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The Detention Club
Sixth-grader Peter Lee, in a desperate attempt to regain the popularity he had in elementary school, discovers that serving detention can win him important friends, much to the dismay of his over-achieving eighth-grade sister, Sunny.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2011
13 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
David Yoo
18 books41 followersDavid Yoo's first collection of essays, The Choke Artist: Confessions of a Chronic Underachiever (Grand Central) is out June 19, 2012. He is a graduate from Skidmore College with an MA from the University of Colorado-Boulder. His first novel, Girls For Breakfast (Delacorte) was a Booksense Pick, an NYPL Books For the Teen Age selection, and a Reading Rants Top Ten Books for Teens choice. He lives in Massachusetts, where he regularly plays adult soccer and Sega Genesis and teaches fiction at the Gotham Writers' Workshop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 15, 2021
I've never read a book that so loudly screamed middle school boy. Not necessarily middles school boy reader, though I'm sure they would enjoy it. I mean the narrator, Peter Lee. His cluelessness. His desire to fit in. His weird plans and random tangents. Even his one friend. This book doesn't sugarcoat anything: middle school boys are dumb.
But not to themselves.
This is an amusing middle school read along the lines of Gordon Korman. If I have one major critique, it would be that it takes too long for Peter to get detention. Or maybe that his time in detention simply doesn't take up enough of the story.
The chapters are in the double-digits before he gets sent to detention. And even then, the other plotlines (like the invention fair) play more significant roles. It wouldn't feel so oddly unbalanced if the book wasn't literally titled The Detention Club. Or if the synopsis didn't center so heavily on Peter getting sent to detention. I wasn't really enjoying all the side plots because I was waiting for him to just get into trouble already.
Funny and worth a read, though. This would make a great NCFCA speech open.
But not to themselves.
This is an amusing middle school read along the lines of Gordon Korman. If I have one major critique, it would be that it takes too long for Peter to get detention. Or maybe that his time in detention simply doesn't take up enough of the story.
The chapters are in the double-digits before he gets sent to detention. And even then, the other plotlines (like the invention fair) play more significant roles. It wouldn't feel so oddly unbalanced if the book wasn't literally titled The Detention Club. Or if the synopsis didn't center so heavily on Peter getting sent to detention. I wasn't really enjoying all the side plots because I was waiting for him to just get into trouble already.
Funny and worth a read, though. This would make a great NCFCA speech open.
August 14, 2011
Peter and his best friend Drew were popular in elementary school. A day into middle school, the two realize they are no longer cool. Peter and Drew don't know how their status changed over the summer. Peter comes up with several plans to make them popular again.
All the schemes fail, until Peter figures out detention is the key to popularity. Soon Peter and Drew's friendship is strained by starting middle school and losing their cool status. Peter's older sistery Sunny gets perfect grades and wins everything. So Peter has the added pressure of trying to keep up with his teachers expectations.
I wasn't a big Peter fan but his voice was believable. I thought the author did a good job with Peter and Drew's friendship. They had a great back n forth, it was easy to imagine that they've been friends for years.
This was an enjoyable read with some funny moments. A few of Peter's interactions with his parents had me laughing out loud. This is Yoo's third novel and middle grade debut. It's a solid debut, it's not always easy to make that transition from a YA voice. Yoo does a good job, Peter and Drew feel very much like the middle school freshman they are suppose to be. Their fear of middle school and not fitting in play out well
All the schemes fail, until Peter figures out detention is the key to popularity. Soon Peter and Drew's friendship is strained by starting middle school and losing their cool status. Peter's older sistery Sunny gets perfect grades and wins everything. So Peter has the added pressure of trying to keep up with his teachers expectations.
I wasn't a big Peter fan but his voice was believable. I thought the author did a good job with Peter and Drew's friendship. They had a great back n forth, it was easy to imagine that they've been friends for years.
This was an enjoyable read with some funny moments. A few of Peter's interactions with his parents had me laughing out loud. This is Yoo's third novel and middle grade debut. It's a solid debut, it's not always easy to make that transition from a YA voice. Yoo does a good job, Peter and Drew feel very much like the middle school freshman they are suppose to be. Their fear of middle school and not fitting in play out well
May 10, 2015
This book started a week before school in the summer."I figure this story begins on the last week of summer vacation..."(Yoo 5).Peter received an important thing. He will be in the same school as his sister. Which is called the Fenwick Middle School. Sunny, his sister, was not a big fan of the idea, but had to go with it.That same morning Peter received a letter stating that he will be a participant in the T.A.G (Talnted and gifted) students.
The fair was suppose to make students find inventions. "I went up to my bedroom after breakfast to start brainstorming for inventions" (Yoo 12). Peter found difficulties brainstorming ideas. Then an idea came to his ind. He wondered if his mate, derek's cat, could become smaller and all the cats in the world. Derek didn't agree though.Peter was finally going to preform the expirement and his idea was to remove parts of the spinal cord that makes the cat always a kitten.
Then Drew denied everything and thy ended up not doing the expirement. They then started talking about their first day of middle school."'Are you scared of going to Fenwick Middle?'"(Yoo 22). The first day of middle school came, and the two best frends got embrrassed already. The two freinds colleected mica, and that was a bi thing in fifth grade, but in sixth, it wasn't the case. So they were bragging about how much micca they had, and then everyone became shocked because it is pretty babyish.
The first day was also really bad for the freinds. They had no classes together "In addition to finding out I didn't have any classes with Drew..."(Yoo 37). Peter was also lucky because all teachers told him about how Sunny was a good students and several other stories."I found out that all the teachers were in love with Sunny"(Yoo 37). The theme of this story so far is coming of age, becasue he sees how the students diffrenciated from elementary school.
"I opened the safe, took out the bag, and pulled out a handful of mica, shaking my head. (Yoo 47). Peter was very mad and careless about the time and effort he had spent towards mica.Derek started arguing with Peter, but Peter was stubborn and wanted to sell it all.Derek was finally convinced to sell the mica. Which took them a lot of tie to get rid of it. It was dinnertime and Sunny wanted to embarrass him.
