By Ingrid Law
$16.99, ages 8-12, 416 pages
Ledger Kale never imagined he'd turn into a human sledgehammer on his thirteenth birthday and now, unless he learns to control his power to break stuff, he could lose everything his uncle has fought so hard to save.
In this dazzling companion to the Newbery Honor-winning Savvy, Law weaves a magical tale of a boy who is "dangerously different," but learns to put aside his fears and make the most of the talent he has.
Like his cousin Mibs in Savvy, Ledge is struck by a mysterious "savvy" when he turns 13, an ability to do things no other human can -- in his case, pull things apart in bits and pieces -- for starters Dad's stop watch and nose-hair trimmer.
His dad, a gifted runner with no savvy of his own, always hoped Ledge would become supersonic fast. But when it turns out Ledge's talent is busting things up, no one is prepared for how to deal with it.
Ledge is told to keep his savvy a secret so bad folks can't use it to their advantage. But destroying stuff isn't an easy savvy to hide and with a wedding to go to at Uncle Autry's ranch, Ledge had better learn fast how to keep his cool and his savvy from getting the better of him.
Learning to "scumble," or finesse his power to do what he wants it to, takes time, and it isn't long after his family takes off in a minivan from their house in Indiana toward the The Flying Cattleheart ranch in Wyoming that everyone regrets their decision to go.
Learning to "scumble," or finesse his power to do what he wants it to, takes time, and it isn't long after his family takes off in a minivan from their house in Indiana toward the The Flying Cattleheart ranch in Wyoming that everyone regrets their decision to go.
Along the drive, Ledge accidentally busts engine parts and sends a tire down the interstate. Then at a pit stop in Sundance, near the ranch, he inadvertently blows apart a vintage Harley and unhinges a sheriff's truck door after tripping over the shoelaces of a girl named Sarah Jane.
Sarah Jane, a pert gal with sparkling green eyes, operates a homemade tabloid The Sundance Scuttlebutt and now that she's seen Ledge's savvy in action, she wants to make it her next big story. In no time, she's stowed away in the van and conned Ledge into letting her crash the wedding.
But this isn't an ordinary ranch -- Uncle Autry wrangles insects not cattle -- and soon Sarah Jane is seeing far too much, like the bride floating down the aisle and radio music coming out of late Grandma Dollop's wedding jar.
12 Comments on Scumble, last added: 8/28/2010
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What an interesting review to read for the book Scumble. Thanks for sharing about it. What a fun book this will be to read. I like the title. Awesome cover!
I've not read Savvy, but I think I'll have to check that one out too!
As both a fan of fantasy sci fi books and great characters in mid-grade novels, I loved Saavy and can hardly wait to read Scumble. I am an author, a teacher, and a parent and Ingrid Law has the talent of writing that makes her books difficult to put down - until finished. Congratulations on the new book!
Can't wait to read this book!
I have 5 nephews and a little boy, and I love giving books for gifts, so I'm always on the lookout for good books that I could give them. I've actually had my eye on this one, and it sounds great!! I didn't realize it was book 2, though, so I'll have to check them both out!! :)
I'm a new follower.
bluerosesheart at yahoo dot com
I can't wait to read Scrumble. I loved Savvy. I just couldn't put it down.
bridgetwilson4765(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like a wonderful book. My kids will love reading this one I am sure.
danellejohns at gmail dot com
I follow you publicly via GFC-DanelleJohnson
danellejohns at gmail dot com
Loved the review,will have to get this one!!
I think my fourth graders would love reading this book.
sonflower277(at)gmail(dot)com
My oldest son is 8 and loves reading! He homeschools and we read for hours everyday, he would love this!
I loved Savvy and can't wait to read Scumble!
sounds like a great story - love the bright colors!
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com