Fuzzy Mud

Written by Louis Sachar

Two kids take a shortcut through forbidden woods and uncover a world-altering secret.

5.3/7 Bookroo expert·3.9/5 Goodreads · 13,216 ratings

192 pages· 33,143 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Tamaya and Marshall's routine walk home turns perilous when they detour through forbidden woods to avoid a bully. Lost and in unexpected danger, they stumble upon a secret that draws in authorities and the U.S. Senate. As the mystery deepens, the stakes rise, threatening the future of the world. What have they discovered, and can it be stopped before it's too late? This gripping tale weaves suspense and environmental intrigue, challenging two young students to navigate a crisis far beyond their years.

From the publisher

Fifth grader Tamaya Dhilwaddi and seventh grader Marshall Walsh have been walking to and from Woodridge Academy together since elementary school. But their routine is disrupted when bully Chad Hilligas challenges Marshall to a fight. To avoid the conflict, Marshall takes a shortcut home through the off-limits woods. Tamaya, unaware of the reason for the detour, reluctantly follows. They soon get lost. And then they find trouble. Bigger trouble than anyone could ever have imagined.

In the days and weeks that follow, the authorities and the U.S. Senate become involved, and what they uncover might affect the future of the world.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 192
Words: 33,143
Reading age: 10–14
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 700L

Themes & topics

Books about the environment Books about bullying Books about diseases Books about nature Books about middle school

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

A character is called "Buttface" several times.

After the last page

Talk about it together

What do you think of Jonathan Fitzman, the inventor of Biolene? In what ways might you think of him as a hero? In what ways could he be considered a villain?

How did overcoming a challenge help Tamaya, Marshall, and Chad become friends?

What readers & critics say