Oggie Cooder #1
#1 of 1 in Oggie Cooder Series
What’s inside...
Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi find themselves on opposite sides of a case involving double homicides in Manhattan. Tensions rise as a Jewish community faces conflict with the Arab population, following a murder with a bloody warning. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, a 16-year-old Arab runaway becomes entangled in a dangerous world after escaping abuse and finding refuge in a women's shelter. As Butch, a special prosecutor, searches for the murderers, he grapples with his heritage and discovers that Marlene's case is intertwined with his own, leading to heightened fear and a 'kill or be killed' scenario in New York City. From the author of So B. It, a super charming middle-grade Napoleon Dynamite with heart - the tale of a very average boy who's put in his school's spotlight when his averageness appeals to a TV show. Oggie Cooder has a talent -- he can charve better than anyone else in Truman Elementary School. (Charving, for the uninitiated, is the carving of a piece of cheese with one's teeth.) Oggie doesn't think this is anything special -- but his whole school will soon be disagreeing with him. Because after he inadvertently charves during a nationwide hunt for unusual talents, his charving puts him on the path to fame and fortune. Suddenly, he's the star of the school . . . but he's not sure that he wants to shine that way. This is Sarah Weeks at her best -- funny, clever, and kid-friendly.
Character compass
Oggie Cooder
Donnica Perfecto
Discussion points
How did Oggie's unique talent for charving make you feel? Would you like to have a unique talent like Oggie?
What do you think Oggie learned about friendship and being true to oneself throughout the story?
How did Oggie handle the challenges he faced at school and in the competition? What would you have done in his place?
Why do you think the other characters reacted the way they did to Oggie's talent? Have you ever witnessed someone being treated differently because they were unique?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of uniqueness and individual talents as you discuss Oggie’s charving skills. This can lead to a conversation about personal strengths and interests.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Oggie felt during key moments in the story, and discuss different ways of handling challenging social situations.
Use the book’s themes to discuss the value of authenticity and staying true to oneself, even when faced with peer pressure or competition.
Talk about the reactions of other characters towards Oggie's talent, and relate it to lessons about bullying, acceptance, and diversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Oggie Cooder's unique talent of 'charving' (cheese carving) sets him apart from his peers, demonstrating that it's okay to be different.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and talents, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Dealing With Bullying
Explanation: Oggie faces ridicule and bullying from classmates for his unconventional hobby. The narrative shows how he copes and remains true to himself despite peer pressure.
Real-World Application: Children can understand strategies to manage bullying and the importance of seeking help from trusted adults.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Oggie experiences both shallow friendships and genuine bonds that teach him the value of true companionship.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn about the qualities that make a good friend and the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Oggie demonstrates resilience as he navigates challenges, both in school and during national charving competitions.
Real-World Application: This provides a model for children to persist in the face of difficulties and strive to achieve their goals despite setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story explores the viewpoints of various characters, including those who misunderstand Oggie, encouraging readers to consider perspectives other than their own.
Real-World Application: Children can practice understanding and relating to the feelings and experiences of others, enhancing their emotional intelligence.