Thomas Rockwell's How To Eat Fried Worms offers an entertaining and humorous tale that appeals to children with its daring and imaginative plot. While the book's gross-out factor and silly premise delight young readers, some critics find the story overly simplistic and lacking depth. Overall, it remains a fun, engaging read for its target audience.

A reader who would enjoy How To Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell is likely a middle-grade student who appreciates humor, adventure, and a touch of gross-out fun. Fans of Judy Blume's Freckle Juice or Louis Sachar's Sideways Stories from Wayside School will find similar enjoyment in this quirky, light-hearted read.

In How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell, Billy accepts a $50 bet from his friend Alan to eat 15 worms in 15 days in order to buy a minibike. With their friends Tom and Joe taking opposing sides, Billy faces various challenges and tricks as he consumes the worms, each with different preparations and toppings, while also encountering deceptions and obstacles designed to make him lose the bet.

- How to Eat Fried Worms has been frequently included on lists of challenged books due to its controversial subject matter, providing a platform for discussions about censorship and children's literature.
- The book inspired a 2006 movie adaptation, though the film takes creative liberties, adding new characters and situations not found in Thomas Rockwell's original story.
- Rockwell's father, Norman Rockwell, was a well-known painter, adding an interesting artistic legacy to Thomas Rockwell's literary accomplishments.

**Billy Forrester**  
Billy is a risk-taking, portly kid who undertakes a bet to eat 15 worms in 15 days, facing his fears and gaining self-confidence in the process.

**Alan Phelps**  
Alan is a nervous and impulsive worrier who bets Billy can’t complete the worm-eating challenge, often resorting to tricks to derail him.

**Tom Grout**  
Tom is Billy's loyal friend and assistant during the worm-eating bet, who contributes to Billy's efforts and defends him against opposition.

**Joe O’Hara**  
Joe is a clever, educated friend of Alan’s who devises schemes to challenge Billy’s progress in the worm-eating challenge.

**Mrs. Forrester**  
Billy’s mother is supportive and helpful throughout his worm-eating adventure, providing a stable and loving household environment.

**Mr. Forrester**  
Billy’s father is a humorous and sensible figure who reassures his family about the harmlessness of the worm challenge and brings balance to the story.

**Mr. Phelps**  
Alan's father serves as a motivator for Alan’s actions by enforcing fairness and justice among the boys.

**Pete Grout**  
Pete is Tom’s younger brother, whose actions help ensure fairness and completion in the worm-eating bet.

Thomas Rockwell

Middle grade

Novel

Billy Forrester

Fiction

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How To Eat Fried Worms Summary and Study Guide

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Chapters 1-15

How To Eat Fried Worms Chapters 1-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-30

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Chapters 31-41

How To Eat Fried Worms Chapters 31-41 Summary & Analysis

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How To Eat Fried Worms

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