Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a cute children’s book about hating to wait. Half-pint Porky wants to go to big pig school like her big brother and sister. But she has to wait. And she hates to wait! This is a good book for young children to learn about patience. My 4 year old granddaughter thought this was a cute book.
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•. 
An impatient piggy has been waiting forever to sail away to big pig pirate school. There she’ll learn to be a real pirate and dive for hidden treasure. When the day finally arrives, the young scallywag gets cold hooves and can’t wait until the day ends! That is…until a surprise treasure drifts in from the high seas. Arrrgh!
Mary Bleckwehl is a Minnesota children’s author who has spent her career promoting literacy and the love of learning. She grew up in a big Iowa farm family with few books in her home but in school there were many! That is where she quickly learned that both magic and knowledge blossomed in words and grabbed every opportunity to read.
As a writer, Bleckwehl strives to reach the reluctant reader and donates a portion of her time and books to those in need. Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! is her tenth book and introduces readers to the impatient piggy pirate, Half-Pint Porky. Other work: three award-winning picture books, five nonfiction books, and her middle grade debut. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Management from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Wartburg College. She taught for over 20 years and has done author presentations to over 90,0000 students in schools and young writer conferences.
Bleckwehl lives in Northfield, Minnesota with her husband and super-sized dog; she has three adult children, and two grandchildren. To learn more visit: marybleckwehl.com
.•°*°•. RELEASE BLITZ .•°*°•. An impatient piggy has been waiting forever to sail away to big pig pirate school. There she’ll learn to be a real pirate and dive for hidden treasure. When the day finally arrives, the young scallywag gets cold hooves and can’t wait until the day ends! That is…until a surprise treasure drifts in from the high seas. Arrrgh!
Mary Bleckwehl is a Minnesota children’s author who has spent her career promoting literacy and the love of learning. She grew up in a big Iowa farm family with few books in her home but in school there were many! That is where she quickly learned that both magic and knowledge blossomed in words and grabbed every opportunity to read.
As a writer, Bleckwehl strives to reach the reluctant reader and donates a portion of her time and books to those in need. Arrrgh! Me HATE To Wait! is her tenth book and introduces readers to the impatient piggy pirate, Half-Pint Porky. Other work: three award-winning picture books, five nonfiction books, and her middle grade debut. She holds a Masters Degree in Educational Management from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Wartburg College. She taught for over 20 years and has done author presentations to over 90,0000 students in schools and young writer conferences.
Bleckwehl lives in Northfield, Minnesota with her husband and super-sized dog; she has three adult children, and two grandchildren. To learn more visit: marybleckwehl.com
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a heartwarming story that brings you back to the life of a middle schooler. As a teacher, I can say that most students worry about two-three things: grades, crushes, and maybe sports. Rourke was trying to make this his perfect year, but certain obstacles, like crazy neighbors and the typical antics of middle school, made that somewhat difficult. What I loved about Rourke’s story is that it took us into the mindset of a young teen and made us realize that they actually do worry about more than just two-three things. Rourke has a lot of problems to deal with beyond his own, including the struggles of his sibling and classmates. Over time, I truly began to understand his worries. While I thought that this would be a fun and interesting read, I was not expecting the deep issues that this book so heartwarmingly covers. I highly recommend for people of all ages.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rourke is in 7th grade and is riddled with anxiety. He’s got some mysterious neighbors, twin younger sisters, an autistic older brother, and parents who always say “it’s fine”. He is in a constant state of worry about different things but especially his brother. You’d think with this being a YA book geared towards middle school readers, it would be funny and lighthearted but it is definitely deeper than that. Although still a wonderful read for this age group, it is great for adults as well. It was a stark reminder that all of us have our own internal struggles, especially children. It’s so easy to think children live carefree but they have things in their everyday lives that can cause worry and anxiety just like adults. I definitely recommend this book for young and older adults. It really helps put some things into perspective.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rourke is going to start middle school. His brother is already there but with Autism. Sadly, his brother has been bullied without realizing, and now that Rourke, is going there, he will have a lot of responsibility put on him. This brings anxiety. Along with that, he worries for his friends and for himself at school. It’s an interesting read.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book covers a lot of real life issues that most people don’t want to talk about or if they do, they gloss over it and don’t get to the heart of the issues. This book may not be a true story, but it is real for many families.
