In Humphrey's habit of emphasizing a word three times: ADORABLE-ADORABLE-ADORABLE.
I found this book to be charming for readers while still managing to captivate interest. In a literary world that's raising prostitots (thanks for the word, Dance Moms) via age inappropriate series (for example, House of Night, which twelve year olds were devouring in my class last year), Humphrey captivates its audience through a relatable character who isn't crude/sexy/superficial.
Purchased from a pet store by a substitute, Humphrey is brought to Room 26 in order to teach students responsibility. When Ms. Mac (the sub) leaves after the return of Room 26's regular classroom teacher, Humphrey is forced to spend weekends with his classmates at their homes. Humphrey learns something about each child: one lives in a non-English speaking household, one lives with a giant dog, one has a family addicted to TV. In turn for cleaning his cage and feeding him lettuce, Humphrey provides each family with some helpful advice--like if a hamster happens to unplug your TV, it's okay not to plug it back in for a few days. The underlying subtexts of "it's okay to be different" and "some of your classmates may have struggles at home" reach readers who find themselves empathizing with the supporting characters.
The ability to snatch readers' attentions at a time when hormones and what's "cool" begin to impede their judgements is what makes this book a worthy read for kids. My fourth graders are fighting over who gets the next available copy. Luckily for them, Humphrey comes in a series (minus the prostitots).
Target age range: upper elementary/early middle school
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