Bibliography:

Yep, Laurence. 2000. Cockroach Cooties. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN: 0786824190.

Plot Summary:

Cockroach Cooties is the story of two brothers that work together to get rid of the school bully, Arnie-zilla.  When they realize Arnie is terribly afraid of bugs, roaches in particular they use their new pet, Hercules to save the day, and their lives.

Critical Analysis:

The younger of the brothers, Bobby manages to draw the attentions of Arnie-zilla the school bully.  His older brother Teddy has to decide whether he wants to stay out of it, thus saving his own skin, or help out Bobby.  It's the same situation many brothers find themselves in during their lifetime.  Teddy and Bobby discover Arnie's weakness is a fear of roaches, so they pay a visit to the "Bug Lady", Charlie.  

Other than the book cover their are not any illustrations for this book, but it becomes clear early on that Bobby and Teddy live in Chinatown, and are Chinese Americans.  Through out the book references are made to their culture and family history.  There are also references made about tourists and how some of them take pictures of Bobby and Teddy on the street.  The boys attend Chinese school as well as public school.  Although these boys are Chinese-Americans and that is mentioned in various ways, it is not an important aspect of the story. The story revolves around family and how they stick together and take care of each other. There are some humorous parts that include specifics of being Chinese Americans such as when they go to dinner for their mother's birthday. It is mentioned that Bobby and Teddy's family are always on time, on American time, not Chinese time like the extended family members who are always late to family events.

Review Excerpts:

School Library Journal: Readers will either be instantly attracted to Cockroach Cooties or completely repelled by it, but those who can stomach the idea of crushed crickets in their chocolate-chip cookies will eat it up.

Connections:

Meet the Author:  www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/yep.html

This is a good interview that could encourage budding writers.  It also lists other books written by Laurence Yep.

http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/yep.htm

Laurence Yep Teacher Resource File

http://suzyred.com/2002cooties.html