Hungry Minds Readers Pick: Wise Wendell
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 out of 5 stars - review by Uriah
I really liked Wise Wendell by Mark Allen Boone. Wendell finds a white hair and thinks he might be getting old, so he asks different people what it means. I liked that his grandparents helped him figure it out because they have a lot of wisdom and experience. The story rhymes, which made it fun to read, and I liked the illustrations too. It’s a sweet story about family and learning from older people. I would recommend it to kids and families who enjoy reading together.
"Reader’s Takeaway”
What stayed with me: Wendell’s grandparents helped him find an answer—and showed that we can learn from people with more life experience.
Wise Wendell tells the story of a seven-year-old African American boy who, insisting that he is old enough to groom himself, discovers a single white hair on his head. Frightened by the unusual sight, he fears that he is growing old.
Seeking an explanation, he questions his mother, father, and teacher, none of whom provide a satisfactory explanation for him. Finally coming to his rescue are his doting grandparents who attend his birthday celebration and provide the answer that he seeks.
The theme is that one doesn't gain wisdom on his own: he must seek it from those who have it, and its pursuit is worthwhile, no matter the age. Because of its engaging illustrations, whimsical rhyme scheme, vocabulary building, and use of idioms, Wise Wendell is a book that parents and grandparents can enjoy reading aloud with their children and grandchildren.
Mark Allen Boone is a retired teacher, textbook book editor, publishing consultant, and freelance writer with more than forty years of experience in the publishing industry. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with authors at every stage, helping shape manuscripts into meaningful, publishable works.
As both an author and editor, Mark brings a rare balance of creative insight and technical expertise, allowing him to guide writers with clarity, purpose, and respect for their voice.
He is the author of two novels: Reunion and the award-winning The Demise of Luleta Jones and the short story collection Candle in the Dark and Other Stories. Wise Wendell: A Narrative Verse for Children is his first published children’s book. He and his wife Cynthia, a retired reading specialist, live in Atlanta and are the parents of two children and the grandparents of four.
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