"Why would anyone (even in a kids' book) be named Coconut?" you might ask.
The answer is quite contrived, but fortunately it's not a major concern in the book. Calvin's father is a performer who wasn't satisfied with his real name. Fine. Many performers have stage names. But Calvin's father legally changed the whole family's last name to Coconut.
Hm.
Other subtitles in the series include the following.
- Zippy Fix
- Dog Heaven
- Zoo Breath
- Hero of Hawaii
- Kung Fooey
- Man Trip
- Rocket Ride
- Extra Famous
The setting of the books is Hawaii. While many local customs and idioms are explained, it almost feels like you're supposed to know them going in.
Calvin does get into a fair share of trouble, but not so much that I'd really call him a magnet - at least, not in the first book, which is the only one I read.
The book seems to ramble a bit at first before getting into the main plot. Even then, the story doesn't really have a single focus. You find Calvin in school a little, having trouble with the big shots in town, and trying to figure out what to do about a girl from the mainland who comes to live with them.
The first book actually seems like just a setup for the sequels.
Calvin Coconut isn't a bad book, but it isn't amazing either. I'd give it a lukewarm recommendation for middle schoolers.
