I thought this book was hilarious and yet made it points very well. It is a Juvenile book but I put in on the list anyway because I thought it would be a nice ice breaker book discussion book for a group of parents and teens. When I was in Junior Great Book training we started by reading the fairy tale, "Jack in the Beanstalk." It was a simple fairy tale but the ensuing discussion was so insightful! This is a simple story with a powerful message.

Milo Grinkley wanted to be perfect. The book fell on his head while he was at the library. Milo has to follow the directions in the book to the letter. It tells him to follow the steps precisely as they are stated and not to go ahead. He starts to read ahead. After reading step 1, the book reprimands him for going on ahead. Actually it is the text that he reads that is reprimanding him.

The first step is to wear broccoli around his neck all day. He has to explain it to his mother, classmates and father and family. There is a lot of explaining to do.

The dialog in the book is so personal to Milo. It is like reading a book within a book. The book tells Milo to know what he is thinking.

Then he had to fast. His father had read the book so he knows what was happening. He knew he would not let Milo go overboard. Milo wanted this and the father was wise enough to let Milo pursue it even though the instructions were crazy.

The last day he has to do nothing. This is the hardest for Milo. He could sip ten cups of tea or go to the bathroom but other than that he could do nothing.

Read the rest of the book to find out what happens.