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Book Review By Samantha S.
I was a Teenage Dwarf by Max Shulman

At the beginnng of this book, Dobie Gillis is short for his age. Actually, he is exactly average for his age of 13 years. But, ironically, every other boy at John Marshall junior high school is taller than him. This wouldn't bother him, except that all the GIRLS at the junior high are taller than him as well. Since his main interest is in dating and dancing, this poses a problem for him.

Thus begins Dobie's quest for love (and height). Each chapter signifies a year of his life and his adventures (and mishaps) with one or more girls. Beginning with Gidgie Tremblatt, who is so short that she can't be seen from behind her cello, Dobie jumps from girl to girl. From Red Knees Baker, who outsmarts him with her maturity and genius mind, to Beans Ellsworth, over 6' tall mechanic, and Elizabeth Barrett Shultz, a natural athlete, one has to laugh out loud at Dobie's escapades.

The final chapter finds Dobie at age 33, married with a son of his own, more or less satisfied. This novel is filled with classic Shulman humor and memorable characters.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book? - humorous
Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's
Kids growing up/acting up? Yes
Internal struggle/realization? Yes
Struggle over
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Loving/sexing? - girl chasing

Main Character
Gender - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - a teen
Ethnicity/Nationality

Main Adversary
Identity: - none

Setting
How much descriptions of surroundings? - 4 ()
United States Yes
The US: - Midwest
Europe Yes
European country: - France
Small town? Yes
Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee

Writing Style
Sex in book? Yes
What kind of sex: - vague references only
Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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