In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)
A heartwarming story of sibling rivalry, real-life heroes, anti-bullying, and standing up to your fears, all during a very wintery snowy week.
Summary
It’s the winter of 1984. Twelve-year old Herbie and his two brothers—Wally and Cockroach—are enjoying the mayhem of winter break when a late Nor’easter blows through New England, trapping their quirky family in the house. The power goes out and playing Space Invaders to AC DC’s Back in Black album is suddenly silenced—forcing them to use their twisted imaginations in beating back the boredom. At a time when the brothers must overcome one fear after the next, they learn that courage is the one character trait that guarantees all others.
This hysterical coming-of-age tale is jam-packed with enough nostalgia to satisfy anyone who grew up in the ‘80s or at least had the good fortune to travel through them.
My Thoughts
First and foremost, I will say this. This book definitely holds the title for the strangest book title I’ve come across amongst all of Steven’s books. Like, what do bread bags have to do with bullies? Beats me! And here I am, after finishing the book, and it all makes sense now.
I review a lot of Steven’s books here on my small blog. And it’s for a very simple reason. They’re meant to be read. Repeatedly. This year’s offering is no exception. Bread Bags and Bullies is the sort of book that one should read at different stages of one’s life in order to fully grasp every little morsel of it. Not only are there lessons to be learnt, a signature of Steven’s books, but this one will evoke memories of times long past. There are things in Steven’s books that you’ll only come to understand as you mature, making it the perfect book to be savoured over and over again.
As this reader never got the chance to grow up with any siblings, nor experience wintery snow-ins, this book served to teach this reader about the joys of being born into a great, big family as well as the wonders and survival methods necessary for getting through childhood being surrounded by rascals.
Steven’s inclusions of popular celebrities, songs, cereals, and toys from the 80s was a lovely addition and added such a relatability to the story. I got to relive parts of my childhood through those verses. It was a blast reading these bits, it gave me such a rush whenever I could relate to a certain food or TV show!
As for the meaning of the bread bags, you’ll have to read it to believe it. Again, as someone who lives in a country with no winter, this was news to me! It’s something hilarious but sensible all at the same time! What a money-saver and such a great recycling tip! Read it, you have to.
But at the crux of this story is the biggest lesson this book is meant to impart. If you haven’t guessed by now, this book is all about anti-bullying. With the story being about three brothers being cooped up at home, some bullying is bound to happen. Which brings us to the great examples Steven uses to emphasise this lesson. We learn about how the brothers learn to work together and overcome bullying between themselves but also with their peers.
Bread Bags and Bullies is definitely a keeper to be shared with the whole family. Yet another classic Steven Manchester story that will make you laugh, cry, and hug the heroes in your life.
Watch The Book’s Trailer
Steven Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months, as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight, Brian). He has also written Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Disclosure: I was sent the book for review but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.
Calling all children and those who are young at heart! Be thrilled and be captivated by the beat of Madagascar The Musical in Kuala Lumpur this 5th – 8th December 2019 at the KLCC Plenary Hall!
Based on the smash-hit DreamWorks animated motion picture, “Madagascar The Musical” is making its way to Kuala Lumpur this 5-8 December 2019! Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, and Gloria the Hippo as they bring you on an exciting adventure as they make an escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and enter into the madcap world of the hilarious King Julien. Malaysia is the first in Southeast Asia to host the International DreamWorks Production.
Madagascar The Musical follows the story of Alex the Lion, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his friends have spent their whole lives in front of the public. Curious to see what else is out there, his best friend Marty the Zebra lets his curiosity get the better of him and escapes from the zoo and into the city that takes them on a wild adventure straight into the zany world of King Julien’s Madagascar!
The Plenary Hall at KLCC is set to be transformed into a colorful jungle world of the island of Madagascar with props and backgrounds depicting the animated motion picture. Audiences will also get to catch penguins Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private as they are set to go on a wacky adventure along with Alex and his friends. You and your family are sure to be entertained with its lively performances, storytelling, dance, and music that will make you want to ‘Move it, Move it’.
“We are thrilled to be hosting Madagascar The Musical live in Malaysia for the first time together with International DreamWorks since its acclaimed UK Tour. Madagascar The Musical is a vibrant and entertaining show, each of the characters have something unique to offer for the whole family to enjoy. By bringing these internationally recognized entertainment to our Malaysian audience, we believe this will help to further position Malaysia to be an entertainment hub in the region. We’re looking forward to more and exciting shows to come in the near future”, said Dato’ Grace Lee, Managing Director of Milestone Production.
Produced in the UK in collaboration with DreamWorks, Madagascar The Musical will feature iconic songs including “I Like To Move It, Move It” and other new songs that will surely keep audiences moving to the beat.
About Milestone Production
Established in 2003, Milestone Production is one of the region’s leading show production company that provides unparalleled live entertainment experiences globally. We aim to cultivate appreciation of the performing arts in the region by bringing in internationally acclaimed West End and Broadway productions to Malaysia and to the rest of South East Asia, namely – “Mamma Mia!”, “The Mousetrap”, the multi-award winning Broadway production “Jersey Boys”, “Thriller Live”, “Saturday Night Fever”, “Potted Potter”, “Dr. Bubble With Milkshake”, “One Man Star Wars Trilogy”, “Dr. Balloon’s Science Adventure”, “Rumour Has It – Adele – Her Life And Songs”, and the iconic “An Evening With The Phantom Of The Opera”.
For more information on their past and upcoming shows, please log on to www.milestone-production.com.
