LaReau, Kara.
THE INFAMOUS RATSOS
Somerville : Candlewick, 2016
IL K-3, RL 3.5
ISBN 978-0-7636-7636-0

(2 booktalks)

Booktalk #1

Two brothers, Louie and Ralphie Ratso, are tough, just like their dad, Big Lou. They set out to prove their toughness to the city neighborhood by acting like bullies and committing acts of wrongdoing. To their surprise, their mischievous acts turn into good deeds by accident! Instead of getting into trouble they are becoming local heroes and are making new friends along the way. What will their dad think? They don’t want to disappoint Big Lou, the toughest guy of them all!  GARDEN STATE CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARDS, 2019

Booktalk #2

Fifth grader Louis and third grader Ralphie Ratso live in New York City with their tough, tough, tough dad Big Lou who grumbles each morning as he leaves for work, “Hang tough.” So Louis and Ralphie walk to school each day because taking the bus is for softies. They don’t talk on their walk because talking a lot is for softies. They stand along the wall on the playground because running and playing are for softies. They make a plan to look tough by stealing a hat, piling up snow, making a yucky sandwich for the new girl at school, and soaping Mrs. Porcupini’s windows. Everything backfires and then a letter from school arrives. What will Big Lou say to his tough, tough sons? Read The Infamous Ratsos to find out!  Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award 2018-2019