Full of Beans by Jennifer Holm

This book makes me think of two great stories: The Little Rascals, and Bud Not Buddy. The historical fiction adventure takes place in Key West during the Great Depression. Beans Curry (what a great name!) and his gang of scrappy friends are trying to survive through a long, oppressive summer. Beans is tired of collecting cans for the local scoundrel, and he jumps on the chance to make a lot more money by helping a bigger shyster move his illegal Cuban liquor. Beans' job is to set off a local fire alarm to distract town officials while the booze is moved to the dock for distribution.

Your reader will begin to empathize with Bean as his conscience catches up with him when he starts to learn about the ramifications of his actions. Can Beans make restitution by offering to help the New Dealers beautify Key West?

There are so many interesting topics that can be discussed after reading this book including: Key West during the Depression; Roosevelt's New Deal; Cuba; Shirley Temple; Robert Frost; and even marbles. This book would be a great selection for a middle grade school book club.

I just learned that this book is a prequel to Jennifer Holm's Newbery honor book Turtle in Paradise. I can't wait to read that one as well. Fans of Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis will love this book. Your middle grade reader who enjoys humor or historical fiction will appreciate this tale. Don't be surprised if you start hearing some of the popular sayings that are used by the characters in this story such as "don't go having a kitten!" Jennifer Holm also includes an author’s note section at the end of the book that includes photographs, list of 1930s child actors, popular sayings of the time, gang rules, and related websites.