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Donuthead #1
Donuthead
Franklin Delano Donuthead is a fifth grader with a lot of problems: For starters, his last name is Donuthead. He considers himself handicapped because one arm and leg are shorter than the other (by less than half an inch), his mother is trying to poison him with non-organic foods (like salami), he doesn’t have a father, and Sarah Kervick, the new girl, who’s mean and totally unhygienic, is attached to him, warts and all, like glue.
This is a hilarious and touching novel featuring a neurotic, scared boy and a tougher-than-nails girl who each help the other in more ways than they can imagine. Sue Stauffacher has crafted characters full of wit and sensitivity, with a little anti-bacterial soap thrown in for good measure.
This is a hilarious and touching novel featuring a neurotic, scared boy and a tougher-than-nails girl who each help the other in more ways than they can imagine. Sue Stauffacher has crafted characters full of wit and sensitivity, with a little anti-bacterial soap thrown in for good measure.
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2003
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229 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 20, 2008
"My name, if you must know, is Franklin Delano Donuthead. Try saying that in a room full of fifth graders if you think names will never hurt you."
Franklin Delano Donuthead is a hygene-concious fifth grade boy. He is obsessed with cleanliness and safety and the probability of fatality. He has weekly--sometimes daily--phone conversations with Glora Nelots at the National Safety Department. He doesn't do anything that has even the remotest possibility of risk. Ever. But even with that philosophy, he can't always avoid the fists of class bully Marvin Howerton, or his mother's aspirations for him to play third base for the New York Yankess.
And then Sarah Kervick comes to town. Sarah is dirty. Her hair is tangled beyond belief, and she has a wart. And she can barely read. But within a week of her arrival, Sarah has beat up Marvin Howerton--twice!, become a baseball star under Franklin's mom's tutelage, and wormed her way into Franklin's life. It's almost possible that Franklin might like the company of the dirtiest girl he ever met.
This is a short, snappy, sweet little book about some very quirky, very human characters. I read it in about an hour and a half, like candy. I couldn't stop. Franklin is overwhelmingly loveable. Sarah Kervick is tough and heartbreaking and fabulous. Franklin's mom is wonderful.
This is a middle grade book full of personality and voice and humanity and all the other things that make books worth reading.
Franklin Delano Donuthead is a hygene-concious fifth grade boy. He is obsessed with cleanliness and safety and the probability of fatality. He has weekly--sometimes daily--phone conversations with Glora Nelots at the National Safety Department. He doesn't do anything that has even the remotest possibility of risk. Ever. But even with that philosophy, he can't always avoid the fists of class bully Marvin Howerton, or his mother's aspirations for him to play third base for the New York Yankess.
And then Sarah Kervick comes to town. Sarah is dirty. Her hair is tangled beyond belief, and she has a wart. And she can barely read. But within a week of her arrival, Sarah has beat up Marvin Howerton--twice!, become a baseball star under Franklin's mom's tutelage, and wormed her way into Franklin's life. It's almost possible that Franklin might like the company of the dirtiest girl he ever met.
This is a short, snappy, sweet little book about some very quirky, very human characters. I read it in about an hour and a half, like candy. I couldn't stop. Franklin is overwhelmingly loveable. Sarah Kervick is tough and heartbreaking and fabulous. Franklin's mom is wonderful.
This is a middle grade book full of personality and voice and humanity and all the other things that make books worth reading.
May 31, 2012
I. Loved. This. Book. Really.
Donuthead should be required reading for every fourth or fifth grader. And every adult. It deals with bullying and fighting for yourself and fighting for other people and dreams and hope and looking past appearance to help someone else and be changed in the process. Franklin Delano Donuthead is a boy caught in fear. Stauffacher deals with Franklin's "handicap," which could have become tedious or annoying, in a way that keeps the reader laughing at the absurdity. It also made me think of people I know (sometimes even myself) and how our fears keep us from fully engaging.
When Franklin meets Sarah Kervick, everything changes. His eyes are opened to the "messy" side of life, which isn't just physical. It's emotional. It's love. It's hope--in dreams and in the kindness of others. And it's funny and sentimental and beautiful.
Because it's a young adult/children's novel, it only took me a couple of hours to read. They were some of the most enjoyable hours I've spent reading lately. Now I can't wait to head out to my local bookstore to buy my own copy--one I'll share with friends and with my own children as they grow. And one I'm sure to read over and over, just to be sure I've got it.
Donuthead should be required reading for every fourth or fifth grader. And every adult. It deals with bullying and fighting for yourself and fighting for other people and dreams and hope and looking past appearance to help someone else and be changed in the process. Franklin Delano Donuthead is a boy caught in fear. Stauffacher deals with Franklin's "handicap," which could have become tedious or annoying, in a way that keeps the reader laughing at the absurdity. It also made me think of people I know (sometimes even myself) and how our fears keep us from fully engaging.
When Franklin meets Sarah Kervick, everything changes. His eyes are opened to the "messy" side of life, which isn't just physical. It's emotional. It's love. It's hope--in dreams and in the kindness of others. And it's funny and sentimental and beautiful.
Because it's a young adult/children's novel, it only took me a couple of hours to read. They were some of the most enjoyable hours I've spent reading lately. Now I can't wait to head out to my local bookstore to buy my own copy--one I'll share with friends and with my own children as they grow. And one I'm sure to read over and over, just to be sure I've got it.
December 23, 2017
Not Good. I couldn't understand what was happening in the book. Franklin Delone Donuhead was kinda wired because his left arm was eight-tenths longer than his right arm. And his left leg was two-tenths larger than his right leg. He is so careful about health which is insane. Mar in Howerton is a bully that always bully's other little kids which is unfair. And he thinks he has more power than the little kids
February 23, 2008
A very funny, fast paced novel with quirky, loveable characters.
January 21, 2012
Ages 9+
Hilary, I finally read Donuthead! I thought it was quite funny, but wished that the ending weren't so abrupt.
Hilary, I finally read Donuthead! I thought it was quite funny, but wished that the ending weren't so abrupt.
March 16, 2015
A Dozen Books in One - And All Good
On some level this may be one of the most densely layered middle grade books I've ever read. By that I mean that it would probably engage readers from the early chapter book level all the way up to confident early YA readers. It's just that subtle, well crafted and ambitious. It is good humored, laugh-out-loud funny, generous and lovely.
In its most basic form this is the story of a shy, neurotic germaphobe kid, Franklin, and the tough-egg new fifth grade girl, Sarah, who upsets his safe routines. It has some scenes that verge on slapstick and a fair amount of school-daze comedy. There are some funny lines and bits and some predictable elementary school humor.
Looking deeper we have a hero who knows he needs to grow out of his shell and a heroine whose confidence, stubbornness and energy drive him on. There are insights about independence, loyalty, character and friendship that dawn on Franklin, mainly by virtue of being displayed by Sarah.
Beyond and above that we have a hero who becomes more of a passive observer in his own story, (think Nick Carraway from "The Great Gatsby"), who learns about growing up by watching the transformation of Sarah. Half way through this becomes Sarah's story, Sarah's book, and Sarah's tragedy/comedy. The story becomes one about hope and overcoming adversity.
Even beyond that, and moving into adult territory, we follow Franklin's mother's hopes for an independent son and a stable life as they are transformed and realized by her contact with and involvement in the life of Sarah. We see hints of and aspects of adult drama and real life issues through the unreliable and often uncomprehending eyes of Franklin, who doesn't understand the import of half of what he's relating, even though we do.
The amazing thing is that any reader can read and enjoy this book on any of those levels. And get this - no matter where you are in your reading comprehension, and no matter how much or how little you invest in teasing out the book's subtleties, it is funny and heart warming. Franklin's little observations and throwaway lines are priceless. His timing is superb, and his vaguely grumpy, oddball, neurotic approach to the narrative is pithy and memorable. This book is loaded with funny lines.
And, the book is built on a wide variety of remarkably distinct and not-cliched characters. Each one , (a librarian, the fifth grade teacher, a pharmacist who appears in only one scene, Sarah's father), is fully realized and essential to the book working on all its levels. And the dialogue. Some of Franklin's conversations with his Mom or with Gloria the safety consultant, read like transcripts of old improv bits by smart, fine-tuned comedy teams like Nichols and May, or Stiller and Meara. It's that good.
So - funny, touching, tender, hopeful, ambitious and honest - this is gentle, well conceived and gracefully knowing humor. This goes on the bookshelf.
Please note that I found this book while browsing in our local library. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
On some level this may be one of the most densely layered middle grade books I've ever read. By that I mean that it would probably engage readers from the early chapter book level all the way up to confident early YA readers. It's just that subtle, well crafted and ambitious. It is good humored, laugh-out-loud funny, generous and lovely.
In its most basic form this is the story of a shy, neurotic germaphobe kid, Franklin, and the tough-egg new fifth grade girl, Sarah, who upsets his safe routines. It has some scenes that verge on slapstick and a fair amount of school-daze comedy. There are some funny lines and bits and some predictable elementary school humor.
Looking deeper we have a hero who knows he needs to grow out of his shell and a heroine whose confidence, stubbornness and energy drive him on. There are insights about independence, loyalty, character and friendship that dawn on Franklin, mainly by virtue of being displayed by Sarah.
Beyond and above that we have a hero who becomes more of a passive observer in his own story, (think Nick Carraway from "The Great Gatsby"), who learns about growing up by watching the transformation of Sarah. Half way through this becomes Sarah's story, Sarah's book, and Sarah's tragedy/comedy. The story becomes one about hope and overcoming adversity.
Even beyond that, and moving into adult territory, we follow Franklin's mother's hopes for an independent son and a stable life as they are transformed and realized by her contact with and involvement in the life of Sarah. We see hints of and aspects of adult drama and real life issues through the unreliable and often uncomprehending eyes of Franklin, who doesn't understand the import of half of what he's relating, even though we do.
The amazing thing is that any reader can read and enjoy this book on any of those levels. And get this - no matter where you are in your reading comprehension, and no matter how much or how little you invest in teasing out the book's subtleties, it is funny and heart warming. Franklin's little observations and throwaway lines are priceless. His timing is superb, and his vaguely grumpy, oddball, neurotic approach to the narrative is pithy and memorable. This book is loaded with funny lines.
And, the book is built on a wide variety of remarkably distinct and not-cliched characters. Each one , (a librarian, the fifth grade teacher, a pharmacist who appears in only one scene, Sarah's father), is fully realized and essential to the book working on all its levels. And the dialogue. Some of Franklin's conversations with his Mom or with Gloria the safety consultant, read like transcripts of old improv bits by smart, fine-tuned comedy teams like Nichols and May, or Stiller and Meara. It's that good.
So - funny, touching, tender, hopeful, ambitious and honest - this is gentle, well conceived and gracefully knowing humor. This goes on the bookshelf.
Please note that I found this book while browsing in our local library. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
January 7, 2016
The novel, Donuthead, by Sue Stauffacher is about a boy who is named Franklin Delano Donuthead whose mom is a big New York Yankees fan. She wants him to play baseball. The boy is a nerd and would rather be doing schoolwork than doing sports. One day, he meets a girl who has named Sarah who has no friends and stays in the library during recess because she is doing bad in school. She likes sports but her father says that she has no time to be doing sports. His mom is going to be starting to practice baseball with Sarah and Franklin. Franklin is not very good at baseball. He misses most of the balls at the beginning. He gets better each time they practice. When his mom drops off Sarah in her work van. The girl’s dad tries to threaten Franklin and his mom. He is in the back o the van listening to the whole conversation. He hears Sarah’s dad raising his voice and grabbing stuff around where he is at. When the head baseball coach sees how Sarah and Franklin practicing and how great they are. He recommends them to join the baseball team.
I did not like the description of the characters that were talked about in the middle because the dad had no description of how he was dressed or talked. The connection of a similar place that popped in my head was gruesome because I seen many places rundown or abandoned. The struggle of people who are making fun of his name. And, how he walks because if you were in his life you will see how mean it is to get fun of. I liked the ending of the book because he is just a normal person now, and has some friends to talk to and play with at recess. I would recommend the book to people who have not gone through a rough time of being make fun of and has no friends for a short period of time.
I did not like the description of the characters that were talked about in the middle because the dad had no description of how he was dressed or talked. The connection of a similar place that popped in my head was gruesome because I seen many places rundown or abandoned. The struggle of people who are making fun of his name. And, how he walks because if you were in his life you will see how mean it is to get fun of. I liked the ending of the book because he is just a normal person now, and has some friends to talk to and play with at recess. I would recommend the book to people who have not gone through a rough time of being make fun of and has no friends for a short period of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2009
This book is about a boy named Franklin Delano Donuthead who has a rough childhood. His classmates make fun of him, because of his last name. His mom wants him to play for the New York Yankees when he grows up. The bully named Marvin Howerton, who has big fists and a small brain. Franklin’s mom, teachers, and classmates don’t understand the importance of proper sanitation. This new girl transfers to Franklin’s school, this girl is tough. She beats up Marvin twice, and she becomes baseball’s protégée Franklin’s mom never had. Her name is Sarah, and she and Franklin start to build a good relationship. Franklin fears the head line that Sarah has since its very different from proper sanitation.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was really fun, i would recommend this book to other people to read.
