Hokey Pokey

A parent would reach for this book when they notice their child is standing on the threshold of adolescence, perhaps suddenly feeling 'too old' for their favorite toys or showing a bittersweet reluctance to leave childhood behind. It is a surreal, metaphorical exploration of a land called Hokey Pokey, where only children live and the arrival of a 'Great Dark' heralds the inevitable transition into the world of grown-ups. Through the journey of Jack, the legendary 'big kid' of this world, Jerry Spinelli captures the dizzying confusion of outgrowing one's own skin. While the setting is fantastical and humorous, the emotional core is deeply realistic, addressing the loneliness and bravery required to move toward the unknown. It is an ideal choice for 9 to 12 year olds who are navigating the physical and social shifts of middle school and need to know that their 'growing pains' are a shared, universal magic.