“Fuzzy Mud” is a mystery/thriller written for grades 5 and above. It is the first book that I have read by Louis Sachar and I was surprised at how well it read for an adult. I can see that a child age 10 and above would enjoy the book but it kept me interested, too.
In this story, Tamaya Dhilwaddi, a fifth grade scholarship student at a private school, comes across some “fuzzy mud”. That she is walking through a forbidden woods with her friend Marshall (who is trying to escape a beating from the school bully) makes it difficult for her to tell where and what she found. Also, the bully has gone missing and it may be that Tamaya and Marshall know more about that than they are willing to tell.
The story alternates between Tamaya’s story and US Senate hearings into a biofuel that has invented a new type of lifeform to keep the world running on clean fuels. The contrast between what is told in the hearings and what has happened make for a very interesting read.
I like the story for children but I think it prudent for an adult in their family to read the book, too, and be ready to answer questions that the child may have.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher.
