Publishers Weekly
Overweight, unathletic and friendless, 14-year-old Wardy Spinks is a disappointment to his parents; at school, he is a prime target for taunting remarks and cruel jokes. Only Grandma Lou recognizes Wardy's true potential and encourages him to pursue his interest in science. A dramatic turn of events occurs when Wardy becomes the protege of his charismatic biology teacher. Mr. Guterman builds Wardy's confidence, offers guidance and promises him a bright future. Wardy changes his attitude about life and eventually wins respect. Then Mr. Guterman increases his demands until Wardy feels pressured to devote all his time to science. Consumed by work, more isolated than ever, Wardy begins to question his teacher's motives. Coryell, a teacher herself, reveals some strong opinions about ambition and motivation. Her examination of student-teacher relationships is insightful.
Ages 12-up. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
School Library Journal
Grade 6-8— His name is Wardy Spinks, but he is called "the Wart" and picked on unmercifully because he is--for at least a third of this first novel--a total misfit. Wardy is a scientific genius with zero interpersonal skills. He's been given the boot by military school and now he's at his hometown high school in the program for gifted and talented students. A German exchange teacher, Mr. Guterman, turns Wardy around, giving him the confidence and focus that he needs, and soon the misfit and his homemade laser gun are on the way to science notoriety. But the story is more complex than this; with the guidance of his artistic grandmother, Wardy realizes that Guterman is dominating him and, worse, using both Wardy and his mother for personal ends...The pace is good and Eaglebait is a quick, successful read.
Robert E. Unsworth, Scarsdale Junior High School, NY
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
Wardy is a multi-dimensional protagonist whose misery, as he tries to find himself, is realistically drawn. His situation will resonate with meaning for junior high students who may have experienced similar problems with self-acceptance.
Irene Cooper, Booklist.
LETTER FROM THE AUTHOR
“We just don’t believe there are bullies out there in the schools.” So said my editor at Harcourt. Lucky for me, an article had recently appeared in the Washington Post about, guess what? Bullies in the local schools. Accompanying the article was a photo of one self-acclaimed bully. The fellow had a hairdo that appeared to have been done with hedge clippers. His t-shirt was rolled up over his flexed and tattoo-covered biceps, and he was quoted saying, “I like to hit ‘em because it makes me feel good.” I sent the article off to my publisher and that ended any further ideas of editing the bullying scenes in Eaglebait. I know I’ve hit close to home when it comes to bullies because so many readers, both guys and girls, have told me, “I am Wardy Spinks.” By the way, dear reader, I’ll let you in on a secret: All of the bully incidents in the book actually happened somewhere in some school. All except one, which I made up. Can you guess which practical joke was pure fiction?
But there’s much more in Eaglebait to think about! Scientific discovery and invention, family fights and bonding, a lot of self-esteem building, and even a little romance. A host of unusual characters will keep you interested: Heinrich Guterman, handsome, brilliant mentor to Wardy; Meg, Wardy’s pretty lab partner in biology class; and Grandma Lou, the one family member who understands what Wardy is going through.
So, my friends, if you’ve ever encountered bullies who make you feel sad about yourself, if you’d like to see how one young teen learns to change the climate that makes his school life a nightmare, or if you’d just like a good, honest book that will keep you turning pages, I invite you to read Eaglebait. And then, I’d love to hear your reactions via this website.