SuitabookOtis Spofford
Beverly Cleary
- Reading
- Try reading a little together at first, then invite the reader to describe which of Otis’s escapades seems funniest and which might bother someone involved. This can help distinguish comic intent from impact.
- Themes
- Mischief and its consequences: Otis repeatedly stirs up excitement at school, and Mrs Gitler suggests he may someday get his comeuppance. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Teasing Ellen: Otis especially enjoys teasing Ellen Tebbits; she is eventually said to bring about his comeuppance. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Otis is described as teasing Ellen and annoying classmates and his teacher. The outcome of this behaviour is signalled as a comeuppance, but how the story handles its effects on others is not clear.