The Bubble Wrap Boy
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2014

The Bubble Wrap Boy

By Phil Earle

An undersized boy discovers a shocking family secret that could change everything.

3.6/5 Goodreads · 546 ratings
288 pages
$7.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Charlie Han, the undersized outsider from the local Chinese takeout, faces school bullies and an overprotective mom. His only friend, Sinus Sedgely, shares his outsider status. When Charlie stumbles upon a new passion, it leads to a confrontation revealing a massive family secret. This revelation might just help Charlie stand tall and reclaim his pride. Can he navigate the challenges of friendship, family, and self-discovery to find his place in the world? Dive into a story of humor, heart, and the courage to think big.

From the publisher

“Middle school readers will easily relate to the situational humor and school life, but everyone should read this book for its message. The Bubble Wrap Boy is perfect for fans of R.J. Palacio’s Wonder and will be an excellent addition to any library or classroom.” –VOYA A funny and inspiring novel about friendship, family, and one undersized boy’s ability to think BIG. Charlie Han’s troubles are much bigger than he is. At school he’s branded an outsider, a loser–the tiny kid from the Chinese takeout. His only ally is Sinus Sedgely, a kid with a lower-level reputation than Charlie himself. Life at home isn’t much better. His dad is more skilled with a wok than he is with words, and his mom is suffocating the life out of Charlie, worried about his every move. But when a new passion leads Charlie to the mother of all confrontations, he finds his real mom has been hiding a massive secret. A secret that, while shocking, might actually lead Charlie to feeling ten feet tall. “Charlie is a character to root for. He is witty and perceptive and has a secret weapon in his best friend, Sinus Sedgely.” –Booklist “Family drama with a solid mix of action, adventure, and humor.” –School Library Journal “In the fast-growing bullying genre, Charlie’s story stands out.” –Kirkus Reviews “Charlie’s amusing sarcasm masks a vulnerability that will resonate with anyone who has felt like an outsider. The humiliation of being the butt of a joke is sensitively rendered, as is Charlie’s slow reclamation of his pride in this witty, true-to-life story.” –Publishers Weekly

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
288
Reading age
10–99+
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
790L
Themes & topics
Books about friendshipBooks about secretsBooks about sports and recreationBooks about familyBooks about social themes
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books
Learning to Fall
Sale price
$1699

Learning to Fall

Ages 8–12 · 2022
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Drew Leclair Gets a Clue

Ages 8–12 · 2022

The Cats of Silver Crescent

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight

Ages 8–12 · 2021
Unsinkable Cayenne
Sale price
$1999

Unsinkable Cayenne

Ages 8–12 · 2024
Across the Pond
Sale price
$1799

Across the Pond

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Star-Crossed

Ages 9–13 · 2017
Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!
Sale price
$1699

Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!

Ages 9–12 · 2022
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5.5
F&P level
~S
AR points
9
AR interest level
MG
AR quiz
181471
Publication
Published
October 11, 2016
First published
May 1, 2014
Publisher
Yearling
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780553513189

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo