A land where grownups do not exist, kids run free, riding on bikes and tricycles of all different shapes and sizes, while visiting the Hippodrome and Snuggles… where the Hokey Pokey man comes every day to serve cube shaped snow cones in every flavor from chocolate to jalapeño.

Welcome to Hokey Pokey, by Jerry Spinelli, a recently written book for teens about a fantasy land where boys rule day and night, and girls are not liked.

In the land of Hokey Pokey, Jack, an older boy is the leader of everyone, and spends his time cruising Gorilla Hill on his bike and always fooling around with his two amigos, Dusty and LaJo. Jack, the main character, has his prize bike stolen from by a popular girl, and he tries to get it back with the help of his two amigos.  But Jack also has another problem on his hands.  He is getting too old for Hokey Pokey, and his tattoo that all children in Hokey Pokey are issued as soon as they arrive is disappearing fast. Jack loves Hokey Pokey, but knows that it is getting ready for him to leave Hokey Pokey, where ever that may take him.

This book is a magical and humorous read, and even though girls are not accepted in the book, I feel this is for all genders, yet it is mostly geared towards boys. Hokey Pokey has nonstop action, and is always on the go, always amusing and entertaining.

Another thing I liked about the book is that every chapter switches perspectives, whether it is Jack’s, Dusty’s, LaJo’s, or Jubilee’s (the girls who stole Jack’s bike).  Hokey Pokey is a heartfelt story with a surprise ending that will definitely satisfy the reader.

Overall, I would say that Hokey Pokey was one of the better books that I have ever read, and I would recommend it to any teen who likes to read.

-Will R., 9th grade