Erik vs. Everything

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Can a worrier really become a warrior Nine-year-old Erik Sheepflatteners life motto is Avoid Stuff,despite his familys attempts to bring out his inner Viking. In this outrageously quirky, "funny and perceptive"* novel . . .why not be both (*Booklist, starred review)

Meet Erik Sheepflattener.Each member of his modern-day Viking-heritage family has a motto to live by. His parents have Familyand Pride. His sisters have ConquerandWin. His grandfather has Turnip. But Erik is developing a motto he can truly believe in: Avoid Stuff.

Mostly, Eriks fierce family ignores or discounts him, especially when he tries to say no.But while spending the summer with his rough-and-tumble cousins and older sister Brunhilde in Minnesota, axe-wielding Bru gets theidea to name and Conquerall of Eriks fears. Will anyone hear him say nobefore its too late And will Erik end up defined by his fears, or by his fearless family

Erik vs. Everythingis an adventurous, humorous, and heartfeltromp aboutfinding your place, speaking up for yourself, and pursuing what you love . . . even when it scares you.

Reviews

"[A]funny and perceptive tale....readers will enjoy cheering [Erik] on as much as they will delight in the antics of his loving, Wagnerian extended family." Booklist (starred review) This riotous second novel by Uss (The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle), interlaced with quotes from the Lore and a toddlers edition ofThe Art of War, overflows with rollicking scenes of Viking-inspired mayhem and droll dialogue without forgoing respect for the difficulties wrought by Eriks anxiety. Publishers Weekly (starred review) "This story has a fun cast of characters, all with their own strengths and personality quirks....This story takes family lore and traditions and blends them with modern tips and tricks to tackle life. It is a fun, uplifting, and often laugh-out-loud story....A great addition to any elementary and even middle school library with a lesson on determination, taking risks, and family values." School Library Journal "Once again, Uss delivers a story carried by well-developed characters, plenty of dialogue, and humor." Horn Book Magazine "A quirky delight." Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Christina Uss is scared of a lot of things, but still believes the world is full of nice surprises. Her first novel,The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle,was aKirkus ReviewsBest Book of the Year and received starred reviews from Shelf Awareness, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews,andPublisher's Weekly. Christina lives with her family, her cats, and a scurry of backyard squirrels in Massachusetts.