Calvin Coconut: Zoo Breath by Graham Salisbury, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

It's research time in Calvin's class, and they have been charged with completing a primary research project with his partner Julio.  What should they research?  They decided to research stinky items and an attempt to remedy Streak's (Calvin's dog) horrible dog breath. 

What ensues is lots of fun...and lots of stinky things!

What I Thought:
Another great Calvin Coconut book!  He is such a lovable fourth grader and I have a great time discovering his world!  (And he lives in Hawaii...that doesn't hurt things!)

This book is laugh-out-loud funny and at times you'll shudder at the stinky things Calvin encounters...dog breath, dog droppings, and even a sewage pipe.  (As he watches the toilet get switched out!)   Calvin is also dealing with everyday problems...a teenage friend who stays with them and helps watch Calvin and his sister, a little sister, classmates, divorced parents...

This is a delightful book that kids will eat up!  Go Calvin!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Calvin Coconut: Zoo Breath by Graham Salisbury, illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka, illustrations by Francesco Sedita

It's the first day at a new school for Michael K. when he is put into a group two very strange kids.  One had eaten half his pencil, the other told him they were from another planet.

Um-kay.

Michael K. just wants to get away from them, but throughout the day the two stick by his side, tell him all about SPCHDZ and why they need to recruit 3.14 million people or else the planet will be turned off.

What's up with these kids?  Could they really be aliens from outer space?

What I Thought:
Oh, Jon Scieszka.  Just when I think I can't enjoy your work any more, you come out with a gem like this!  It's a fun, and wacky book that I have no doubt that many kids will eat up and ask for more. 

One of my favorite sections of this book is the chapter where the hamster tries to explain what's happening....in hamster.

A fantastic book that you don't want to miss!

Highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check out Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka, illustrations by Francesco Sedita.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Book two is out now!  I can't wait to read that!

Crunch by Leslie Connor

It's crunchtime and Dewey Marris is right in the middle.  There is a gas shortage and with his parents stranded hours away, it is up to him and his siblings to keep life running as smoothly as possible for his 5 year old twin brother and sister.  While his older sister keeps the home running, Dewey keeps the family's bicycle repair business, the Marriss Bike Barn, going.

Since there is no fuel available Dewey and his brother Vince are busy with the booming business.  While the duo try hard not to become overwhelmed, when parts go missing and it appears they are being robbed a little at a time, the kids make hard decisions.  

What I Thought:
An entertaining read!  It didn't take long for me to get involved in Dewey's story, Connor did a great job peaking my interest in the first pages.  I was interested in how the family would function during the gas shortage and while mom & dad were stranded hours away. 

This book also made me wonder what I would do if a gas shortage like this ever happened.  (I wasn't around for the one in the 1970's.)  In this book, people are riding their bicycles down the highway, which is an interesting concept. 

Overall, a good book with some interesting characters. 

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Crunch by Leslie Connor.

Reviewed from a library copy.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams

It's the summer of 1968 and three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta and Fern, are off to Oakland California from Brooklyn New York to visit their mother who abandoned them many years ago.  The girls are excited about visiting California and have grand ideas of all sorts of adventures.  They are also anxious about seeing the mother that left them so many years ago.

How surprised they are when the mother they meet is not the one they imagined...one who would dote on them and care for them as most mothers would, but instead the complete opposite!  Their mother shows up late to the airport, doesn't ever cook for them , doesn't give hugs, and won't even refer to Fern by her name!

The girls are send to eat breakfast at a local center run by the Black Panthers and then stay for their summer camp. 

It's an interesting summer for sure, and one that will change their lives forever.

What I Thought:
This book is getting lots of Newbery buzz, so I wanted to check it out!  And wow, it's a great read!  I enjoyed the voice of Delphine and at times wanted to reach out and give her a big old hug!  Delphine has had to serve as a mother figure to her sisters for years, and she is understandably angry when her mother shows no interest of stepping into that role.  Throughout the book we grasp a better sense  of what makes their mother "tick" and wonder if they will ever come to an understanding.

The cultural and historical aspect of this book is wonderful.  Personally, I do not know much about the Black Panthers and that movement, and this book has peaked my interest in this time of history.  What a great book to include as a supplement to any unit about the 1960's!

This is a wonderful book, and I would not be surprised if it had a shiny Newbery medal attached to its cover soon!

Very highly recommended. 

(Edited to add...) This book is the 2011 Coretta Scott King Author Medal winner and a 2011 Newbery Honor winner. 

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: One Crazy Summer by Rita Garcia-Williams.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat

In this second installment of books about young Bobby Ellis-Chan.  Bobby is a fourth grader with a working mom, a stay at home dad/former professional football star, a little sister who is obsessed with princesses, and an older sister who is the starting quarterback for her high school team.  Bobby is feeling a little un-special these days.

