Fuzzy Mud

    

Fuzzy Mud

By Louis Sachar




Fuzzy Mud is a young adult novel by Louis Sachar. The story follows the lives of two middle school students, Tamaya and Marshall. One day on their way home from school, they take a shortcut through the woods and discover a strange, fuzzy mud. Tamaya touches the mud and develops a rash, prompting the school to go on lockdown to prevent a potential virus outbreak. The fuzzy mud is revealed to be a genetically modified organism created by a scientist. Tamaya and Marshall work together to expose the truth about the fuzzy mud and prevent future accidents from happening. 

Fuzzy Mud is a realistic science fiction book in which Sachar does an excellent job of keeping the reader on edge as the mystery of the fuzzy mud unfolds. This is a great science fiction book for young adults because it masterfully mixes science fiction with things that normal kids deal with, such as fitting in and bullying. Additionally, this book engages children in science by keeping the topic fun and adding a layer of mystery. I definitely think this book would be a good starting point for children that are reluctant to read science fiction. While I am not a fan of science fiction books, I enjoyed this book particularly because Sachar was able to weave science fiction with other genres, like thriller. I think the most impressive thing that Sachar accomplishes in this book is the message he is able to relay to readers. Ultimately, the characters learn that no matter how big a problem is, if you can work well with others, no matter your differences, you can always find a solution. Even though this is a science fiction book, he is still able to leave readers with a universal message, which I found to be a plus of this book. Overall, Fuzzy Mud is a great science fiction book to have in your library that will appeal to readers of all genres. 

Fuzzy Mud, by Louis Sachar. Delacorte Books for Crime Readers (2015). 

For more information about Louis Sachar click here. 


Word Count: 325



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