"So why don't each of us tell us one interesting thing you learned in scchool today" (Yoo 51). Sunny was impatient for her mother to finish her sentence and told them about what she learned about. It was peter's turn and after a long time, he finally said a word, which was that he learned about hair. Sunny tried to make him in trouble by stating that she never learned about hair.Peter also states that he finds Sunny annoying because she always tries to be the "now it all" and barge and correct or add on anyhting.
To make things worse for Peter in terms of Sunny, kids in her grades punish him for the actions she does. "I hate Sunny Lee...I bet you're a goody-goody just like her, huh (Yoo 59)? Then Peter tried to tell them that he also despises her too. Then the two guys decided to threaten them by saying that they will regret coming to Feniwck. The next day Sunny seemed weird because she dramatically changed. She did not complain when Derek carried her bag to homeroom or anything.
Talent show was around the corner. Sunny, Derek and Peter wanted to participate as usual. "The auditorium at school was already packed when we showed up for talent show Friday night" (Yoo 78). Peter said that he was nervous-wreck, and that was the same case with Derek. They were planning on being magicians.
Soon,Peter gave up on everything. He hated school because he was teased by everyone, except derek. He stole things from science and when his mother came, he didn't care and refused to return it. He constantly got detentions for his rotten behaviour.Soon Derek had an idea, and idea that may chnage the reputation in school. He usually doesnt get invited to Fenwick Middle School parties but does get invited to students that attend Hilton. " We do get invited to Hilton, right, so why not take advantage of that and show them we get invited" (Yoo 113).
Derek thought it was a brilliant idea, but didn't know how to prove it. Mainly because they won't beleive him. Peter said that he can show them digitaly by taking pictures during the event and posting them online. " It's easy Derek, we can show them digitaly" (Yoo 121). Derek agreed and decided to take pictures of every event they went to. But unluckily for them they failed and nobody really cared about them.
There was a threatning incident going on. There was a theif in school. The Coffee maker in school was stolen. " Mr. Schoonerman's coffee maker is stolen" (Yoo 150)! Peter knew that all the students that have a rotten behaviour like him will be whatched on countinoulsy during the time. For fun, Peter asked Derek to be detectives and find the man behind this incident.
The theme of the chapters is that in every night there is dawn. The first reason that proves so is that Peter is experiencing trouble and he is not belonging,but he will eventually belong. For example in the world many people don't adapt quickly when they travel to another circumstance. Another reason would be that he is countinoulsly attempting to be poupilar but if he keeps trying he will see dawn. An initial example would be Adida's slogan, Impossible is nothing. To wrap up, every conflict eventually ends.
One day, Peter entered Sunny's room. Just to check on her. When he found the coffee machine they were all looking for. The one Mr.Schoonerman lost, was in her room. "Sunny, are you kidding me"(Yoo 178). Sunny than said while crying that her life seems boring without any highlights, she also wants bad attention.
Peter told her he had to turn the coffeemaker in without anyone acctualy spotting her. "We gotta do this Sunny, no additional discussions"(Yoo 186).
The next day Sunny took her biggest purse. Many people came to her asking to carry the purse for her, but she denyed that. It was lunch time and Mr. schoonerman went to get his lunch, Peter came and slowly entered his class. The teacher came at that very moment and saw them.
Peter jumped from his place, and knew he he was in deep trouble. He took the cofee machine and ran with it." I stupidly grabbed the machine and ran away"(Yoo 198). The teacher chased him and called the securtiy guard to catch him too. He got caught and got sent to the office. The Principle as a result gave him detentions everday till the end of the year.
The theme of the book, is coming of age. The first reason is that along time ago, Peter didn't worry about poupilarity as much as he is recently. For example the whole time he tried to gain poupilarity back. The second reason is that puberty leads people to act diffrently and badly. An initial example would be towards the end of the story when Peter ran with the machine. To wrap up, The book relates to coming of age a lot.
The fair was suppose to make students find inventions. "I went up to my bedroom after breakfast to start brainstorming for inventions" (Yoo 12). Peter found difficulties brainstorming ideas. Then an idea came to his ind. He wondered if his mate, derek's cat, could become smaller and all the cats in the world. Derek didn't agree though.Peter was finally going to preform the expirement and his idea was to remove parts of the spinal cord that makes the cat always a kitten.
Then Drew denied everything and thy ended up not doing the expirement. They then started talking about their first day of middle school."'Are you scared of going to Fenwick Middle?'"(Yoo 22). The first day of middle school came, and the two best frends got embrrassed already. The two freinds colleected mica, and that was a bi thing in fifth grade, but in sixth, it wasn't the case. So they were bragging about how much micca they had, and then everyone became shocked because it is pretty babyish.
The first day was also really bad for the freinds. They had no classes together "In addition to finding out I didn't have any classes with Drew..."(Yoo 37). Peter was also lucky because all teachers told him about how Sunny was a good students and several other stories."I found out that all the teachers were in love with Sunny"(Yoo 37). The theme of this story so far is coming of age, becasue he sees how the students diffrenciated from elementary school.
"I opened the safe, took out the bag, and pulled out a handful of mica, shaking my head. (Yoo 47). Peter was very mad and careless about the time and effort he had spent towards mica.Derek started arguing with Peter, but Peter was stubborn and wanted to sell it all.Derek was finally convinced to sell the mica. Which took them a lot of tie to get rid of it. It was dinnertime and Sunny wanted to embarrass him.
"So why don't each of us tell us one interesting thing you learned in scchool today" (Yoo 51). Sunny was impatient for her mother to finish her sentence and told them about what she learned about. It was peter's turn and after a long time, he finally said a word, which was that he learned about hair. Sunny tried to make him in trouble by stating that she never learned about hair.Peter also states that he finds Sunny annoying because she always tries to be the "now it all" and barge and correct or add on anyhting.
To make things worse for Peter in terms of Sunny, kids in her grades punish him for the actions she does. "I hate Sunny Lee...I bet you're a goody-goody just like her, huh (Yoo 59)? Then Peter tried to tell them that he also despises her too. Then the two guys decided to threaten them by saying that they will regret coming to Feniwck. The next day Sunny seemed weird because she dramatically changed. She did not complain when Derek carried her bag to homeroom or anything.
