The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor book review

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Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book free from the publisher. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.


When I tell people that I teach 6th grade language arts, they often shudder and mutter an apology.  Though it’s comical when that happens, it also makes me realize how much I love the chance to work with kids.  They truly keep me young!  I’ve been in a 6th grade classroom for 21 years; while I’ve aged in that time, the children are always the same age.  They’re clever and innocent with a youthful wisdom that sometimes betrays their years. Maybe that’s why I enjoyed reading from 12-year-old Eddie’s perspective in the novel The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor.

Initially, I could see why some reviewers have compared this book to stories like IT and Stand By Me.  The story has the familiar 1980s setting, the quirky group of friends who seem bonded only by their outcast-ness, and the small town mystery (including a dead body or two.)  The similarities end there, though.  I appreciated that this novel was so vivid and detail oriented, yet steered away from vulgar profanity or graphic bedroom scenes.  The Chalk Man offers a unique perspective, some unexpected twists, and a satisfactory narrative that makes it stand above other stories in its genre.

Like I said, I really liked Young Eddie.  It shocked me a bit to read older Ed’s thoughts because he acted like he was old and decrepit…at the age of 42.  Which is MY AGE.  In my head, I’m still in my 20s.  So clearly, Ed needs to realize that age is just a number!  The author switches between the two seasons in Eddie’s life to show the contrast between emotional stability, inner happiness, and the toll that friendships can take on a soul. With as many books as I read in a month it’s tempting to skim. In this case, though, I savored this book in a way that I don’t often allow myself to do.  The Chalk Man was really a treat!   It’s great for fans of Stranger Things, which I LOVE.

I encourage you to check out this book.  It has an enchanting way of making you remember things like the way your favorite candy tasted, the way it felt to ride your bike in the morning, and the love you only find with your 12-year-old best friends.

If you wrote a book about your childhood, what would you include? 

Thanks to Penguin Random House for giving me this book!

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Comments

  1. It’s interesting that the author switches back & forth between Eddie’s 2 ages.

  2. Debbie Haupt says

    Oh this sounds right up my alley Dianna thanks for sharing!

  3. Heather Jones says

    This sounds really good. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you

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