Let me preface this review by stating that I detest any and all insects. When I learned that the Black Baron was a cockroach I stopped reading. As I continued to read, the story claimed my full attention. Jake loved this critter and feared for its life. I became a cockroach’s cheerleader and feare... more

Let me preface this review by stating that I detest any and all insects. When I learned that the Black Baron was a cockroach I stopped reading. As I continued to read, the story claimed my full attention. Jake loved this critter and feared for its life. I became a cockroach’s cheerleader and feared for its life, too. Robyn Opie’s portrayal of Jake’s search for the racing roach consumes the reader and they cling to the hope the Black Baron will be safe. Boys will empathize with Jake’s concern over his beloved roach. The length and vocabulary in the story is well-suited to middle grade readers. The boy that regularly shuns reading will enjoy the tale of a boy and his racing roach. As the story unfolds and Jake’s roach is believed dead readers will heave a sigh of sadness. At every twist and turn the reader will be entertained and wrapped up in the story clear up to the end. I highly recommend this book to reluctant reader boys.