It’s a beautiful story about Rourke, a 12 year old, who suffers from anxiety. As with most kids his age he worries about fitting in at school, and girls (although his crush comes with extra worries). He also worries about his brother (who has ASD) and the responsibilities his parents give him to help care for his brother.
I recommend this book to people of all ages, not just young adults. It’s a wonderful story that shows that there’s nothing wrong with being imperfect and different.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl
4-stars
This is truly a one of a kind read, a story that can be read by people of all ages, as a young mom I really enjoyed diving into Rourke’s world and my inner child enjoyed it too.
This story had me feeling so nostalgic, it brought me back to my time in middle school and the mindset of a preteen. Life can feel so overwhelming, with family challenges, drama with friends, confidence issues, body changes and of course feeling as if all these things are happening only to you. This author portrayed Rourke in the most relatable and real way, it really felt as if I was seeing things from his perspective.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future and would absolutely recommend this book to any person, young or old.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl
5 out of 5 Stars
This gripping story might be meant for the YA crowd but had me glued to my screen reading every last word. I felt what Rourke felt. I worried when Rourke worried. I nearly fell apart when he cried at the fire. I mourned the loss of Sam with Rourke. The author understood this young man. The care and concern shown by the author when discussing and handling Carson’s and Grace’s issues is phenomenal. The growth shown by Rourke during this book was fantastic.
Whether you are in middle school or were ever in middle school, have a special needs sibling, know a bully, or have friends, you should read this book.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was very entertaining. It opens eyes to the stress a middle schooler can experience. I honestly felt so many emotions while reading this. It is a great story for a child that feels anxiety in life. The characters were written beautifully. As an adult, I enjoyed it.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is so captivating its hard to put into words how well the story is expressed. What is taken at first glance as a story geared towards young readers, The Worry Knot is a must read for all ages. To be so pulled into a story where every character is brought to life and the pages keep turning, The Worry Knot is truly a must read, cannot put down coming of age story!
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the beginning of Rourke ‘ s 7th grade year. Middle school adventures are about to get started. Rourke’s mind was all over the place as he opened his worries. The girl, the crazy neighbor, and tragedy are what you will find in this story. An adventure for middle schoolers and older. Even the adults will enjoy this story. This author has taken a different look into this family. I felt like she was bringing forth the family dynamics with some insight. Autism, anxiety and beginning a new school year are only the topping of this story. A must read for parents as well as teens.
Review@Cinful
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t know that I was ever able to put into words the angst I felt as a middle schooler quite as wonderfully as this author has. She has opened up a window into the minds of middles schools so perfectly. Rourke is about to start 7th grade and he is so excited for the best school year possible but things just aren’t going his way. Carson is his older autistic brother who just loves his younger brother. Rourke wants to be a great brother and protect Carson but he also wants to be a kid.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a middle schooler or ever went to middle school.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Worry Knot by Mary Bleckwehl . This is a great middle school reader book. Its the story of Rourke Berger 12, who is entering Hazard Middle School Rourke is a very mature 12 year old. He worries about everything from the weather to the his neighbor who has mysterious bruises and he worries about his older brother Carson. Carson is special needs and has issues but Rourke is crazy about him and he will do whatever he needs to keep him happy and safe. Rourke is also having to navigate the new world of middle school, girls, dating and grades. He is also finding out that people don’t have the perfect lives that they portray. Becoming a teenager is not all its cracked up to be. This is such a good book for kids and adults alike!
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was so much better than I expected! I assumed it would be like most books geared towards middle schoolers – a bit fluffy and cheesy. But it actually does a great job hitting on some deeper topics while still being a great, easy and enjoyable read! Definitely recommend for middle and high school readers, but adults would enjoy it too (I know I did)!
