic was).

I liked that the author showed how the teamwork was effective at helping the kids become better, braver, more decent people. I liked how the kids weren't all the same age, too. I liked the extra details, like how Gil got in line late because he honorably finished mowing a lawn after a rainstorm delayed the job, and how Gil's family has a in-joke routine bit-of-business of echoing synonyms. I will read the sequels, for both the story and the puzzles.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read. It reminds me of both Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Westing Game. Lots of fun word and number puzzles to solve along the way. Put it in the hands of any 10-year old boys you know.

[HG]

I remember reading this book at my last day at my first elementary school before moving in 4th grade. I wanted to finish it so bad, but I never got to, so I had to return it to the school library at the last minute right as my mom was picking me up.

[Adele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure entirely why, but I do not like Gil Goodson. I did not particularly sympathize with him and I definitely was not rooting for him. That said, the games themselves were kind of fun, particularly the initial rounds once they got into the arena and the part where they had to work as a team. I enjoy the puzzles enough to give the sequel a try.

[hav! · Rating 2 out of 5]

the kids were smarter than me and i didn’t like it

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this gem of a book Monday night and finished 2 hours later. This fast paced, 308 page, children's fiction book revolves around Gil Goodson and his hopes to be able to participate in the Golly-Whopper Games. This book had a VERY familiar feel...Charlie and the Chocolate Factory came to mind, and in the back of the book the author says she wrote it because a child wanted a book like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and nobody could find one for him.

Keeping in mind this book is set in today's time, teen lingo and attitudes reflect it, but it isn't obnoxious. In fact, I grew to like each character for what they were. Jody Feldman does a great job with development of characters and like I said, it flows so well, I couldn't put it down!

This book contains several FUN puzzles to solve. Now, I am one who loves these kinds of puzzles and so it was really fun to try to figure them out on my own as I read. Reading this book to students and having them try to figure out the puzzles would be SO MUCH FUN!

I hope they turn this into a motion-picture. And when I say they...I mean my brother. GO FOR IT!

Great book from a boy's point of view. Different parts of the book focus on cheaters, friendships, & overcoming situations. This book is intense and exciting.

Loved it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was ridiculously cute. It was fast-paced and full of interesting twists and turns. I picked this one up after hearing at ALA that the teens loved it, and I can see why: it's a modern take on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory story line, but it's much less dark. The puzzles are fun and challenging to the characters and to the readers.

My one issue with the book is that it hinges on a strange idea: that the child of an employee (in this case, former employee) of a company can partake in a huge event the company sponsors. I know the story isn't realistic, but this little fact is what holds the entire storyline together and that's a little frustrating for me. But any 10 year old reading this would totally accept it.

I love Feldman's note at the end of the book. She was inspired to write the story after a 10 year old boy asked a librarian if there were any other books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and she wasn't able to locate something appropriate. So, Feldman wrote the readalike. This is a quick read and is something that would be fun to read aloud or would likely be a great audio book to listen to. I would love to see this one put onto film, too.

[Lara Ivey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year old Gil Goodson is ready to join the Gollywhopper Games. After months of being in the shadows of his father being wrongly accused of embezzling money from the Golly Toy and Game Company, the time has come to set things straight. It’s the 50th anniversary of the company and Gil thinks that if he can win the grand prize his family will be able to move out of town and be rid of “The Incident” and start fresh. Through challenging puzzles and riddles, tricky trivia, and crazy stunts, he competes against thousands of other kids to try and win. Gil has planned, studied, and is ready for the big day. Not only will it take the knowledge he has of the Golly Toy Company to win, teamwork will play a key role to his success. Unexpected twists and turns will be present throughout this novel. Get your thinking caps on and get ready to solve some puzzles with Gil!


• Find out what company makes your favorite toy. Write a note to them telling them why it’s your favorite.

Technology: Try this analogy game. http://www.quia.com/cb/7146.html
Visit the official Gollywhopper site!
http://www.gollywhoppergames.com/

[Glenn Conley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My wife recommended this book to me, and I thought there was no way that I would actually enjoy it. But, I started in on it anyway. See, I'm not a fan of puzzles. Hate 'em. And, she told me that there were many puzzles and adventures in this book. I kind of glossed over the puzzle bits, but enjoyed the adventures and the vivid characters.

So, yes. It's a good book. A nice, fun story. But, I have to say, If I had known that the actual adventure doesn't start until after the 10th chapter, I would have started there. That's when the actual Games begin. Before that, there is just a lot of set-up. Who is this kid? Why's his dad in trouble with the law? As far as I'm concerned... Who cares?

It would have been a much better book, had it stared at the 10th chapter mark. For me, anyway. So, tear 'em out of this book. Stomp on 'em. Call 'em dirty names. Because, that's what they deserve. Those chapters are bad, and they should feel bad.

[Frank Bierman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gollywhopper games is an interesting fiction. Unlike most books I usually read. It is geared more toward a younger group but I never got around to reading it at the younger age so why not now? The plot is so interesting I read the first half of the book in a day. The main character, Gil, thinks in ways I don't and problem solves ways I never thought or even dreamed of. It makes him a fascinating character to dive into. The way the book is written is a bit simpler than others I have read but I like it none the less. I am not quite finished with it yet, close but not finished, and I know the ending with surprise me no matter what.

