Sixth grader Matt Sprouts can’t catch a break…but he sure gets plenty more in this amusing tale.

It all starts when Matt accidentally breaks the collarbone of a best friend’s sister, Jenna, with a karate move. The table turns and now Matt can’t seem to stop his own bad luck.

The first person narration takes readers through each busted toe, and how Matt plans to find a way to stop the curse before every bone in his body is in danger.

Along the way he has a fake girlfriend (the ever present Grace), tries to stay out of the way with Mrs. Klinkle (a neighbor and substitute teacher), and is confused about losing a best friend and not knowing why. Yes, middle school is full of challenges.

You might cringe at how Matt deals with a few of the adults and a bully, but he is the kind of kid who acts first and thinks later just like most kids his age. It’s all explained and defended in his own youthful ways.

MATT SPROUTS AND THE CURSE OF THE TEN BROKEN TOES is an appealing story and the perfect read aloud. The second book in the series, MATT SPROUTS AND THE DAY NORA ATE THE SUN, is due out in September. Myself and the intended audience will be looking forward to more of Matt’s adventures.

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FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: MATT SPROUTS AND THE CURSE OF THE TEN BROKEN TOES

1. The author really did break 10 toes growing up. Some of the best stories come from events that happen in our past.
2. Little brother Elliott is an amusing sibling. At times Matt can’t stand him while other interactions show the love he has for his little bro.
3. The over 300 page count might seem overwhelming, but the tale moves along at a great pace and frequent doodle like drawings of Matt break up the text.
4. Matt is a soccer player and quite good at it. His goal is to gain a spot in the tournament. Many sports enthused young readers will understand this passion.
5. The variety of ways Matt breaks his toes will have you guessing how the next one will occur. All were believable. They didn’t happen all at once and were spread throughout the pages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Eicheldinger wasn’t always a writer. He spent most of his childhood playing soccer, reading comics, and trying his best to stay out of trouble. Little did he know those moments would ultimately help craft his first novel, Matt Sprouts and the Curse of Ten Broken Toes. 

Matt lives in Minnesota with his wife and two children, and tries to create new adventures with them whenever possible. When he’s not writing, you can find him telling students stories in his classroom, or trail running along the Minnesota River Bottoms. (For more about Matt, visit his author website)

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