Editorial Content for My Miserable Life

Ben is miserable --- just ask him. He is in the fifth grade, where he was hoping things would be better. At first they are, but then things change when his old nemesis, Rocko, ends up in the same class as him.

“Author F. L. Block writes the book with such emotion that...you'll be rooting for [Ben] all the way to the end.”

Ben and Rocko met at a camp during the summer. Rocko "accidentally" broke Ben's collarbone, ruining his whole summer. Now, it looks like Rocko is going to ruin Ben's whole school year. But Ben is smart (he's an excellent speller) and the girls think he's cute. So maybe things won't be so bad after all, even though his mom is a health and safety nut, his sister barely speaks to him (she prefers emails), his dog is neurotic and he has to put up with a houseguest who takes over his bedroom.

Some of the chapters end with essays (or extra papers) Ben writes for his teacher, as well as his teacher's responses to them. Every child should have a teacher like Ben's, especially in fifth grade. Although she was a bit misguided on a couple of issues, you can tell his teacher is a loving, caring person, and a perfect role model for this age group.

As for the main character, all I can say is “Poor Ben.” Author F. L. Block writes the book with such emotion that you have to feel sorry for Ben. You'll be rooting for him all the way to the end.

I enjoyed Block's writing style, especially his sense of humor and his ability to tell a story like a fifth-grader. The black and white illustrations by Edward Hemingway, which are scattered throughout the text, are a nice touch. If given a chance, I would probably choose to read and review another book by this author. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.