Reading Knots in My Yo-Yo String is a bit like being caught with an uncle at a family reunion and listening to him reminisce about parts of his childhood in a wandering and sometimes random manner. There are bits that are really cool and fascinating and there are large sections that young readers will totally tune out because they have absolutely no context for what he is talking about. Filled with fifties nostalgia references like Lash LaRue and a fluoroscope for shoe-fitting, Knots in My Yo-Yo Strings seems more intended for an audience that will actually be able to join in the reminiscing than the school children of today.
Spinelli has a way with words, and in some of the small sketches this is clearly evident. His path as a writer is also laid out which is always great to be able to share with students as they undertake their own writing efforts. Overall, I worry that the effort it will require on the part of the reader will make this an unappetizing choice for the potential audience. It skews a bit young for students above Grade 6. I’d recommend it for Grades 4 & 5, but used with an adult assistance with context. Teachers may prefer to use selections from the book rather than have students wander through the whole book, especially considering Spinelli’s non-linear, non-chronological approach.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – At age 7 he returns from a party with lipstick kisses on his face. He has his first girlfriend at 7 (totally innocently). Boys and girls like each other, walk home together, hold hands, kiss, go steady and make out. They go to dances together and a girl is given a friendship ring by a boy.
Profanity – “phooey,” “hell,”
Death, Violence and Gore – Jerry collects salamanders and when he brings them home they all die. His legs are bitten by blood-sucking leeches. He owned a cap gun. There is some fighting – boys punch and hit each other. He reads about war including dead soldiers, the torture of troops, fingernails being pulled off. Jerry and his friends play war. They throw rocks at each other and one friend gets hit; there is a lot of blood. A boy jumps in hay and lands on a pitch-fork. Jerry’s dog is hit by a car and dies. He knows a kid that died in his 30s from asthma. His Sunday School teacher died alone, because none of the boys wanted to visit him.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – He grew up near a brewery. They smoke candy cigarettes (this is shown in a photo). His grandfather drank red wine and smoked cigars.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.
