Billy Forrester enters a high-stakes bet with his friend Alan: if Billy can eat fifteen earthworms in fifteen days, Alan must pay him fifty dollars. With his friend Tom acting as his second, Billy prepares each worm using ingredients like horseradish, ketchup, and mustard to mask the flavor and texture. As the challenge progresses, Alan and his partner Joe resort to psychological warfare, cheating, and physical distractions to prevent Billy from succeeding. The plot centers on the logistical methods of cooking the worms and the tension of meeting the daily deadline.
This book serves young readers who enjoy stories about childhood social dynamics and gross-out humor. Readers find a realistic depiction of peer pressure and the competitive nature of adolescent friendships. The story demonstrates the importance of personal persistence and creative problem-solving when facing an unpleasant task. By the conclusion, the reader understands how a simple dare can test loyalty and integrity within a small group of friends, while providing a humorous look at the extremes of childhood bravado.
Practical, outward-looking, growth-minded, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Practical Optimizer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1973
- Language
- EN
