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Dustin Grubbs: One Man Show

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Dustin Grubbs, a sixth-grader who longs to see his name in lights, recounts life at Buttermilk Falls Elementary in preparation for the school drama production, The Castle of the Crooked Crowns. Reprint.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 7, 2005

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About the author

John J. Bonk

4 books11 followers
JOHN J. BONK is a former musical comedy performer turned author, who has hung up his tap shoes and devotes his time these days to “performing on the page.” He is the author of Madhattan Mystery, (2012, Walker/Bloomsbury) a madcap middle-grade adventure novel which Booklist calls "A delight in every way" and gives a starred review! He has also written the comic MG novel, Dustin Grubbs: One-Man Show,(Little, Brown) about a 12-year old actor wanna-be, which School Library Journal calls “Lighthearted and uproarious!” and Booklist describes as having “Great lines, hilarious scenes and a very satisfying ending.” The sequel, entitled, Dustin Grubbs: Take Two! (Little, Brown) is described by Children’s Literature as “Hilarious, delightful, a perfect choice–even for the most reluctant readers” and has Kirkus declaring, “The giggles never stop!”

John grew up in Chicago where he earned a degree in theatre from Loyola University and currently lives in the heart of Manhattan with his indefatigable kitty, Dinah Blue.

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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Wardrip.
Author 5 books517 followers
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

If you are looking for a fun read that will make you laugh, then DUSTIN GRUBBS: ONE-MAN SHOW by John J. Bonk is an act you shouldn't miss.

Dustin is a sixth grade thespian (actor) who has comedy and a thirst for performing in his blood. But don't tell his mom, since she says his dad's dream of being on stage is what caused the divorce nearly three years ago. One night he left for a gig, and Dustin hasn't heard from him since.

Dustin is not only the director of the school play, but has also landed the lead role. Performance day arrives and everything that can go wrong does, including major damage to the school's baby grand piano. The principal is holding Dustin and his favorite teacher, Miss Honeywell, responsible for finding a way to raise funds to repair the damage.

When Jeremy Jason Wilder, a famous teen actor, moves to his school, casting him in a small part seems to be the perfect solution to their financial dilemma. They could charge for the play and Dustin would have his moment in the spotlight performing to a full house. But Jeremy has his own secret that could stop the show. His arrival sets events in motion that could even cost Dustin his best friend, Wally.

John J. Bonk's amazing wit drives this book, from naming characters Pepper and LMNOP, to referring to ice water as "Adam's Ale, extra hale." Mr. Bonk creates the most amazing scenarios. This is a feel-good book that will have you laughing even after the last page is turned.
Profile Image for Cana Rensberger.
63 reviews11 followers
September 2, 2013
If you are looking for a fun read that will make you laugh, then DUSTIN GRUBBS ONE-MAN SHOW by John J. Bonk is an act you shouldn’t miss. Dustin is a sixth grade thespian (actor) who has comedy and a thirst for performing in his blood. But don’t tell his mom, since she says his dad’s dream of being on stage is what caused the divorce nearly three years ago. One night he left for a gig, and Dustin hasn’t heard from him since.

Dustin is not only the director of the school play, but has also landed the lead role. Performance day arrives and everything that can go wrong does, including major damage to the school’s baby grand piano. The principal is holding Dustin and his favorite teacher, Miss Honeywell, responsible for finding a way to raise funds to repair the damage.

When Jeremy Jason Wilder, a famous teen actor, moves to his school, casting him in a small part seems to be the perfect solution to their financial dilemma. They could charge for the play and Dustin would have his moment in the spotlight performing to a full house. But Jeremy has his own secret that could stop the show. His arrival sets events in motion that could even cost Dustin his best friend, Wally.

Author John J. Bonk’s amazing wit drives this book, from naming characters Pepper and LMNOP, to referring to ice water as “Adam’s Ale, extra hale.” Mr. Bonk creates the most amazing scenarios. This is a feel good book that will have you laughing even after the last page is turned.

Profile Image for Abhishree.
30 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2011
Dustin is living his dream by becoming a character in his school play of the castle of the crooked crowns. But then a celebrity moves to his town and spoils everything, what will dustin do to get rid of problem?
201 reviews22 followers
October 23, 2010
Not my favorite setting at all but fun "school story" -lighter hearted than most Clements, more wise-cracking, believable enough characters..kids into school stories would enjoy (does have 'missing' father who left to follow his dream)
Profile Image for Tracie.
912 reviews
June 23, 2011
Dustin Grubbs wants to be an actor and he's got the lead in the first school play since prehistoric times. One disaster after another seems to strike including Dustin's lead stolen by a popular child tv star.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

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