The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper

by

S.M. Morgan

A likable and relatable main character and an adventuresome story from the past!

After his father's death, Teddy Larson's mother relocates them to the town of Ravenwood for a fresh start. School is already in full swing, so Teddy is a newcomer to Ravenwood Middle School in the middle of the semester. On his first day, he not only attracts a lot of stares from the other kids but also draws the attention of the school bully, Zane. 

With students having already formed their friends' groups, Teddy feels completely isolated, so he talks his mother into letting him skip school on Friday of his first week. His mother, a real estate agent, is readying a spooky old mansion in town for sale, inventorying its contents before listing, so Teddy accompanies her and explores the old place while she works. In a secret room, he discovers a box of old journals written by the house's previous owner when he was a boy, the same age as Teddy is now. Intrigued, Teddy takes the first volume of the journals home that night. 

Back at school, Zane and his cronies delight in tormenting the lonely boy. Still, when Teddy accidentally bloodies Zane's nose during an ambush in the boys' restroom, there are unexpected consequences. Three against one convince the principal that Zane's story that Teddy attacked HIM earns Teddy swats and a two-day suspension. However, on his return to school, he discovers that the story that he bested the bully has circulated throughout the school and has gained him some new friends. 

Bud Wiper's journals are riveting reading for the miserable Teddy. Beginning in 1949, they detail Bud's daily life, revealing that he, too, is lonely. As the only child of wealthy parents, Bud is often left at home in the care of the butler while his parents travel the world in search of treasure. However, one day the butler brings him a strange letter written in code, and when the secret message is revealed, Bud is shocked to learn that his parents have gone missing, and he needs to mount a rescue. The story hooks Teddy, and due to his continued school misfortunes, it may be the only thing that helps him make it through each day. 

The Lost Journals of Bud Wiper is a fun, adventure-filled story for middle-grade or older elementary-age readers that even reluctant readers will enjoy. Teddy is sweet, likable, and oh-so-misunderstood, making him a perfectly relatable hero sure to capture the imagination. 

The story switches point of view from Teddy to Bud as pages of the journal are read. While both boys experience a lot, Bud's adventures are much more action-hero-oriented: think "Indiana Jones." In Teddy's case, "Revenge of the Nerds" would be more apropos. Both are fun and compelling reading. 

The adults in Teddy's life are exceptionally clueless about what is going on between him and Zane. While I was somewhat disturbed by this, young readers will probably relate to a time when they felt they had been treated unfairly. The story leaves a couple of ideas unexplored that, hopefully, are bridges to future Bud Wiper journal adventures. I certainly would pick up any sequels to this book. 

With its likable and highly relatable main character and the adventuresome story from the past, I recommend THE LOST JOURNALS OF BUD WIPER to elementary students ready for chapter books and middle-grade readers, especially those falling in the reluctant reader category. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.