The Mealworm Diaries - Softcover

"A finely crafted blend of humour, drama, and suspense. The measured and compelling revelation of Jeremy's dark secret is well balanced by scenes from his science and gym classes as well as the development of his relationship with Milly. The plot has some nice, realistic surprises and a satisfying as well as uplifting conclusion. Highly Recommended."-- (02/20/2009)

"This moving first novel deftly weaves...serious issues into a realistic depiction of an ordinary boy moving forward despite his loss and doing the right thing by his troubled classmate."-- (03/15/2009)

"A wonderful, sensitive story...[the] characters extend understanding even to those who have not personally felt this hurt."-- (04/01/2009)

"I devoured this book, and enjoyed every second of it...[I] was impressed that (even though heavier topics were covered) it was such a light, easy and entertaining read."-- (04/22/2009)

"Kerz has produced a sympathetic character in Jeremy, troubled by his self-imposed guilt over the death of his father...The social implications of Jeremy's secrets are staged realistically; the interactions at home, in the classroom, and on the playground ring true."-- (04/01/2009)

"Kerz does a wonderful job of connecting a mealworm's simple life with a child's incredibly complicated one, and she does so in a manner that appears effortless...A short and sweet novel about friendship, love, loss, and insects, Kerz has integrated a whole bunch of themes into one marvelous one about discovery."-- (06/15/2009)

"Aaron's ADHD-type-behavioural problems are described with such accuracy that he jumps right off the page...There is real, raw talent here, evident in the character of Aaron, and in the depiction of classroom life."-- (04/01/2009)

"Kerz effectively conveys the insular social dynamics of a grade-school classroom and presents winning portraits of Jeremy and his understanding family and teacher. Readers will enjoy this quiet story as they absorb its simple but timeless message about the importance of kindness."-- (04/15/2009)

"A heartwarming story of friendship and kindness...A worthy read for public and school libraries."-- (06/10/2009)

"There's a lot of boy-appeal here...Themes of grief and loss, friendship, identity, and acceptance are all present and balanced against each other; no particular theme is superimposed too obviously over the others...A worthwhile book for kids who are grieving, moving, or even struggling to deal with an annoying classmate."--NMRLS Youth Services Book Review (12/01/2009)

Jeremy struggles to cope with his father's death after moving to a new school in Toronto, where he is paired with a hyperactive boy for a science project on mealworms.