Baartock

by Lewis Roth

"Baartock" by Lewis Roth is a children's novel likely written in the late 20th century. The story centers around Baartock, a seven-year-old troll, who is excited about his first day of scaring humans but unexpectedly finds himself in a human school instead. The narrative unfolds as Baartock navigates his feelings of being an outsider in a new environment, encountering adults and peers who don't quite understand him. The opening of the book introduces Baartock waiting by the roadside, feeling disheartened after failing to scare anyone on his important first day. We see his initial confidence transform into confusion and sadness when he meets Mr. Fennis, a teacher who takes him to school instead of home. Despite his desire to scare people, Baartock's experiences highlight themes of misunderstanding, acceptance, and the joys and challenges of adapting to new situations. As the story progresses, Baartock’s unique perspective as a troll adds a whimsical touch to his interactions with human children and adults, illustrating his journey to balance his trollish identity with the demands of the human world.