Confessions of a Candy Snatcher by Phoebe Sinclair, Theodore Taylor III
Published by Candlewick Press on August 15, 2023
ISBN: 1536213683
Pages: 336
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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Jonas and his buddies have a tradition of snatching candy from unsuspecting trick-or-treaters.  This year, one of Jonas’ victims fights back and Jonas injures her.  The guilt of this sticks with Jonas and it gets worse when someone leaves notes for him in his locker.  The harassment escalates when signs and balloons are plastered at school saying “JONAS DID IT” causing Jonas to get in a fight with one of his friends.  Another friend, Concepcion, tries to help Jonas process what he did through a zine she is writing.  On top of all this, Jonas’ parents are separated and living in different homes but their boundaries are blurry which is frustrating for Jonas and confusing for his sister.  Middle grade readers will enjoy the unique writing style of this novel which is broken up by drafts of the zine Jonas and his friend are working on.  At times the pace of this story is slower, but it matches the contemplative mood of the book as Jonas wrestles with difficult issues such as peer pressure, consent, bullying, and friendship. The end of the novel moves quicker, bringing readers to a somewhat surprising and very satisfying ending.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library