Donkey Sense

Donkey Sense is a very readable book for young people. The characterizations are vivid and the dialogue feels natural. The conflict is bullying, and that of Tommy, a boy who has a single parent, his mother. The bullying was harsh and disturbing for me but I have read of this, name-calling and physical attacks that were worse than in my day and region. Yet the story follows Tommy’s adjustment in spirit through a day with his rise from humiliation. I liked the talking donkey although the secret [...]

Great message for kids of all ages. I bought this book yesterday and finished reading it this morning. It's a charming story about an eleven year old boy--an outsider named Timmy. It starts out while Timmy is finishing his second day in a new school, and a group of boys are bullying him. What I love about the story is that Timmy must learn how to stand up for himself and stop the bullying. I also like the farm, the horse riding events, the lovable donkey, Pedro, and the budding friendships with [...]

Some universal themes never grow old; at least they shouldn’t. I enjoyed my read of Donkey Sense, my first foray since childhood into middle-grade literature. This story of one boy’s personal journey is well told and can be important to all age groups.I found the story of eleven-year-old Timmy compelling. The question of how to deal with not only one bully but a handful feels insurmountable. Timmy’s first week in his new school couldn’t have been more challenging.His coming to know Kelly [...]

I highly recommend this middle grade book. It not only has believable characters that are presented with charm and wit, it has practical wisdom for youngsters in dealing with common problems/situations. For me, that has always been the real value of books aimed at this age group. It is most gratifying to see Mr. Lombardo masterfully continue the tradition of the middle grade books of my youth.