Book Review: The Qwikpick Papers: Journey to the Fountain of Poop by Tom Angleberger

The Qwikpick Papers: Journey to the Fountain of Poop by Tom Angleberger is a middle grade novel in the same style as the Origami Yoda series (which if you have not read it, you should!) which blends  journal entries, doodles, and handwritten notes. Lyle Hertzog and his friends Marilla and Dave expect to spend another dull holiday passing time at the local Qwikpick convenience store. Just as they have given up the idea of a grand adventure, an article in their hometown paper catches their eye. It turns out that he sludge fountain at the nearby sewage plant is being shut down. The three friends decide to dub themselves the Qwikpick Adventure Society. Their first mission is to see the “poop fountain” before it fades from glory.

Journey to the Fountain of Poop is the great start to another middle grade series from Angleberger. This book has three kids from different family, religious, and economic backgrounds finding common ground and becoming great friends. The adventure they have is something that I can see many kids taking part in, or at least wishing they could take part in on some level. There is a good amount if 'potty humor', which you have to expect with the word poop in the subtitle. I think the combination of humor, the diary format of the book, and the sheer relateability of the characters will make this a great read for many elementary and middle school readers.

I recommend Journey to the Fountain of Poop to elementary and middle school readers. I think reluctant readers will find this book, and others from Angleberger, to be one that makes them interested in reading more. A must have for library collections.