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting puzzle, adventure book for juveniles. Reminiscent of Willie Wonka in that the children compete in a surreal environment for the ultimate prize.

This might have been a book where the reader could work on the puzzles along with the contestants but more often than not information was not given in order to do so. Still, it was interesting to see the children's thought process in arriving at the solution - or not.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Sentence Review: If I could slap a big label on any book with the word "Fun" it would be this one, no question.

[Eliza Pillsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

holds up!

for work purposes: ages 10-14

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boys and girls who loved reading "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or who like to solve riddles and puzzles will thoroughly enjoy reading "The Gollywhopper Games." Young Gil Goodson has a strong reason for why he wants to win the 50th annual Gollywhopper Games, sponsored by the major toy company in town, Golly Toy & Game Company. His father, who used to work for the toy company, was accused and acquitted of embezzling company funds the previous year, but many people still thought he did it. If Gil can make it through the different stages of the Games by solving the various puzzles and riddles, his family will finally have enough money to move away and start a new life. After feeling that his peers think he's a cheater like his father, Gil finally learns to trust some old and new friends as he experiences the Game of a lifetime. Readers who enjoy puzzles and mysteries will eagerly try to solve the clues along with Gil. Kids who feel that they've been misunderstood or teased by others can relate to Gil's wariness towards others and appreciate his journey to making and keeping worthy friends. Geared for children in grades 3-5, this book definitely deserved being the 2011 AZ Grand Canyon Reader Award winner.

[H · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried for about 35 pages before just skimming some puzzles, stunts, and the conclusion to the book. Overall, strongly disliked it. I disliked the random sudden friendship he made with Bianca and hated her "supermodel" look and "eccentric, non-stop talking" personality. It felt trippy and fake/sudden. I disliked when Gil talked about the school bullies and not doing anything like not snitching or telling others, disliked Gil mulling over not having an expensive lavish house that he felt entitled to (even if his dad was wrongly fired) and felt it was really spoiled, didn't care for his stories of trying to join the football and baseball teams and how entitled he felt, didn't care for how much he "studied" for the fake Gollywhopper company, and dislike the "coincidences" of running into school mate bullies when he was in a line with 5900+ people. The book just screams immature, too convenient and entitled. I also don't care for the physical stunts like bashing pinatas with poles together.

The closest thing to a saving Grace was the puzzles (had started this cause I heard it was as good as Winston Breen) but it's far fewer than Winston Breen's and also doesn't make up enough to offset the shitty writing and bad story/characters.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Bluebonnet Book Award nominee and I decided to read it to help promote it to the students at my school. Jody Feldman worked at a library herself, and was inspired one day when a student asked if there were any other books like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." The Gollywhopper Toy Company has a huge promotion where kids can compete to win truckloads of money, prizes and treats inside the toy factory, complete with a '50s diner, a palm-tree dotted island and 20 feet high dolls! This book is a journey through various quizzes, mad dashes and physical stunts and tons of fun.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in elementary school and it always stuck with me, so I finally checked it out of the library as a 22 year old graduate student to relive my childhood. Somehow, it was better than I remembered, with fun characters, puzzles you can try to solve as you read, and fantastic, vivid language. This book made me feel like a child again, with my imagination running wild and my energy as high as ever. I can’t wait to share it with my cousins, nieces, and nephews when they get old enough to read, and I know I will share it with my own kids one day.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, laughed, chortled, choked, puzzled, wondered, and lots of visualization, puzzles, math and reading, geography, and games, including some video. More open to 6th & 7th, but 8th would read it in a classroom setting, role their eyes – and then talk about the puzzles and gaming possibilities. Let’s keep this one.

[Jeff Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, put it in a toy company, and add in a dash of social commentary, and you get this book. Not a bad read, even with the obvious nods to past ideas, and it’s one I’ll give to kids in a flash.

[Jordan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun read. I read it ages ago when I was a child and thought it’d be a good time to read it again. Boy was I right. A good book for those of us who like puzzle solving and competition. Five stars for a childrens book!

[Pam Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It reminded me a little of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but was different enough to be orginal.

[Lily/Campbell · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is bad, I couldn't understand a thing, do not read it

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myah's reading this for her literacy class & told me she really thinks I should read it too. :) So I did, and it was actually quite good!

[Shouty · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SCHOOL NURSE AT MY 8YO’S SCHOOL PUT HIM
ON THE PHONE SO HE COULD TELL ME ABOUT A CUT HE GOT AT RECESS BUT WE ENDED UP CHATTING ABOUT THIS BOOK INSTEAD

[Dallas Harris · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked it at first but then it got boring.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checks all the boxes for a great audiobook for a family: it appeals to elementary through high school kids, the puzzles are difficult enough to challenge but not so hard that they seem impossible, and the payoff at the end is satisfying. Gil feels like a very worthy hero to cheer for, and we found the whole publicity stunt very plausible, perhaps because we've toured the EPIC campus many times so we aren't surprised by the expensive whims of eccentric and whimsical business owners. My kids loved this one so much we're queueing up the second one in the series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about a kid who enters into a toy company contest, where he has to solve puzzles. It is like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and is actually meant to be so, but it has a flavor all its own. The puzzles have to do with the toys and sometimes video games the company produces, and they’re all amazing. I also like the supporting cast, and most of them as just as interesting as Gil. The series should have stopped at just one book.