Talent show was around the corner. Sunny, Derek and Peter wanted to participate as usual. "The auditorium at school was already packed when we showed up for talent show Friday night" (Yoo 78). Peter said that he was nervous-wreck, and that was the same case with Derek. They were planning on being magicians.
Soon,Peter gave up on everything. He hated school because he was teased by everyone, except derek. He stole things from science and when his mother came, he didn't care and refused to return it. He constantly got detentions for his rotten behaviour.Soon Derek had an idea, and idea that may chnage the reputation in school. He usually doesnt get invited to Fenwick Middle School parties but does get invited to students that attend Hilton. " We do get invited to Hilton, right, so why not take advantage of that and show them we get invited" (Yoo 113).
Derek thought it was a brilliant idea, but didn't know how to prove it. Mainly because they won't beleive him. Peter said that he can show them digitaly by taking pictures during the event and posting them online. " It's easy Derek, we can show them digitaly" (Yoo 121). Derek agreed and decided to take pictures of every event they went to. But unluckily for them they failed and nobody really cared about them.
There was a threatning incident going on. There was a theif in school. The Coffee maker in school was stolen. " Mr. Schoonerman's coffee maker is stolen" (Yoo 150)! Peter knew that all the students that have a rotten behaviour like him will be whatched on countinoulsy during the time. For fun, Peter asked Derek to be detectives and find the man behind this incident.
The theme of the chapters is that in every night there is dawn. The first reason that proves so is that Peter is experiencing trouble and he is not belonging,but he will eventually belong. For example in the world many people don't adapt quickly when they travel to another circumstance. Another reason would be that he is countinoulsly attempting to be poupilar but if he keeps trying he will see dawn. An initial example would be Adida's slogan, Impossible is nothing. To wrap up, every conflict eventually ends.
One day, Peter entered Sunny's room. Just to check on her. When he found the coffee machine they were all looking for. The one Mr.Schoonerman lost, was in her room. "Sunny, are you kidding me"(Yoo 178). Sunny than said while crying that her life seems boring without any highlights, she also wants bad attention.
Peter told her he had to turn the coffeemaker in without anyone acctualy spotting her. "We gotta do this Sunny, no additional discussions"(Yoo 186).
The next day Sunny took her biggest purse. Many people came to her asking to carry the purse for her, but she denyed that. It was lunch time and Mr. schoonerman went to get his lunch, Peter came and slowly entered his class. The teacher came at that very moment and saw them.
Peter jumped from his place, and knew he he was in deep trouble. He took the cofee machine and ran with it." I stupidly grabbed the machine and ran away"(Yoo 198). The teacher chased him and called the securtiy guard to catch him too. He got caught and got sent to the office. The Principle as a result gave him detentions everday till the end of the year.
The theme of the book, is coming of age. The first reason is that along time ago, Peter didn't worry about poupilarity as much as he is recently. For example the whole time he tried to gain poupilarity back. The second reason is that puberty leads people to act diffrently and badly. An initial example would be towards the end of the story when Peter ran with the machine. To wrap up, The book relates to coming of age a lot.
August 30, 2015
Before school starts, Peter gets a call with good and bad news. The good news is that Peter joined the T.A.G group which is a group for talented and gifted students. The bad news is that he has to be in the same class as his sister Sunny. He detests her but he is obligated to be in class with her. Peter wants to keep his reputation of being the "King of the Class " and being popular like he was in Elementary School. Peter had a best friend named Drew. Peter and Drewwent to school expecting to be the most popular kids, but then realized they werent as popular at all since Sunny was the most popular.
Peter tries everything to be one of the famous people but always ends up failing. His sister, Sunny, makes fun of him at home which gives Peter another plan. Peter had a plan to go to detention so that he regains his popularity. Peter started to grow apart with Drew since they have no classes together and they are as far from each other as Earth and Mars in the school. When Peter tells his name tk the teacher, the teacher cant resist talking to him about his over-acheiving sister. This relates to coming of age since e students are not the same that they were in elementary school.
Again the war hits at dinner time when Peters parents ask the children what they learned that day. Sunny answers exhileratingly saying she learned so much. She also finishes by saying she learned that her little brother has no friends. That gets oetter extremely angry as he says he learned about hair. Sunny fails at trying to get Peter in trouble. Peter tells his parents Sunny is being very annoying and leaves.
One day Peter comes to school and he was walking alone towards his locker. Then many people runs towards him as others push him around. People in eight grade tells him that they hate his sister and that they are getting revenge. Peter starts being terrified as a tear drops down his eye. He explains to them that him too hates his sister so much and cant live with her. The guys threatened Peter and Sunny saying that they will die and they will go to hell. The next day something is wierd with Sunny, very wierd.
When Sunny makes Derek, Peter's best friend , carry her bag, she doesnt shout at him nor complains at all. This makes Peter very suspicious. Derek and Peter got news saying talent show is near and they wanted to participate as always against Sunny. They wanted to do magic in the show and win. Peter started to get depressed. He hated school because everyone insulted him. His behavior was so bad that his mom got called saying he stole a science textbook and refused to return it. He didnt care anymore. He was extremely sad.
He started getting detentions every week, then every 3 days. Derek thought of an idea saying that they dont get invited to parties, yes, but they still gets invited to "Hilton". Hilton was a party in school were certain kids could go and had a show. Derek wanted to regain his popularity so going to Hilton is a perfect plan since almost all kids are there. Dereks goal was to proove to the kids that he gets invited to stuff like Hilton, but he says no one will believe he got invited to Hilton. Peter said that they should take pictures of the invatations to proove that they are invited.
An alarm went all over the school saying that a theif was in the school that stole the coffee maker. Peter knew he would be a suspect since he had bad behavior. Peter was extremely scared that they think its him and somehow find evidence. Peter told Derek that they have to find the theif so that they dont think its Peter. I predict that the theif is going to be Sunny. Also Sunny continues to be peculiar in Peter's eyes as she is alone when he see's her, for once.
