40 pages • 1 hour read
Ellen PotterSlob
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Slob by Ellen Potter follows 12-year-old genius Owen Birnbaum, who, while dealing with bullying at school due to his obesity and intelligence, struggles with the trauma of his parents' murder. He endeavors to invent a device, Nemesis, to catch their killer and uncovers unexpected truths about his peers, leading to personal growth and recovery. The novel explores childhood obesity, bullying, and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ellen Potter’s Slob garners a mix of positive and negative feedback. Readers praise the novel for its engaging protagonist and inspiring themes of resilience and intelligence. The book’s humor and emotional depth resonate well, though some find the pacing uneven and certain plot elements implausible. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read Slob?
A reader who would enjoy Slob by Ellen Potter is typically a middle-grade to young adult reader who enjoys emotionally rich, character-driven stories. Fans of Louis Sachar’s Holes and Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree, which also explore themes of overcoming adversity, bullying, and resilience, will find this book appealing.
RecommendedReading Age
9-12yearsLexile Level
740LBook Details
Modern Classic Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Bullying
Grief / Death
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Courage