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is such a heartwarming and emotional story in a way I completely didn’t expect. I thought it would be a great story about a kid navigating his worries while balancing school. And while it was that it was also so much more. I thought the author has portrayed the thoughts and concerns of this age range perfectly while also making it enjoyable for readers of other ages. I was very pleasantly surprised by this book and would highly recommend.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What 7th grader doesn’t hope for that perfect school year, but worries so much about it at the same time? This book is not usually my forte but I went out on a limb and tried it and I really liked it! This was the type of book that every middle schooler needs to read! It would teach them so much about how kids are different, the challenges they face, and having friends in middle school!
The story really made my heart ache for some characters while they deal with their own struggles, but at the same time it is heartwarming because in the end, Route realizes things are not always what they seem.
My favorite quote in this entire book was, “we all need distraction” from Grace! I highly recommend reading this book, it was an adorable, uplifting novel!
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow….this book just totally took me by surprise…and in a very good way. While this book may be geared more toward teenagers…..I really truly believe this book is also a great story for adults alike.
I know I can totally relate to Roarke….he truly has this worry knot…and I know I can truly relate as I am the same way even to this day. While Roarke is trying to have a great 7th grade year he also tends to his brother, Carson. With crazy neighbors, middle school antics, girl crushing on Grace and a crazy family….you begin to know how truly Roarke is trying to balance and not worry….The more you dive deep into this book you will understand (as I will not give out spoilers).
I can say is please please please read this book…..teenagers to adult..a few topics are deep….. this book did tug at my heartstrings more than once. Great Read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was different. The Worry Knot was not what I was expecting. Rourke, our main focus in the story suffers anxiety, more than a 12 year old should ever have too. Unfortunately nobody notices because everyone focuses on his older brother on the spectrum.
I feel for the kid, suffering from severe anxiety is no joke. To do it at that age I can’t imagine. The author made it real, made me feel what Rourke was feeling.
For once I’m glad someone on the spectrum wasn’t commercialized. Carson, though high functioning, has autism and that can be a lot for anyone to handle. Which is where Rourke’s anxiety comes from. Caring for a brother who is 2 years his senior who you don’t know what they will do. That’s too much for a child. Let alone to have parents just gliding through saying “It’s fine.”
This novel may be about children but there are some dark undertones, so be mindful don’t let it trigger you.
The author made me feel, I was invested. If you like books that do that very thing, it’s worth a peak! You won’t be disappointed.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This author did a spot-on job of describing the worry knot of living with special needs siblings. I grew up with 3 brothers with special needs and that worry knot was intense. Though written for middle school readers, adult readers can still read and relate. I have now also raised 1 autistic child and am raising my autistic grandson so I can relate to both boys and the parents. Intense emotions throughout the whole book. The characters are relatable. The plot choppiness was actually part of the story because that isn’t a life that runs smooth. Again, the author did a fantastic job with writing this. I did read the author notes and I just want to say that this is high up on my favorites for 2022. I would give it more than a 5 if I could. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really great middle level novel that I will be reading to my 6th and 7th graders! The main character, Rourke, describes a worry knot building in his stomach. He worries about his friends, a new girl at school, and mostly his brother who has autism. Rourke is a 7th grader and his brother is a 9th grader so they are attending the same school this year. This book deals with mean girls, bullies, and many middle school issues that all kids should read about. I loved that each chapter started with a worry from different characters, it was a great way to get insight for the characters and some secret worries too. This book really shows that you never know what people are going through. A great book that I couldn’t put down and will be sharing!
