ThunderBoom

I think other kids should read this book because… it teaches people to face their fears… it also teaches you to be kind and empathetic whenever you can. 

Hi Paige and Madeline! Can you tell us what this book is about?

Paige: ThunderBoom is about Logan, who is an 11-year-old boy.  Unlike other 11-year-olds, Logan cannot speak, so he communicates through sign language.  Logan is separated from his parents at a parade, and he must face his biggest fears, like dogs, masked clowns, and loneliness.  In order to do that, he imagines that he is a superhero, and his problems or fears will go away when he stomps. 

Madeline: This is a book about Logan (aka ThunderBoom) and his fears and life. Even though Logan isn’t real, it still provides a lot of confidence.

What do you like about this book?

Paige: I like that in this book, Logan had to face his fears.  Logan tried to solve his problems in a creative way, by pretending he was a superhero called ThunderBoom.  Logan found a friend named Becky to help him.

Madeline: I like how the book gives confidence. That is very helpful to me and probably to a lot of other kids, too.

What is your favourite part of the story?

Paige: My favourite part was when Logan helps Becky find her mom.  Logan wonders if he will be rewarded for his efforts, but then decides that he just feels good when he helps people.  That is my favourite part because it was a random act of kindness that he helped Becky.

Madeline: My favourite part of the story is the part where Logan is lost at the parade. I believe that’s the main part of the story.

Why should other kids read this book?  

Paige: I think other kids should read this book because it is a book about a kid and his fears.  It teaches people to face their fears, and to do that in a way that makes them feel less uncomfortable in the situation they are in.   It also teaches you to be kind and empathetic whenever you can.  

Madeline: Other kids should read this book because it provides confidence and opens up the imagination, even if it’s only a tiny bit.

Who would you recommend this book to?  

Paige: I would recommend ThunderBoom to children between Grade 4 and Grade 7.  I think it would appeal equally as much to boys and girls.  I think you would have to read the book yourself, because you need to see the pictures to understand the book.

Madeline: I would recommend this book to anyone who’s low on confidence or needs a laugh.

Did you enjoy the illustrations?  

Paige: Yes, I did.  The illustrations were very clear and helped me understand the book.

Madeline: Yes. The way Logan imagined some of the characters was cool, and sometimes a little creepy.

If you could ask the author a question, what would it be?  

Paige: I would ask Jack Briglio if he ever felt like giving up while writing.  Even if he did, he still pushed through and finished, which is very impressive.  

Madeline: If I could ask the author a question, I’d ask him, “Do you write other stories for children?”