(Elementary)Gary Paulsen is one of my favorite authors and so the expectation was high for this book. It isn't often that I can say I am disappointed in one of his books, but this one is not a typical Paulsen. Most of Paulsen's books fall into three categories: survival/adventure; true story survival/ adventure and humor. I have read and enjoyed dozens of Paulsen's book in each of these categories. With over 200 books to his name, it would be hard to keep up the Newberry pace of 'Hatchet'.
'Mudshark would fall into the humor category. It is the story of a young boy, nicknamed Mudshark, who has an uncanny ability to remember minute details. He uses this skill to help his fellow school members solve a mystery involving a parrot, missing blackboard erasers and a missing gerbil.
This book would probably best be enjoyed by elementary boys but I would not steer them to this book first. Again, not a typical Paulsen. If yo've never read Paulsen before, start with another jewel and save this one for a rainy day (at only 80+ pages, maybe a brief shower)!
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