Peter and Derek where looking for the thief the whole time, especially during detention. They had no evidence nor leads. Eventually, they gave up and Peter was certain he would be caught with false charges. Then Peter walks into Sunny's room and see's her crying with the coffee maker. She says she doesnt feel like she is popular. She also says she wants to feel some bad attention. Thus, Petter has a harsh choice to make. Either him get expelled or suspended, or make his sister get expelled or suspended.
Then Peter came up with a better plan saying that they had to turn in the coffee maker without anyone looking. Sunny had to take her big purse, get into the class, and put the coffee maker on the table. The next day Sunny got her big purse and brought it to school. Many people offered to carry it for her but she denied. It was lunch time as everyone went to eat. Peter and Sunny came and tried to put the coffee maker on the table. Then they hear a knock on the door as another teacher comes in and see's them.
The resolution is that Peter jumped and ran away until a security guard caught him. He went to the office becoming a hero to the students since he got bad attention but got some very bad news. Peter was getting a detention every day for the rest of his life. Sunny thanked him and stopped being mean with him forever. Sunny also explained to her parents what happened. Thus, the book ends with Peter being punished but being punished for a good cause!
Peter tries everything to be one of the famous people but always ends up failing. His sister, Sunny, makes fun of him at home which gives Peter another plan. Peter had a plan to go to detention so that he regains his popularity. Peter started to grow apart with Drew since they have no classes together and they are as far from each other as Earth and Mars in the school. When Peter tells his name tk the teacher, the teacher cant resist talking to him about his over-acheiving sister. This relates to coming of age since e students are not the same that they were in elementary school.
Again the war hits at dinner time when Peters parents ask the children what they learned that day. Sunny answers exhileratingly saying she learned so much. She also finishes by saying she learned that her little brother has no friends. That gets oetter extremely angry as he says he learned about hair. Sunny fails at trying to get Peter in trouble. Peter tells his parents Sunny is being very annoying and leaves.
One day Peter comes to school and he was walking alone towards his locker. Then many people runs towards him as others push him around. People in eight grade tells him that they hate his sister and that they are getting revenge. Peter starts being terrified as a tear drops down his eye. He explains to them that him too hates his sister so much and cant live with her. The guys threatened Peter and Sunny saying that they will die and they will go to hell. The next day something is wierd with Sunny, very wierd.
When Sunny makes Derek, Peter's best friend , carry her bag, she doesnt shout at him nor complains at all. This makes Peter very suspicious. Derek and Peter got news saying talent show is near and they wanted to participate as always against Sunny. They wanted to do magic in the show and win. Peter started to get depressed. He hated school because everyone insulted him. His behavior was so bad that his mom got called saying he stole a science textbook and refused to return it. He didnt care anymore. He was extremely sad.
He started getting detentions every week, then every 3 days. Derek thought of an idea saying that they dont get invited to parties, yes, but they still gets invited to "Hilton". Hilton was a party in school were certain kids could go and had a show. Derek wanted to regain his popularity so going to Hilton is a perfect plan since almost all kids are there. Dereks goal was to proove to the kids that he gets invited to stuff like Hilton, but he says no one will believe he got invited to Hilton. Peter said that they should take pictures of the invatations to proove that they are invited.
An alarm went all over the school saying that a theif was in the school that stole the coffee maker. Peter knew he would be a suspect since he had bad behavior. Peter was extremely scared that they think its him and somehow find evidence. Peter told Derek that they have to find the theif so that they dont think its Peter. I predict that the theif is going to be Sunny. Also Sunny continues to be peculiar in Peter's eyes as she is alone when he see's her, for once.
Peter and Derek where looking for the thief the whole time, especially during detention. They had no evidence nor leads. Eventually, they gave up and Peter was certain he would be caught with false charges. Then Peter walks into Sunny's room and see's her crying with the coffee maker. She says she doesnt feel like she is popular. She also says she wants to feel some bad attention. Thus, Petter has a harsh choice to make. Either him get expelled or suspended, or make his sister get expelled or suspended.
Then Peter came up with a better plan saying that they had to turn in the coffee maker without anyone looking. Sunny had to take her big purse, get into the class, and put the coffee maker on the table. The next day Sunny got her big purse and brought it to school. Many people offered to carry it for her but she denied. It was lunch time as everyone went to eat. Peter and Sunny came and tried to put the coffee maker on the table. Then they hear a knock on the door as another teacher comes in and see's them.
The resolution is that Peter jumped and ran away until a security guard caught him. He went to the office becoming a hero to the students since he got bad attention but got some very bad news. Peter was getting a detention every day for the rest of his life. Sunny thanked him and stopped being mean with him forever. Sunny also explained to her parents what happened. Thus, the book ends with Peter being punished but being punished for a good cause!
September 16, 2021
This is such a fun book!! I love how it tells from a kids point of viewe and the funny hardships of like lol
April 18, 2022
I liked it and I don't know what else to say because I loved it.
August 8, 2011
It’s a new year and a whole new ball game for Peter Lee and his best friend Drew. Once the “kings of the school” are now simply the little guys on campus at their new middle school. In Peter’s case it’s even more complicated when adding his older brainiack sister Sunny to the equation. Not only do the two siblings detest each other, but everyone at Pete’s new school idolizes her. After trying everything he can think of Pete ends up in detention with the kids he used to run from and surprisingly the outcome is quite different than he ever expected.
If you’ve read David Yoo’s Fistful of Feathers from the Guys Read: Funny Business collection you’re already aware of not only his humor, but his ability to relate to young readers. The Detention Club from beginning to end was a hilarious walk through the halls of the often harrowing existence of a brand new middle school boy. Peter’s character was exactly what I’d imagine a typical sixth grade boy to be like, a bit humorous & outwardly confident but also incredibly insecure about where he stands in this big new world he couldn’t have dreamed of. In many ways Yoo’s characters, Peter & Drew in particular, reminded me quite a great deal of the main characters in Chris Rylander’s The Fourth Stall which is a story I thoroughly enjoyed as well.