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
View all my reviews
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rourke is going into 7th grade and is hoping for a great year. But going to the same school as his older brother, who is autistic, makes him worry. He is worried about kids bullying Carson. He worries about his strange neighbors. He worries about girls, his friends, his family. I highly recommend this book to not only middle school kids but to all ages.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Raw and real
A beautifully written coming of age story. Realistic in it’s approach and the descriptions of the challenges faced by Rourke as he traverses the life of a middle schooler. I loved the voice of Rourke, his personality and inner dialogue were captivating. This book confronts issues with sensitivity but still keeping it real. Highly recommend for middle schoolers and older.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really enjoyable book and one I could see many young adults relating to. The characters lives were written about in a realistic and relatable way – I really felt like I got to know Rourke, his family and his friends throughout this book. The way author wrote about anxiety was great, a lot of time and effort had been put into the planning of the characters and that definitely came across. There were certain parts of the story that really transported me back in time to when I was that age and at school – it definitely stirred up a few emotions too!
Overall a really great read and one that I would highly recommend!
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Travel back in time to seventh grade, where homework and crushes were all there was to worry about.
Rourke Berger is hoping to make this year perfect but with obstacles such as neighbors will make that a difficult goal to reach.
I thought the cover and premise looked fun. The worries of seventh grade seemed like a lifetime ago to me so seeing it from Rourke’s view was even more exciting.
I went into this book thinking it would be like Diary of a Wimpy Kid with hilarious plots and characters but it was actually really heartwarming.
Rourke has a lot of problems going on, not only in his own life, with his sibling, but with the lives of his friends, which causes him to worry.
I highly recommend this novel to not only middle school but everyone. It went into this believing it was going to be a novel full of humorous chaos with Rourke, but finished it with a different perspective. I love it when I am wrong about a novel.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a great book, and every middle schooler should read it. It takes you back to when those types of problems were the ones most front and center vs adulthood. The trials and tribulations of growing up, and the worries that all young kids face Rourke expresses perfectly. He narrates his concerns about friends, his grades, extracurriculars, and his family. I enjoyed this read and would recommend it!
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the Worry Knot. I thought it would be good for my middle schooler, but wanted to read it myself first, and make sure it was appropriate for her age. It is rated as a 10-18 year old range, but I have in my 30s and loved it. The book focus’s on Rourke, a 7th grader with a big heart. He cares so big for others, it causes him to constantly have a “knot of worry” in the pit of his stomach. The ending had me in near tears, but I love the meaning behind the story. It lets us know how life can be for kids, when the have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Rourke is faced with even more hardship, having a sibling with special needs, and friends with heavy problems of their own. I highly recommend this book for middle and high school, as well as adults. I really enjoyed it, and will look for more from this author.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! The author portrays believable, realistic characters. Rourke’s “worry knot” is something I found relatable for both adults who remember the worries of middle school, as well as for pre-teens and teens going through middle school drama. Because of the excellent writing, I could picture the scenes described and envision the characters involved. An exciting and unexpected event kept me engaged and wanting to read without putting the book down. I recommend this book for middle school students and adults.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I was pleasantly surprised. This would be a good book for middle school kids. This was a good read!
Rourke has many worries just like the rest of us. He feels like he has so much to worry about including making sure his older brother isn’t being bullied but also regular worries like whether he will make any friends. I think as adults with our own worries, we forget how stressful it can be as a kid. This would be a good read for kids too so they can see that they aren’t alone and they aren’t the only ones who struggle. I think this would be a good book for any kid to relate to.
The Worry Knot by Mary Evanson Bleckwehl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Rourke starts his first year of middle school already preparing for the worst. It will be the first time in a couple years that he is once again attending the same school as his autistic older brother, Carson. Rourke sees himself as his brother’s caretaker when his parents are not around. His whole life revolves around what ifs causing unnecessary stress in his life.
I decided to read this book because my son just started middle school this year. The synopsis made it seem like it would help me get a glimpse of the awkward middle school years. The synopsis did not do this book justice. It was not at all what I expected it to be. It was better and quite powerfully written. This book also hit close to home for me. My brother in law is autistic and my husband was his self appointed care taker when they were in school. The author wrote Rourke’s thoughts and feelings with clear experience on the subject. It was almost word for word how my husband used to feel when he was younger.
This book is a must read for all ages. It gives a glimpse into what it is like to have autism in a family. Knowledge that a lot of people have no idea about. There is so much stigmatism associated with the word Autism. Kudos to the author.