Marshall, R. (2007). I still hate to read! Illustrated by Etienne Delessert. Chanhassen, MN:  Creative Editions.

ISBN-13: 978-1-56846-174-8

The protagonist from I Hate to Read! (1993), Victor Dickens (an allusion to Charles Dickens), is back and hiding his love of books from everyone except his loyal dog, Page.  Soon, his secret is revealed at school with surprising results, but the true glory of this book are the detailed illustrations of Victor’s adventures as he dives into his favorite stories.  Allusions abound, to name just a few -- A raven reminiscent of Poe’s is seen on Victor’s computer screen and reappears and is quoted in the conclusion.  His sister carries a book by Emily Dickinson under her arm. And the teacher has Hank the Cowdog as the leading character in the school play. 

Artwork: Pastels

Subjects: Books; Reading; School

Theme: Books take you on adventures.

Literary Device: Allusion

Category: Fiction

Age Level Recommendation: Upper Elementary

Rating: 4Q/4P

AAS 5-3-08