Peter’s relationship with his older sister, Sunny, as well as his parents was perfect! In books and in other forms of media we have a tendency to create a world where everything is happy and all relationships for brothers and sisters are work with ease. Obviously, for the majority of us we grew up struggling with our siblings and parents at some point or another but eventually we were able to overcome this. In Peter’s case it takes quite an obstacle to overcome his struggles with Sunny, but it’s absolutely hilarious watching him get there.
Over the last year there’s been an insurgence of brilliantly written middle grade novels specifically aimed at boy readers. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic new “trend” if you’d call it that, but I certainly hope it continues. David Yoo’s The Detention Club is a wonderful addition to the group of middle grade novels I’ve grown to love in the recent past. For young readers making the transition to middle school (boys in particular) The Dentention Club will not only be a hilarious read, but a source of comfort in a difficult time. Be prepared to laugh hysterically as Peter Lee learns that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover and your best friends might be right under your nose if you’re looking too hard for them.
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my review site, There's A Book.
If you’ve read David Yoo’s Fistful of Feathers from the Guys Read: Funny Business collection you’re already aware of not only his humor, but his ability to relate to young readers. The Detention Club from beginning to end was a hilarious walk through the halls of the often harrowing existence of a brand new middle school boy. Peter’s character was exactly what I’d imagine a typical sixth grade boy to be like, a bit humorous & outwardly confident but also incredibly insecure about where he stands in this big new world he couldn’t have dreamed of. In many ways Yoo’s characters, Peter & Drew in particular, reminded me quite a great deal of the main characters in Chris Rylander’s The Fourth Stall which is a story I thoroughly enjoyed as well.
Peter’s relationship with his older sister, Sunny, as well as his parents was perfect! In books and in other forms of media we have a tendency to create a world where everything is happy and all relationships for brothers and sisters are work with ease. Obviously, for the majority of us we grew up struggling with our siblings and parents at some point or another but eventually we were able to overcome this. In Peter’s case it takes quite an obstacle to overcome his struggles with Sunny, but it’s absolutely hilarious watching him get there.
Over the last year there’s been an insurgence of brilliantly written middle grade novels specifically aimed at boy readers. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic new “trend” if you’d call it that, but I certainly hope it continues. David Yoo’s The Detention Club is a wonderful addition to the group of middle grade novels I’ve grown to love in the recent past. For young readers making the transition to middle school (boys in particular) The Dentention Club will not only be a hilarious read, but a source of comfort in a difficult time. Be prepared to laugh hysterically as Peter Lee learns that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover and your best friends might be right under your nose if you’re looking too hard for them.
Originally reviewed and copyrighted at my review site, There's A Book.
August 12, 2011
Kudos, first of all, to David Yoo for perfectly capturing the world of middle school. I found myself giggling out loud as Peter and Drew navigated the perils of this new school experience. From their voices, to the snark, right down to the bullies, everything was there in perfect color. I'm not kidding. It took me back to my middle school experience and, although I wasn't in the same position as Peter, I had not a single problem falling into step with these wonderful characters.
The chemistry between these two characters is amazing! Peter is the brains of the operation, and it's no surprise that he might just sometimes be a little bit of a liar. After all, schemers generally are. Sweet Drew is his loyal friend, who is also the voice of reason in the friendship. Whenever Peter comes up with a particularly odd plan, it's Drew who has to remind him it just might not be for the best. I was giggling out loud at the way the two of them interacted. I admit that Drew was a bit of a pushover, but charismatic Peter is a tough character to follow. They compliment one another perfectly.
What I most enjoyed about The Detention Club was the message underneath everything. Buried under the funny parts, and the banter, is a story that all middle school kids will be able to connect with. All Peter and Drew want to do is fit in. They want to be popular enough that they have other friends, and don't feel like losers. However as the book goes on, Peter realizes that Drew isn't always going to be completely on board with his crazy schemes. We all grow up sometime don't we? He also uncovers that people might not always be what they seem on the outside. Most of all, he realizes that no matter who we are, just being ourselves is perfection. Who wants friends that make you change for them anyway?
It might all sound a little cliche, like the lectures our parents give us when we're young, but now that I'm older don't I know it's the truth. David Yoo has perfectly masked these very important lessons under a story that is quick-paced, funny, and filled with things that younger readers will connect with. Honestly, I'm so happy I was given the opportunity to review this book! I fully intend to take it to the 5th grade class at the school I work with and let them read it. Maybe it will give them some good early pointers for what's to come!
Recommended most definitely! If you have a younger reader, I can't deny they'll fall in love with Peter, Drew and their crazy cohorts. Just be ready for the sounds of giggling from the other room.
The chemistry between these two characters is amazing! Peter is the brains of the operation, and it's no surprise that he might just sometimes be a little bit of a liar. After all, schemers generally are. Sweet Drew is his loyal friend, who is also the voice of reason in the friendship. Whenever Peter comes up with a particularly odd plan, it's Drew who has to remind him it just might not be for the best. I was giggling out loud at the way the two of them interacted. I admit that Drew was a bit of a pushover, but charismatic Peter is a tough character to follow. They compliment one another perfectly.
What I most enjoyed about The Detention Club was the message underneath everything. Buried under the funny parts, and the banter, is a story that all middle school kids will be able to connect with. All Peter and Drew want to do is fit in. They want to be popular enough that they have other friends, and don't feel like losers. However as the book goes on, Peter realizes that Drew isn't always going to be completely on board with his crazy schemes. We all grow up sometime don't we? He also uncovers that people might not always be what they seem on the outside. Most of all, he realizes that no matter who we are, just being ourselves is perfection. Who wants friends that make you change for them anyway?
It might all sound a little cliche, like the lectures our parents give us when we're young, but now that I'm older don't I know it's the truth. David Yoo has perfectly masked these very important lessons under a story that is quick-paced, funny, and filled with things that younger readers will connect with. Honestly, I'm so happy I was given the opportunity to review this book! I fully intend to take it to the 5th grade class at the school I work with and let them read it. Maybe it will give them some good early pointers for what's to come!
Recommended most definitely! If you have a younger reader, I can't deny they'll fall in love with Peter, Drew and their crazy cohorts. Just be ready for the sounds of giggling from the other room.
January 31, 2012
Peter and his friend Drew were big shots in grade school but now that they're in middle school, they're losers. What mattered before is just soooo last year. Add to this Peter's older sister Sunny who is first at everything, president of every club, and a musical virtuoso. The teachers love her. Peter can't compete, but he and Drew want to be popular again, whatever it takes.
He and Drew become targets of the school bullies and ultimately Peter earns detention with some very unforeseen results. Later, Sunny has a problem which Peter and Drew help to solve.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Peter's schemes are harebrained at best although they do follow his own skewed logic. Peter is highly self-centered (when he isn't thinking about being a partner with Drew) and he frequently seems mean. He doesn't really have any concept of what he needs to do and apparently, no one at home to ask.
On the other hand, I think the book is true to many families' situations. One child, the "smart" one, is put forth as an eternal example to another sibling. Neither kid likes his/her role but neither knows how to change it.
In the end, the motivation for Sunny's predicament isn't well explained and the logistics of the problem are too easily dealt with. Loose ends of a sort.
Probably 4th grade and up, boys and some girls.
He and Drew become targets of the school bullies and ultimately Peter earns detention with some very unforeseen results. Later, Sunny has a problem which Peter and Drew help to solve.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Peter's schemes are harebrained at best although they do follow his own skewed logic. Peter is highly self-centered (when he isn't thinking about being a partner with Drew) and he frequently seems mean. He doesn't really have any concept of what he needs to do and apparently, no one at home to ask.
On the other hand, I think the book is true to many families' situations. One child, the "smart" one, is put forth as an eternal example to another sibling. Neither kid likes his/her role but neither knows how to change it.
In the end, the motivation for Sunny's predicament isn't well explained and the logistics of the problem are too easily dealt with. Loose ends of a sort.
Probably 4th grade and up, boys and some girls.
October 30, 2014
Are you ready for a real book that will make you laugh? Read this book called the detention club.
This book is about how kids name Peter and Drew are can`t stop getting in detention because they are stealing science materials from their science class but not answer the questions their parents ask them. This book takes place at school where a kid named Peter trying to fit in and gets detention for trying to influence other kids and making friends.
The main character of the story is Peter because he is the narrator of the story and he is talking about how his life was in school and what happened. My favorite part is at the beginning when Peter took chemicals out the science class and said he don't know why he did that.
To me the authors purpose was to give you information that happens in everyday life at school because Peter getting detention for a lot of stuff that happens in every day life. I like the way the author describes the book because that was a perfect description.
I would rate this book 5 stars because it was funny,I really liked the book, and because the author David Yoo did a great job writing this book. I would recommend this book with my friends because it was a awesome book. I will always remember reading this funny book. In conclusion that's why you should read this book.
This book is about how kids name Peter and Drew are can`t stop getting in detention because they are stealing science materials from their science class but not answer the questions their parents ask them. This book takes place at school where a kid named Peter trying to fit in and gets detention for trying to influence other kids and making friends.
The main character of the story is Peter because he is the narrator of the story and he is talking about how his life was in school and what happened. My favorite part is at the beginning when Peter took chemicals out the science class and said he don't know why he did that.
To me the authors purpose was to give you information that happens in everyday life at school because Peter getting detention for a lot of stuff that happens in every day life. I like the way the author describes the book because that was a perfect description.
I would rate this book 5 stars because it was funny,I really liked the book, and because the author David Yoo did a great job writing this book. I would recommend this book with my friends because it was a awesome book. I will always remember reading this funny book. In conclusion that's why you should read this book.
July 28, 2011
I was excited to read The Detention Club because it is set in a middle school. I just knew that I could relate to the setting and the characters.
The setting was a winner for me. I think the middle school accurately portrayed real life middle school and the dynamics of the various groups. David Yoo captured what I see in middle school day-to-day.
I have never been to detention, but I imagine the teachers are pretty strict about what goes on there. For that reason, I would think the lack of discipline in Peter’s detention was disappointingly unrealistic. I really think Peter and his buddies got off way too easy. Maybe it’s my goody-goody nature, but this bothered me.
I was not a big fan of Peter. He was self-centered and rude to those close to him. I get that he wanted to be popular, but I wish he had gone about it in a nicer way and become overall nicer in the end. Since Peter was a master at thinking outside of the box, he had so much potential to do some good. Perhaps middle grade boys can relate better to Peter and his antics.
RATING
3 So-So
COVER COMMENTS
I like seeing all the characters in their school setting. They look very middle schoolish! I really like the unicorn too!
The setting was a winner for me. I think the middle school accurately portrayed real life middle school and the dynamics of the various groups. David Yoo captured what I see in middle school day-to-day.
I have never been to detention, but I imagine the teachers are pretty strict about what goes on there. For that reason, I would think the lack of discipline in Peter’s detention was disappointingly unrealistic. I really think Peter and his buddies got off way too easy. Maybe it’s my goody-goody nature, but this bothered me.
I was not a big fan of Peter. He was self-centered and rude to those close to him. I get that he wanted to be popular, but I wish he had gone about it in a nicer way and become overall nicer in the end. Since Peter was a master at thinking outside of the box, he had so much potential to do some good. Perhaps middle grade boys can relate better to Peter and his antics.
RATING
3 So-So
COVER COMMENTS
I like seeing all the characters in their school setting. They look very middle schoolish! I really like the unicorn too!
February 12, 2014
Title; The detention club
author; David Yoo
lexile; 880
rating; five out of five stars
This book is REALLY funny. It was a great read for me. I was laughing the whole time i read this book. This book is about a sixth grader named Peter Lee, and his best friend Drew. They go to Fenwick middle, and they quickly notice that they are not popular anymore. They come up with totally hilarious ways to try to get popular, which include straight jackets, cigarettes, poisonous chemicals, and starting fires on school grounds. If you read this book, you will laughing the entire time, like me.
My favorite part in this book is the part were Peter and his know-it-all sister Sunny (who happens to be the thief of Fenwick Middle, you'll find out what that is if you read the book) have to escape teachers when they "accidentally" start a fire on school grounds. It is really funny because the fire was started with roman candles and fireworks.
