Review by Shrabastee -- Will of The Hill by Marshall Cobb

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 16 Apr 2019, 08:33

[Following is a volunteer review of "Will of The Hill" by Marshall Cobb.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Getting up in the morning and attending school are everyday ordeals, especially when that means you have to stay away from your beloved comic books till the evening. However, if Will cannot make it in time to catch the school bus, the consequences will be even more distressing. This is because Will’s school is located on the top of an almost unreachable hill. The only means of reaching the school is a bus specially equipped with rocket engines and parachutes. Things turn downhill when the class bully Gertrude threatens Will with the exposure of his secret stash of comic books. Can Will placate Gertrude by convincing his best friend to attend her birthday party?

Will of the Hill by Marshall Cobb is one of the most well-written children’s books I have read so far. It is a complete package of easy reading, hilarity, and educational values. It repeatedly reminded me of my early teens and thus was thoroughly enjoyable.

As expected from any children’s book, this one gained a grand entry in the fun department. Every so often, the subtle humor presented in a matter-of-fact manner made it hilarious. In other cases, you cannot help laughing out loud at the obvious absurdity of the bus equipment or Gertrude’s ridiculous gift items.

The book possesses educative values as well. Cobb emphasizes the importance of maintaining a disciplined life, balancing the studies and the relaxations. He repeatedly shows us the strength of family bonds and friendship. Will’s mother explains why it is not prudent to tag someone as ‘mean’ or to call him/her names without knowing their story. Furthermore, Will gradually learns to put away his comics and take up books in the course of the story. I believe this will inspire young readers to develop a reading habit.

Cobb very subtly introduces certain problems the children face as they enter their teen. He demonstrates how important it is for a young person to gain social acceptance and to maintain their status in front of the peer group. He also hints at the changes in the dynamics of friendship as we grow up.

I was quite moved when Will’s father says, “Winning was not what was important in life. Getting by with the least amount of effort and grief. That was what was important.” While I am not sure I completely agree with the sentiment, this might be an alternative approach for the children to maintain in today’s cutthroat world.

If I have to mention any negative aspect of the book, it is the obvious grossness presented mostly in the form of booger-scraping. However, Cobb likely included this to add realistic elements and inculcate a sense of cleanliness. The origin and the history of the school remain an intriguing mystery which I believe will be resolved in the upcoming installments of the series.

All things considered, I rate this book a perfect 4 out of 4 stars. A few errors did not detract from the reading experience. I would recommend this to readers aged 10 to 13 years. However, adults who wish to remain in touch with their childhood will equally appreciate the book.

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Will of The Hill
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Marissa Michael · Post by **Marissa Michael** » 01 May 2019, 06:13

This is the type of children's book that I will enjoy. I'm gonna check whether this book is available in paperback format on Amazon so that I can purchase this as a birthday present to my nephew. Thanks for the detailed review, dear.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 01 May 2019, 10:13

The book possesses educative values as well. Cobb emphasizes the importance of maintaining a disciplined life, balancing the studies and the relaxations. He repeatedly shows us the strength of family bonds and friendship. Will’s mother explains why it is not prudent to tag someone as ‘mean’ or to call him/her names without knowing their story. Furthermore, Will gradually learns to put away his comics and take up books in the course of the story. I believe this will inspire young readers to develop a reading habit.

Cobb very subtly introduces certain problems the children face as they enter their teen. He demonstrates how important it is for a young person to gain social acceptance and to maintain their status in front of the peer group. He also hints at the changes in the dynamics of friendship as we grow up.

I was quite moved when Will’s father says, “Winning was not what was important in life. Getting by with the least amount of effort and grief. That was what was important.” While I am not sure I completely agree with the sentiment, this might be an alternative approach for the children to maintain in today’s cutthroat world.

I think it's very important that kids these days realize that the definition of success is different for everyone. And I'm very glad the book approaches the idea of getting to know someone before judging them. I'm not a fan of the gross humor, either but kids and teens usually find it hilarious, and if it helps get the message across, that's great.
It seems like an amazing book for middle-school aged kids. Thank you!

Beatus · Post by **Beatus** » 07 May 2019, 03:47

I read and reviewed this book. I liked how "The Hill", was decribed. A very interesring perspective here. Nice review.

Espie · Post by **Espie** » 20 May 2019, 20:34

Bullying isn't something to be tolerated, and yet I am not a fan of an "eye for an eye" approach either. Thank you for your insightful review.

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 10 Apr 2020, 17:03

Based on your review, it seems that Will of The Hill is like the Berenstain Bears series. I read this series as a kid, and my mother encouraged me to read them because of the life lessons that the characters taught me. I am glad to see books today using the same ideas.