Timmy Failure - Mistakes Were made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure  - Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis. (published 2013). 294 pages. RL 3.8. Grades 3-6. This lighthearted tale is of a boy who humorously attempts to solve cases as a detective without paying a great deal of attention to details all around him.

                                             

Booklist (December 15, 2013 (Online))

Grades 4-7. Eleven-year-old Timmy Failure would have you believe that he is the best detective in town, destined to head a multibillion-dollar agency. But he is no Encyclopedia Brown. The fact that his partner is an imaginary 1,200-pound polar bear named Total—hence the agency’s moniker “Total Failure”—is an indication of Timmy’s rich inner life. In reality, Timmy is bored at school by teachers who don’t get him and is in a whole heap of trouble for using his mother’s Segway, which was then stolen. Cartoonist Pastis’ book is in the same vein as Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007), but his brand of humor is less slapstick and much darker. Timmy’s delusional self-confidence seems almost pathetic at times, as the reader realizes that he is very socially inept. Fortunately for Timmy, there are some adults in his life who really do care for him, and with the right balance of indulgence and firmness, they keep him on track. Younger readers attracted by the cartoons might not connect with Timmy’s offbeat humor, but older readers should be simultaneously amused and touched by this quirky antihero. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: This may be Pastis’ first book for young people, but he is a New York Times best-selling adult author. Impressive promotional plans include an author tour, promotional items, and extensive consumer advertising.

This book has sparked lots of lively conversation in my class about how Timmy is missing the obvious again and again in the story. Consequently, my students are looking at their own behaviors and how sometimes if they stop and think, they can make better or deeper connections as they begin their 4th grade year. Coupled with this collective feeling of knowing more than the main character, and even feeling sorry for him that he can't make connections, this story has many cartoon illustrations that delight my new 4th graders. I decided to present the book on the document camera as I read aloud so kids can easily see the pictures as I read. So far, it has been a real hit to start off the year with this humorous book. Many students have been intrigued that it is part of a series, so they've chosen others to read on their own.

Posted by Liz Stafford