I would recommend this book to everyone because no matter what type of genre you like to read, you will get a big kick out of this book. And if you are looking for a gut-busting book that you will want to read again and again, then this book is for you.
author; David Yoo
lexile; 880
rating; five out of five stars
This book is REALLY funny. It was a great read for me. I was laughing the whole time i read this book. This book is about a sixth grader named Peter Lee, and his best friend Drew. They go to Fenwick middle, and they quickly notice that they are not popular anymore. They come up with totally hilarious ways to try to get popular, which include straight jackets, cigarettes, poisonous chemicals, and starting fires on school grounds. If you read this book, you will laughing the entire time, like me.
My favorite part in this book is the part were Peter and his know-it-all sister Sunny (who happens to be the thief of Fenwick Middle, you'll find out what that is if you read the book) have to escape teachers when they "accidentally" start a fire on school grounds. It is really funny because the fire was started with roman candles and fireworks.
I would recommend this book to everyone because no matter what type of genre you like to read, you will get a big kick out of this book. And if you are looking for a gut-busting book that you will want to read again and again, then this book is for you.
August 24, 2015
“The Detention Club” is a fiction novel written by the author David Yoo. The story is mainly about two boys, Peter and his best friend, Drew that were always part of the “cool kids” in elementary. When it was time to go to middle school, things were not the same anymore. At elementary school, Peter and Drew were the best at collecting mica. But, as things have become different in middle school, Peter and Drew’s classmates became too mature to collect mica. Therefore, Peter and Drew were labeled as losers due to their immaturity of collecting micas. After that, Peter wanted to become a cool middle school kid. In order to become one, he went and asked his sister that he detested. Finally, situations just got worse when Peter receives a detention. He serves the detention with the classmates he always ran away from and that bullied him. This book got rated a 4 because it was a fun and entertaining book and related to how new middle scholars may have felt. The reason why I rated it a 4 not a 5 is because the ending was not very entertaining nothing major happened. I recommend this book to young readers that like fiction and entertaining books. As one can see, “The Detention Club” is a very fascinating and fun book to read for young readers.
October 20, 2023
The Detention Club is part mystery and part coming-of-age story. Peter is going into middle school as a 6th grader and is confident that he will rule the school as he did with his friend, Drew in 5th grade. Peter soon finds out; however, that things that made him popular in 5th grade only make him look like a "loser" in 6th. To top it all off, Peter's sister, Sunny, who is an 8th grader, is the "queen" of the school making straight As and never doing anything wrong. Peter comes up with lots of ways to try and become popular including framing other students so that they all end up in detention together. At the same time, someone has been stealing things from students in the school and many are starting to wonder if Peter is the culprit. Peter and Drew set out to find the thief in order to clear Peter's name.
Peter is kind of hard to like in this story because he seems to do all of the wrong things in order to become popular and is pretty over-confident about it, but he is believable because he thinks in the way that middle school students often think. In addition, the other characters in the story react and behave in ways that seem realistic. I enjoyed this story, many parts laugh-out-loud funny. An overall good read about the transition from elementary to middle school life.
Peter is kind of hard to like in this story because he seems to do all of the wrong things in order to become popular and is pretty over-confident about it, but he is believable because he thinks in the way that middle school students often think. In addition, the other characters in the story react and behave in ways that seem realistic. I enjoyed this story, many parts laugh-out-loud funny. An overall good read about the transition from elementary to middle school life.
November 13, 2011
The transition from elementary school to middle school can be bewildering, and it sure is to Peter and his best friend Drew. They can't get anybody interested in starting collections, and the popularity they enjoyed in 5th grade is now nowhere to be found. Peter's older sister Sunny is at the top of her class, and Peter, besides being incredibly irritated by her, knows he'll never be able to meet the teachers' expectations for her brother. Peter is so bothered by his status at the bottom of the totem pole that he sets his mind to figuring out a way to move up--and he completely blows off school. He doesn't take notes in class and he doesn't study. And his creative misbehavior lands him in a different kind of crowd: lifers, or the kids who always have detention. Soon Peter's friendliness with the two school bullies is noted, and other kids want Peter to put in a good word for them with his new pals. Some extremely funny passages propel this book from mediocre chapter book fare into refreshing storytelling about two boys just trying to navigate their strange new surroundings. Don't miss this one--and Wimpy Kid fans will find something to like here too. 5th grade and up.
August 24, 2015
The Detention Club is an amazing fiction story written by the distinguished author David Yoo. Peter and Drew, best friends, we're usually so cool in elementary school. They were the best mica collectors in their school, and everyone in their classes encouraged them. But now that they are in Middle school, things have changed. Peter and David's classmates all lost interest in collecting mica and became mature. His plan was to get tips of how to be cool in Middle School by his unbeloved sister, the perfect Sunny. By time, things have come worst, he receives a detention.This fiction book is usually read by boys since the main protagonist is Peter, a 6th grader. This is the best book I have ever read throughout the year. I rated this book five stars since this book, mainly describes how a middle schooler may have felt when he or she began 6th grade. I would recommend this book to all middle schooler, teachers, and to 5th graders who will start 6th grade.
July 9, 2011
I was actually really disappointed with this book. I thought the main character, Peter Lee, was super rude and self-centered and kind of a punk. While I do think the character and the lack of parental discipline was realistic for today's tweens, i felt that he was ultimately rewarded for his horrible behavior. My favorite part of the book was the dad and his quips, like "Is it too late to put the kids up for adoption" and "I hate you" to his son who steamed off all the tin can labels so they never knew what they were having for dinner and ended up with pumpkin mash and peas one night.
I'm still debating if I would even recommend this title, but I think its geared for students grades 5-7. Hopefully any older and they'll realize what a punk Peter Lee is and its no wonder no one wants to hang out with him.
I'm still debating if I would even recommend this title, but I think its geared for students grades 5-7. Hopefully any older and they'll realize what a punk Peter Lee is and its no wonder no one wants to hang out with him.
May 4, 2016
The Detention Club looked like it was going to be funny, and it delivered. Basically, the story is about Peter and his friend Drew, who discover that what was cool in elementary school is no longer cool in middle school, and now they are friendless losers, and they scramble to figure out how to regain their status as cool kids. Their plans are very original. And ineffective.
Some of the funniest bits are the conversations between Peter and Drew. Like this one here:
“I said I was sorry. Shish kebab.”
“Did you just say ‘shish kabob’?”
“I said it instead of ‘sheesh.’”
“Why didn’t you just say ‘sheesh’?”
Peter is a smart kid, but sometimes, his thoughts sounded too sophisticated, too advanced for a sixth-grader. That would be my only complaint.
Some of the funniest bits are the conversations between Peter and Drew. Like this one here:
“I said I was sorry. Shish kebab.”
“Did you just say ‘shish kabob’?”
“I said it instead of ‘sheesh.’”
“Why didn’t you just say ‘sheesh’?”
Peter is a smart kid, but sometimes, his thoughts sounded too sophisticated, too advanced for a sixth-grader. That would be my only complaint.
August 7, 2012
Peter and Drew thought they were popular. At least they used to be in Grade 5, but something happened over the summer. Their classmates have moved beyond collections and are more interested in the social scene. Peter and Drew are now the outcasts of the school. But Peter comes up with a plan to make them popular again. It involves them getting into trouble and joining the detention club.
This novel is slow to get going. This may be do to the painfully embarrassing situations the two friends get into, but by about the half-way point the story picks up. Would love to recommend this for the reluctant reader, but I can't given how long it takes to get going.
This novel is slow to get going. This may be do to the painfully embarrassing situations the two friends get into, but by about the half-way point the story picks up. Would love to recommend this for the reluctant reader, but I can't given how long it takes to get going.
February 24, 2015
One of the best books i have ever read, amazing, 'Mmmha, love it. This is a great book for kids who enjoy people loving each other a e after being haters, and teachers getting all violent with students, yea go violence, and kids making random land skiing crap.(Spoiler ALERT)" what?)
Sorry the book got me so exited. For Those who have A.R in school such as the roseville city school district, this book has 9 points, i guess that's good compared to books that only give three point for 300 pages, this book only has 296 and NINE POINTS. I really enjoyed the book, i hope you do too with all the action, mysteries, and surprises put into 296 pages.
Sorry the book got me so exited. For Those who have A.R in school such as the roseville city school district, this book has 9 points, i guess that's good compared to books that only give three point for 300 pages, this book only has 296 and NINE POINTS. I really enjoyed the book, i hope you do too with all the action, mysteries, and surprises put into 296 pages.
July 29, 2011
FUNNIEST BOOK OF THE YEAR.
I really loved the dynamic between Peter and Drew, especially how they kept going on about "thinking outside the box." That's a perfect example of a successful inside joke used in a middle grade novel!
It's odd, because it takes a really long while before the titular club even gets started - and even then, it's not really the main focus. But I suppose it's a catchier title than "PETER VS. SUNNY." (Hmmm, maybe not.)
I really loved the dynamic between Peter and Drew, especially how they kept going on about "thinking outside the box." That's a perfect example of a successful inside joke used in a middle grade novel!
It's odd, because it takes a really long while before the titular club even gets started - and even then, it's not really the main focus. But I suppose it's a catchier title than "PETER VS. SUNNY." (Hmmm, maybe not.)
March 6, 2012
I felt like Peter Lee was being dragged through the trenches trying to be popular at Fenwick Middle School. I felt sorry for him and his best friend Drew Newmark. Things started getting ugly when Peter becomes so desparate to have friends that he frames kids to get a detention so they can join his club in room 12. I'm not sure if this is being overly creative or the child is psycho, but I guess the author is trying to show how desperate a six grader can be.
July 24, 2013
This book was given to me the author, David Yoo. It has a great note to our book club in the front pages, thanking us for working with another of his stories,from the Guys Read Funny Business anthology.
As I teach 6 th grade and this story begins with the crazy transition between elementary and middle schools, I would surely hand this book to any of my new students. I look forward to yearling some of my Guys Read member's opinion on the story.
As I teach 6 th grade and this story begins with the crazy transition between elementary and middle schools, I would surely hand this book to any of my new students. I look forward to yearling some of my Guys Read member's opinion on the story.
Read
October 20, 2011Middle-school is awkward and painful. And David Yoo in The Detention Club captures it faithfully. The protagonist, Peter Lee, is an insecure jerk but he has his moments. I found myself chuckling along with his escapades. And I appreciated the subtle nods to Korean culture- like Sunny practicing the flute for hours on end and preparing for the SAT's 3 years before she has to take them.
November 15, 2014
Stupid pointless book about kids who used to be popular in elementary but are now losers in middle school. Supposedly these kids wind up in detention after a stunt to regain their popularity. However, after 100 pages, I have yet to see anyone in detention, when the hilarity I would assume is supposed to ensure.
May 27, 2013
This book is really good. He was once a popular kid in elementary school. However, he lost his popularity when he became a middle school student. He did activities that other student would not do. Later on he tries to get back his popularity. He realized that the solution was to get detention. On the other hand he has a sister who is very intelligent and achieves a lot of school certificates.
November 19, 2012
The transition from elementary to middle school can be hard. You're so desperate to fit in and will try anything. When your sister is the smartest in middle school the teachers assume you will be too. There is more homework, notes, and people. What will they do to fit in?? I think it would be a great book for 5th and 6th graders.
July 25, 2015
The book , "The Detention Club", by David Yoo is an amazing book. Even though I'm a girl, I liked this story , but the book is mostly for boys. Because Peter , the main character , mostly talks about boys ina detention class. I would mostly recommend this book to middle school boys and to students who are interested in boys adventures during class . This book is full of adventures.
December 19, 2011
Solid writing, but the slow pacing detracts from the semi-interesting characters. The word "detention" does not show up until around page 100. David Yoo's venture into middle grade falls short of impressive.
January 8, 2015
This is an exciting drama that happens to two boys name Peter and Drew. They try to be popular and king of the school. But, it actually happened the opposite they expected. It's an awesome book. Everyone should read it!
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