Cockroach Cooties by Laurence Yep

Cockroach Cooties by Laurence Yep is one of his numerous titles mostly focused around Asian American characters. Laurence Yep is author to several other chapter books for children to include several books in the Golden Mountain Chronicles, several titles in his Dragon series, several titles in the Chinatown Mysteries, several titles in The Tiger's Apprentice series, and several others to include Later Gator, Hiroshima and Cockroach Cooties. He also has explored in other genres to include nonfiction titles about Asian Americans and his own autobiography. He also has published several picture books (such as the Dragon Prince, the Magic Paintbrush, and the Man Who Tricked a Ghost) and even some plays (Dragonwings, The Age of Wonders, Pay the Chinaman and Fairy Bones).

In this particular title, Yep introduces us to two brothers Teddy and Bobby, second generation Asian Americans living in California. They experience issues much the same as boys their age, the largest problem being the school bully, Artie. He is particularly fond of picking on the two brothers, who try to avoid him at all costs. That is until one day when they come face to face with him. When he appears ready to pounce, Bobby, the younger brother of the two produces a pet cockroach (an insect that he is quite fond of). At the sight of such a terror, Artie flees the scene as quickly as possible. The brothers learn that they may have a means to become bully free. That is until the cockroach is squashed by their anti-bug mother who sees the presence of any insect as a sign of filth. They end up discovering in the end about Artie and why he has such a dislike of cockroaches--namely because he lives in isolated poverty with a parent who doesn't care to keep the bugs out. Each insect is a reminder of the disgusting conditions and isolated situation he finds himself in each night.

While this book is about Asian American characters (and there is evidence of their cultural differences throughout the text) the theme transcends time and cultural barriers. The two protagonists are faced with a common kid problem, that of handling a bully and through their conversations with him realize that there are definite reasons for his bullying. This is a wonderful story that identifies the human qualities of everyone, regardless of their position in life. Laurence Yep does an exceptional job of capturing the reader's attention from beginning to end. The text is poignant and concise, but also descriptive and exciting. The audience really sympathizes with the brothers and wants them to seek resolution from this horrible bully. As a teacher and librarian, it is a wonderful moral that all children will not likely realize. It contains a valuable lesson through the exciting adventures in dealing with bullies. This would be a wonderful addition to any library collection. I liked this book because of the subtle yet important lesson it teaches and the exciting plot line.