"A stand-alone sequel to Anna Kerz's excellent Mealworm Diaries . Aaron is a credible, well-rounded character, as are Gran, Tufan, Dad, and all of the other characters. Better Than Weird is simply told, yet rich with wonderful metaphors and believable surprises. Kerz's style makes this a story that will appeal to readers of all levels. Highly Recommended."
[Starred review] "Aaron doesn't know his father at all. He is both excited and terrified by the impending reunion—and so are we...Kerz is brilliant at describing these challenges from Aaron's perspective, and she does so without a trace of sentimentality...It's a messy and far from perfect outcome for Aaron, but after spending some time with his own messy imperfections, we wouldn't have it any other way."
"The story moves quickly and for those who enjoyed the humour in The Mealworm Diaries , they will certainly enjoy this title...Would be a good addition to a young readers' fiction collection in both school and public libraries. Aaron Waite is a unique, well-formed character who, like Joey Pigza in Jack Gantos' Joey Series , captures our sympathy and we read on because we want him to succeed."
"A good book, with some mystery and action...Interesting and easy to follow."
"Kerz compassionately shares Aaron's struggles and joys while illustrating the different perceptions others have of him and how these perceptions impact his own views and responses."
CanLit for Little Canadians blog
"With warmth and understanding, Kerz presents Aaron's brave, hopeful efforts to understand others, inviting us to sympathize with his uncertainties about 'reading' people and about learning how to manage his own enthusiasm appropriately."
ParentCentral.ca - Deirdre Baker
"The twists and turns in this short novel paint a compelling picture of the difficulties of growing up, and provide a unique perspective."
"Kerz manages to create an endearing protagonist whom we want to succeed. By writing from Aaron's point of view, Kerz helps readers understand the daily struggles faced by a child who has always been teased, bullied and chosen last...We feel deeply for him. This is a story that all children who have struggled to fit in will appreciate and a tale that will perhaps garner empathy and understanding in those who know children like Aaron."
Canadian Children's Book News
"In a long line of recent books about kids with autism, Kerz's effort nevertheless shines, primarily because in Aaron she has created a kid who captures readers' complete interest as he struggles with his quirks and tries to be, as the title puts it, better than weird...Life's complications are delicately handled by Kerz, who weaves a multilayered tale...A heartwarming read for fans of realistic fiction."
With warmth and understanding, Kerz presents Aaron's brave, hopeful efforts to understand others, inviting us to sympathize with his uncertainties about 'reading' people and about learning how to manage his own enthusiasm appropriately. Deirdre Baker
Gr 4–7—In this stand-alone sequel to The Mealworm Diaries (Orca, 2009), Kerz focuses on Aaron, one of the supporting characters from that book. Dubbed "Cantwait" by his sixth-grade classmates for his impulsive and immature behavior, Aaron struggles to make sense of his current social interactions with his peers. After an incident with the morning announcements draws the attention of the class bully, he attempts to focus on his father's imminent return after an eight-year absence. He creates lengthy lists of activities and hobbies that his dad will teach him, even after his custodial grandmother cautions him to manage his expectations. In the end, his father's arrival, coupled with his continued difficulties at school, leaves Aaron with more questions than answers. Kerz succeeds beautifully at crafting a convincing narrative centered on the life of a 12-year-old boy who cannot control his behavior. Not unlike the character of Jason in Nora Raleigh Baskin's Anything but Typical (S & S, 2009), Aaron's voice is convincing as a child desperate to understand his surroundings. Supporting characters, from Aaron's father to his classmates, are also realistically portrayed.—Colleen S. Banick, Tomlinson Middle School, Fairfield, CT
Nicknamed "Cantwait" by his classmates for his impulsive behavior, awkward sixth-grader Aaron impatiently waits for several things. His father, gone for eight years, is returning with a surprise. Class bully Tufan threatens retribution. The grandmother who has raised him goes for cancer surgery. This moving story looks at both family and school life from the point of view of a boy trying hard to fit into a world he doesn't quite understand. His loving Gran keeps after him, gently but steadily; the school counselor, Karen, works with him on "reading faces"; and a Big Brother has given him helpful tips.Aaron's friendship with classmate Jeremy, described from Jeremy's point of view in The Mealworm Diaries (2009) , is sorely tested. Veteran storyteller Kerz moves the third-person narration along quickly, making it jump from scene to scene like Aaron's attention. Realistically, not every teacher is patient with this challenging boy. His father doesn't live up to all his expectations, nor he, his father's.But the surprise turns out to be a positive one; his new, pregnant stepmother welcomes him sympathetically. The details of school life are believable and familiar, and the ending leaves Aaron and readers waiting for a hopeful outcome—the day when he and Gran can move to join his father and new family in Dawson. This companion book stands alone but will surely send readers back to read the first. (Fiction. 9-12)
Nicknamed "Cantwait" by his classmates for his impulsive behavior, awkward sixth-grader Aaron impatiently waits for several things. His father, gone for eight years, is returning with a surprise. Class bully Tufan threatens retribution. The grandmother who has raised him goes for cancer surgery. This moving story looks at both family and school life from the point of view of a boy trying hard to fit into a world he doesn't quite understand. His loving Gran keeps after him, gently but steadily; the school counselor, Karen, works with him on "reading faces"; and a Big Brother has given him helpful tips.Aaron's friendship with classmate Jeremy, described from Jeremy's point of view in The Mealworm Diaries (2009) , is sorely tested. Veteran storyteller Kerz moves the third-person narration along quickly, making it jump from scene to scene like Aaron's attention. Realistically, not every teacher is patient with this challenging boy. His father doesn't live up to all his expectations, nor he, his father's.But the surprise turns out to be a positive one; his new, pregnant stepmother welcomes him sympathetically. The details of school life are believable and familiar, and the ending leaves Aaron and readers waiting for a hopeful outcome—the day when he and Gran can move to join his father and new family in Dawson. This companion book stands alone but will surely send readers back to read the first. (Fiction. 9-12)
Kirkus Reviews - Kikus Reviews