The Manny Files by Christian Burch

Burch, Christian. (2006). The Manny Files. New York: Athenum.

Plot Summary: Keats is a small 8 year old boy in a family full of girls. He is excited when his parents hire the Manny, a male nanny. Manny wins over the affections of Keats, India and Belly with his crazy antics and fun times attitude, but it drives Lulu insane. Therefore Lulu is determined to get rid of the Manny by documenting all of his actions in the “Manny Files.”

The story is written from Keats’ perspective as he struggles to get through 3rd and 4th grade while living up to his sisters reputation, and getting through each day being bullied by Craig and the other students. Readers encounter the Manny spirit as he teaches the kids to laugh at themselves and those around him through his crazy ideas: singing la cucaracha at the top of his lungs, dressing up in different outfits every day when picking up the kids at the bus stop, dances and sings with grandma, getting everyone to wear underwear on their head to support Keats when his were taken by a bully and much more. Through the love of his parents, uncle, grandma and the Manny he learns to stand up for himself, and to appreciate the fine things in life. When Lulu threatens to get the Manny fired, using her evidence and showing it at family trial Keats gets upset and finally stands up for himself and the Manny.
Such a fun and interesting novel that delves into the topics of bullying, pleasing others and learning to laugh at all areas of life no matter what happens.

Genre: Humorous-fiction

Suggested Age Range: 9-13 years

Subjects/themes: Bullying; Laughter; School; Family

Series:
• The Manny Files
• Hit the Road, Manny

Awards:
• ALA Stonewall Book Award Honor-Barbara Gittings Literature
• Lambda Literary Award Finalist
• Josette Frank Award Winner

Reviews:
• Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Volume 59, Number 8, April 2006
• School Library Journal 2006

Character List:.
• Keats: Main Character who starts the book while in the 3rd grade
• Belly: 3 year old sister
• India: 10 year old sister
• Lulu: 12 year old sister
• Manny: The Male Nanny
• Uncle Max: Mom’s brother, also begins to date the Manny
• Craig: Bully at school
• Sarah: Keat’s best friend

High-interest Annotation: I found this book to be highly enjoyable. There were many memorable moments: Keats accidentally teaching his sister Belly to moon their other sister India during a performance. Keats learning to use the restroom outside in the garden, and forgetting he wasn’t outside while visiting a flower shop with his mom. The ridiculous things that Manny and grandma say and come up with: playing out La Boheme, acting out soap operas and much more.

Throughout this book one learns a variety of lessons: learning to understand others, gain a sense of self, accomplishment and learning you’re never too old or young to laugh and have a good time. Although the main character is in 3rd grade this book was written for a slightly older crowd than that. We watch Keats relate events with the blunt honesty of a child. As we do so we look back and realize the hilariousness of certain situations that may have been confusing or not important enough to acknowledge at the time. I feel like an important theme is finding things to laugh at when you are faced with a variety of situations. Learning to take things lightly, while learning from mistakes is important and I feel the book expressed this concept very well.