A Different, But Still Very Entertaining, Hank

There are about seventeen Hank Zipzer books from the original Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver run. I started with #1, "Niagara Falls, Or Doesn't It?", which is now almost, gasp, two decades old. Hank was an engaging, appealing, and relatable kid. The books had an urban vibe, a solid friendship core, and just the right focus on Hank's dyslexia. Good times.

This Zipzer book is by Theo Baker. It's a novelization drawn from the BBC series that was based on Winkler's Hank Zipzer. This Hank is a different Hank. Not better, or worse, just different. This time around Hank is off to survival camp with his goal being to demonstrate to his parents that he can be responsible and reliable. It's a lot funnier than the original Hank books, but also less "problem" oriented, and a lot less New York-ish. I was O.K. with that and I enjoyed the book immensely.

We still have Hank's two best pals featured. And we still get the story straight from Hank. But while the older books seemed more "authentic", for want of a better word, this book is more antic and exaggerated. Hank is also a lot funnier, in a dry and often deadpan sort of way. Old Hank often seemed overwhelmed and a bit lost, and he actually engaged our sympathies as a kid with challenges who tried his level best to prevail. This Hank is a lot more together and on the ball. I can see how the Hank character evolved that way, and it was probably necessary for that to happen in order to keep the series going. Anyway, this Hank is likable and appealing in his own way, and his self-deprecating confessional tone still engages and amuses.

(For what it's worth, Hank's sister has taken on an expanded role and her story is distinct from Hank's and told in parallel chapters. She is a dead funny, and surprisingly edgy, character who is going through her own teen rebel stage. If they aren't careful she could end up stealing the series.)

So, any Hank is good Hank, and this series still has strong legs. It was fun to drop in and check on a favorite character.

(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

Great book for kids. It's funny and gross at the same time. Hank has totally had a mind of his own. He wants to show his parents that he's responsible enough to hang out with his friends but his mind keeps wandering...