How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

Module 1 - How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell 

Rockwell, T., & McCully, E. A. (1973). How to eat fried worms. New York: Dell Pub.  

116 pages (many with illustrations by Emily McCully)

Published 1973

Film Adaptation 2006

Ages 9-12

Plot: 

It all starts with a bet between four young boys, Billy, Tom, Alan and Joe: eat 15 worms in 15 days and win 50 dollars. Billy, prone to talking a big talk and getting himself into bets, is challenged by Alan to eat 15 worms, prepared anyway Billy wants, over the course of 15 days. The boys quickly divide into two teams: Billy and Tom against Alan and Joe. Right from the start, Alan and Joe find ways to stack the deck in their favor. It starts out with going out of their way to find the largest worms available: nightcrawlers. But Billy tackles each new challenge with determination and a lot of encouragement from Tom. Alan becomes increasingly worried that Billy will be able to do it and he'll have to tell his dad about the bet in order to fund the $50. He tries gluing two worms together, creating a fake worm out of beans, and stuffing Billy at a baseball game all in order to try to wiggle his way out of the bet. Soon the boys parents become involved as the situation escalates from gentlemanly bet to a test of honor. In the end though, Billy's determination to win the bet overcome all the cheating and trickery Alan and Joe could dish out. Billy ends up not only with a boosted sense of pride and a motorbike, but also an unshakable liking for worms.

My Impressions:

I was surprised how much I really enjoyed reading this book. Though this book is often considered a "classic boy's book", and I myself am a girl, I found I could relate to the characters. I really liked how involved the parents became in the story as this seemed to add a more realistic dimension to the story. The story's escalation from a simple afternoon bet among friends to all out war is subtle and dynamic without being too over-the-top sensational. I also enjoyed the use of dialect in the story and in general the abundance of dialogue. It kept the story very lively and active. I recommend this book not only for its engaging story, but also for its exceptional writing.

Reviews:

Barnes and Noble Book Review by Elizabeth Fresse

Alan has bet Billy fifty dollars that he can't eat fifteen worms in fifteen days. Billy decides he is up to the challenge, so he begins a long process to get down fifteen worms. The first few were hard for Billy, but once he was sure that he would suffer no ill effects, the rest were easy to eat. The challenge came in actually eating them, since Alan was not ready to lose fifty dollars. As trick after trick is tried and Billy sees through each one, the drama increases. Even the boys' parents get involved, at times helping Billy eat his worms but at times almost ruining the whole thing. This was a very comical book that any boy or tomboy should enjoy. It would be a great tool in opening the door to discussing betting, even small bets, and the risks that it involves. It also deals with friends doing things that upset each other, and how to get past the issues that arise and continue being friends after the incident is over. The back of the book contains several worm recipes, though of course these are not your garden variety worm.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/How-to-Eat-Fried-Worms/Thomas-Rockwell/e/9780440445456?box=0440445450&pos=-1&ugrp=2

From Book Links by Edward T. Sullivan

"First published in 1953, this a classic "boy book"--it's gross, revolting, and utterly hilarious."

Edward T, S. (n.d). How to Eat Fried Worms. Book Links, 10(2), 57.

From International Press Publication Inc. Website

Because of a bet, Billy is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat 15 worms in 15 days. A hilarious story that will revolt and delight bumptious, unreachable intermediate-grade boys and any other less particular mortals that read or listen to it. . . . Colorful, original writing in a much-needed comic vein.--Booklist. 

http://www.ippbooks.com/store/how-to-eat-fried-worms.html

Library Suggestions:

This book has inspired a great many learning activities over the years. Many to do with creating your own fried worm dishes. Have students come up with their own unique version of how they would prefer to eat a few fried worms.

Also, this book could easily be incorporated into lessons about peer pressure versus staying true to oneself. It is also a good example of following through with your promises, even when doing so is harder than giving up.