If i were to rate this book out of ten, i would give it a eight and a half. It may look like a boring book from the cover, but it isnt.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was really fun, i would recommend this book to other people to read.
If i were to rate this book out of ten, i would give it a eight and a half. It may look like a boring book from the cover, but it isnt.
February 28, 2015
In the book Donuthead written by Sue Stauffacher main character Franklin Delano Donuthead has many problems. First with his name. He was named the famous Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Second, at Franklin's school he is bullied by the most fearsome kid at school Marvin Howerton. Third, Franklin's mother does not understand him. And Lastly, he is around infectious children everyday who don't wash their hands accurately. Until one day when Sarah Kervick comes into Franklin's life. She has no class or hygiene. When she sees Franklin getting bullied she decides to stand up for him. After Sarah stands up for Franklin she explains how doesn't like "taking crap" from other people. That began a very interesting friendship. This has been one of my favorite books to read in a long time. The book kept me laughing and engaged the whole time I was reading. I would suggest this book to people who enjoy comedy and achieving your dreams.
Read
February 4, 2016Franklin Delano Donuthead is very particular about his personal safety, health and sanitation. He prefers organic vegetables with antioxidants over the Twinkies his mother enjoys. He obsesses over the fact that there is a 1/2 inch difference of length in his two legs. And his ability to play baseball is hampered by his concerns over getting beaned in the head by the ball. When new girl Sarah Kervick shows up with matted hair and no hesitation in punching the school bully, Franklin's life is turned upside down. Franklin's mom takes an interest in Sarah who lives with her apparently abusive father in a rusty trailer park. Franklin isn't too happy about this since the possibilities for contamination are endless. But Sarah's blunt, up-front ways wear Franklin down just a little, especially when he realizes she has a soft spot for figure skating. Ever so slowly, Franklin inches a bit out of his self-imposed shell of protection and fear.
July 1, 2012
I picked up this ridiculous looking book while M. was perusing the library - just so that I'd have something quick to read while she wandered up and down the aisles. I was expecting it to be silly and full of stupid-ness. Instead, I found myself interested. There's a lot going on in this silly little book for younger readers (probably upper elementary) to be thinking about: abuse, bullying, helping each other out, mental illness, the nature of families and love, following your dreams, illiteracy. Most unbelievably, I found myself tearing up in a couple places. The main character has lots of humor and his mom is really fairly flat and annoying, but I still liked this book. Great for 3-5 grade.
Read
August 2, 2016Franklin Delano Donuthead is a boy in fifth grade. He is very overprotective of himself, so it was no surprise he was scared of the new girl, Sarah Kervick. Franklin saw Sarah as a violent, unhygienic girl. Later, he sees a different Sarah, one with a fear and a dream. Read Donuthead to find out how Sarah pursues her dream with the help of Franklin.
- Stephen, PWPLS Teen Summer Reader
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
- Stephen, PWPLS Teen Summer Reader
Click here to find the book at the Prince William County Public Library System.
November 30, 2007
My older son and I read this aloud together. It took us awhile, but not because we weren't enjoying it, we just didn't have that much time to read, and had another book that we were also reading for a book group. My son said he'd give it 5 stars when we were done. I liked it a lot, but there was something slightly missing for me (in terms of putting it in the "amazing" category), and I'm not sure what. The first page had us both laughing so hard that we were crying, but we both agreed that that was the funniest page of the book. It was mostly touching and mildly humorous.
July 13, 2007
I thought this book was great. I was amused on nearly every page, and some parts even made me chuckle a bit. Given that it's very rare for me to laugh out loud at something I'm reading, this book was very funny. It also had some genuinely touching moments, including the ending. I think that even as a I child I would have loved it, although it's true that Franklin sounds nothing like a typical child.
May 4, 2016
This is a book about a bog who's name is Franklin and last name is donut head. All the kids at Pelican Elementary make fun of Franklin for his name and a little because his arm is longer then his other arm by just a little, same with his legs. His mom is determined to play for the new York Yankees. Along the way Franklin makes some new friends, a girl named Sarah has played a interested in him. Read more to find out.
July 27, 2018
Great story for grades 4-6. Nothing inappropriate. Just a great quirky character, his dedicated mom and unlikely friend Sarah Kervick. An enjoyable story of friendship, hardship and sticking up for others. The only cringe worthy scene is around page 100 when Sarah states that the reading room is for retards. Thinking this may get a reaction to struggling readers. Baseball, ice skating,and statistics run throughout this story as engaging backdrops.
July 23, 2008
Sometimes I worry that the more children's books I read, the more it takes to wow me. Donuthead is a good example of this phenomenon! I enjoyed this book about an obsessive compulsive fifth-grader named Franklin Delano Donuthead, but I didn't love it. The children's lit world abounds with misfits with funny names, and unfortunately Donuthead just didn't stand out for me.
Read
December 23, 2008I'm going through a list of funny middle-grade books with boys to get inspired for my work-in-progress. Donuthead came highly recommended, but I've discovered a big pet peeve - there are no stinkin' margins except for the first and last pages of the chapters. It gives one the uncertain feeling that one might fall out of the book at any given moment.
August 17, 2010
Franklin Delano Donuthead, a fifth-grader obsessed with hygiene and safety, finds an unlikely friend and protector in Sarah Kervick, the tough new student who lives in a dirty trailer, bonds with his mother, and is as "irregular" as he is.
This book was a hilarious read. Highly recommended. (I transferred this review from an index card I made years ago.)
This book was a hilarious read. Highly recommended. (I transferred this review from an index card I made years ago.)
February 19, 2011
Very odd book. Not sure what age group will appreciate this. Main character is a fifth grader who acts like a neurotic 35 year old. Apart from the boy, Franklin, acting too "adult" and his Mom being too, too nice this was an OK story about realizing your potential & facing your fears- embracing the dangers of everyday existence.
June 7, 2011
A neurotic 5th grader, who is preoccupied by problems that prevent him from being a normal child. He befriends a tough girl, who through his mother's help is able to become "girly". She comes from the typical "bad home" and he comes from a decent enough home where the mother is completely nice. It's a great read, though some of it seems a bit too old for the age group this is for.
December 4, 2011
I read this for the program In2Books and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoying it was. Franklin Delano Donuthead is wise beyond his years and overall this book would make a great discussion piece since it deals with multiple themes of friendship, bullying, happiness, fears, and different family situations.
February 7, 2013
Cute, humorous story! I've wanted to read this for a long time -- someone recommended it. Maybe it was OSC? Anyway, Donuthead's character with his obsessions reminded me of I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells. However, Donuthead is not a pyschopath, but he is pretty intense about trying to be safe. Sarah is a great complement to him. G
September 10, 2017
Donuthead is obsessed with safety and is used to being either ignored, pitied or picked on by the other 5th graders. But when a new girl shows up in class whose fee profile seems to be the opposite of his, a beautiful friendship is born. Socio-economic diversity and single parent families are featured.
October 26, 2018
I started reading this book, thinking it was a little weird. Halfway into the book, I really started liking it. Franklin being so afraid of germs was kind of annoying but made it a good and unique book.
May 5, 2007
Donuthead is . . . OK. It has moments of of real humor, but the main character is a hyperaware OCD 10 year old, and I'm not sure that actual kids are going to get it. It kinda feels like a really amusing book for grown-ups about about a weird little kid.
February 3, 2008
Adolescent boy (think Monk) is befriended by tough, poor girl; they help rescue each other. Very funny and also interesting in the way the author uses FDR to remind us to be kind to those less fortunate.
April 24, 2011
This was the first book my 4th grade 2010-2011 In2Books reading penpal chose for us to read. You can learn more about becoming an In2Books volunteer here: In2Books. :)
November 21, 2012
A wonderful story with quirky, eccentric characters in real life school situations. You want to root for these characters because they are so likable. A great story about finding one's place in this world and the courage to do something about it. I highly recommend this book and author!
January 16, 2013
I read this book with my In2Books penpal. I absolutely loved it! it sends a wonderful message about unlikely friendships, generocity and holding onto your dreams. I will be passing this book to my 3rd grade son.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews