Peggy Noodle, Hula Hoop Queen, by Dolly Dozier

Part 1

Part 2

Barbara’s Book Review

Peggy Noodle, Hula Hoop Queen is a fun story that proves that nobody is good at everything, but we can all be good at something if we try hard enough. While our protagonist tried but failed at basketball (after friends urged her to join the team because of her long arms and legs), she finds an elder friend who encourages her to try hula hooping. Peggy Noodle’s feeling of success at hooping is increased exponentially when she brings her friends and former basketball teammates along on a hula hooping adventure.

This is a story that reminds us all that it is okay to try and fail, and it’s even better when you try something brand-new and practice to become successful. The book also reminds us that by encouraging friends, we find even greater satisfaction and success.

This book takes place in 1957, and the author, Dolly Dozier, references a variety of historical events throughout the story. In addition to the book, the author provides a Parent and Teacher Guide with Classroom Connections – Social Studies for each of the events referenced, as well as Physical Education and Psychological Connections. An Art Connection is also included with an interview with the illustrator, Monica Wyrick.

This book is sized as what the author calls a “pocket book,” that can be easily held by children.

I recommend this book for kids aged 7-12.

Educator Notes:

This book may be useful for:

making connections through historical events
making physical connections through hula hooping
Readers Theater with much activity included
strong descriptive words, as well as a variety of verbs
discussion of peer pressure
conversation punctuation and sentence structure
promoting self-confidence

About the Author

Photo by Peyton Sickles

Dolly Dozier discovered early in life that having a good book and a playful spirit meant she was never bored. Before she started writing books for young readers, she had an interesting career in PR, media, and the performing arts. She’s an adjunct instructor in the Creative Writing Programs at two community colleges in central North Carolina, and a big community volunteer. Most importantly, she’s a firm believer that the world is what you make it. Dolly lives in the wilds of central North Carolina with her husband and son, and Magnolia May the beagle. When she’s not writing or telling stories, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking, kayaking, gardening, and riding bikes with her boys. You can keep up with her @DollyDozier.

Dolly lives in the wilds of central North Carolina with her husband and son, and Magnolia May the beagle. When she’s not writing or telling stories, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking, kayaking, gardening and riding bikes. She is a member of the Chatham Arts Council, SCBWI and RWA.

You can visit her website at www.DollyDozier.com.

About the Illustrator

Monica Wyrick is a lifelong artist with a great eye for detail, color and whimsy. Her love for the history, tradition and craftsmanship of the Celts led her to create her own line of artwork. The stylized features of the ancient Book of Kells, along with the unique stories of the lives of the saints, serve as inspiration for the pieces. Monica is also a seasoned studio artist. She’s illustrated many children’s books, including two titles for Audrey Penn and several Young Palmetto Books. Monica lives in New Mexico with her family and a variety of pets.

How to Purchase

Peggy Noodle, Hula Hoop Queen (ISBN 978-1733448901) is available through: