King of the Mole People, reluctant reader middle school gold

The story of Doug Underbelly starts out fast. Underbelly is the king of the mole people and it’s important to know that because he’s being called back to do the king’s work by the end of the first chapter. Granted, there is a two-page prologue that gives readers a very quick overview of the situation. Doug is just trying to be a typical seventh-grade student, but he’s also the King of the Mole People. Unfortunately for him, the later seems to always have the upper hand.

Do you have a middle school reluctant reader? King of the Mole People by Paul Gilligan is perfectly suited for them. The chapters aren’t too short in page length, however, the pages are smaller shaped than books that they’re used to. The result is one that those reluctant readers will read and one that kids who love to read will gobble down quickly. Actual case study: our 10 year-old has had the book for about 30 minutes and is already four chapters (55 pages) into it. 

Kids that age and their middle school friends will enjoy the book because it moves fast, very fast. Why are the moles trying to get the King’s attention while he’s at school? What’s up with the crown symbol? Who’s that girl always wearing black that Doug certainly does not like and can barely stand to be around?

That is Magda and upon outward appearances she’s as weird as Doug. This is quite a feat considering Doug’s father affectionately makes food mainly made of eels for him-and all the kids at school know this.

 In addition to moving fast, it’s funny. It’s the kind of relatable funny that middle school students will enjoy. The school groups, the preppies, jocks, weird kids and more are all represented. The cafeteria, in all its uncomfortable glory is here for kids to instantly relate to and parents to remember from years ago.  Now factor in the moles who need their king in the underworld. There are forces at work below our surface that are impacting their life and the good moles are trying to ensure that said forces don’t impact our world.

There are illustrations on every other page that vary in size. A couple of them are half page while some of them are full page art that helps break up the story. The reading level for King of the Mole People is right on track with Wimpy Kid.

Compare this to the king of middle school fiction dare I? That is a tricky proposition because we’re not big fans of that series. I find the notebook format hard to follow and the series to be a bit too juvenile for middle school. It’s a great bridge book from elementary to middle school. King of the Mole People is certainly easier to read and has a more coherent story than Wimpy Kid books. It also has a funnier vibe and more fantastical elements. Nobody will confuse King of the Mole People for the forced reading that kids that age are required to do. This is the fun, comfort reading that makes the other reading possible. It’s got the long chapters that parents are looking for, but the fast story with slapstick elements that will keep middle school students in the book wanting to read it.