When he overhears part of conversation between his dad and older sister, he feels even worse.  Could his father really think they aren't alike at all?  Especially since he is not great at football, and really doesn't care for the sport anyway.  Bobby would much rather be learning tricks on his skateboard.

Bobby is excited to land the part of Sandy the dog in his class performance of the musical "Annie."  But when an asthma attack interrupts the performance and his dad rushes to the rescue, Bobby is even more embarrassed.  Will Bobby be brave and tell his dad how he feels?

What I Thought
Oh, I love Bobby!  In his first book, Bobby takes on the girls, and in this book he takes on himself!  I love how Bobby feels kind of unappreciated and unsure of himself throughout this book, only to find out he isn't the only one that feels unsure. 

I also really appreciate about this book is the strong family unit with the stay at home dad.  With this becoming more common, I am glad to see some children's literature with this family dynamic.

Bobby suffers from asthma attacks, and this book includes a great explanation on what asthma is and how it feels like to have an attack.

A fantastic story, and I'm looking forward to the next book about Bobby!

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Bobby the Brave (Sometimes) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat.

Reviewed from a library copy.

(You can check out my review of the first book about Bobby, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) here.)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney

In the fifth installment of Greg Heffley's diary...er, journal...Greg encounters that middle school rite of passage we all look back at with a grimace and a smile...PUBERTY.

That's right, this year during Health class the boys are separated from the girls for part of the class where they are lectured about hygiene, and later in the year they are given the task to take care of an egg "baby" overnight.  (Which is almost successful for our pal Greg.) 

In true Diary of a Wimpy Kid fashion, Greg manages to find himself in a few situations that he finds super embarrassing, and experiences some new things....like his first lock-in!

On top of that, Greg is lectured about being responsible at home and when his mom decides to take some college classes, those responsibilities are piled on even more.

Why can't things just stay the same?

Greg comes to realize that growing up...it's the ugly truth. 

What I Thought: 
Oh, Greg.  How I find you absolutely adorable. 

And all BOY. 

Being a girl, but growing up with a brother, I have an appreciation of these books because I SEE middle school boys in this book.  They will LOVE it!

And though I imagine a good bit of this book is lost on me (though I LOVE it), there are millions of kids out there that will gobble this book up.  And rightly so. 

Very highly recommended.  I'm ready for book six, because I just can't get enough!

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney.

Reviewed from a library copy.

See my other Diary of a Wimpy Kid reviews here:

Dog Days

Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker

Clementine is excited!  Her name was chosen for Friend of the Week at her school!  She rushes home to share the news with her family and best friend Margaret!  Her family was very excited, but Margaret didn't exhibit the same amount of enthusiasm.  (But if you know Margaret, this isn't that surprising.)

There are other exciting things happening too!  The third and fourth graders are having a bicycle ride on Saturday and Clementine is so excited to decorate her bike with the decorations her father uses to decorate the apartment building....that is until something important gets lost!


What I Thought:
I love Clementine!  This is another great installment in this series by Sara Pennypacker.   Clementine experiences some of the not-so-fun things about growing up...fighting with friends, losing something important to her, and the excitement of being chosen as the "friend of the week' and getting to share exciting things with her class! 

It's encouraging to see Clementine's family there to support her and help her along life's path.  This is a great book to give to kids...I think they would love it! 

Highly recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff

It's World War II and Meggie's family is making sacrifices.  Her brother is serving overseas and her family has made the decision to move to Willow Run Michigan so her father can work in a factory that makes B-24 bombers for the war effort.

While they are happy to be helping the war effort, it is difficult to leave their home in Rockaway and the beach to move to a large city and live in a large apartment building with thousands of other factory workers.  What's worse is they are leaving behind their grandfather and close friends.

Life in Willow Run is different.  There are lots of people and the living arrangements are very tight.  Meggie quickly makes friends and discovers what life holds during war times.

What I Thought:
I thought this is a great narrative on what it was like for children living during World War II and helping with the stateside war effort.  This book is the companion to Giff's novel Lily's Crossing where Lily (Meggie's best friend) copes with the war from her home in Rockaway.  I enjoyed reading about this time period from two girls with similar background, but different experiences with the war effort.

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Can an origami Yoda puppet really predict the future?  This is what the sixth graders at McQuarrie Middle School want to know.

It all started with Dwight, a rather odd student who created the origami Yoda.  He often just wore it on his finger, but one night at the PTA Night of Fun Yoda made his first prediction.  And it came true!

Time after time, when Yoda was was asked a question, his prophecy came true.  Could it be a fluke, or is Yoda (via Dwight) up to something??

What I Thought:
This is an interesting book.  I love the whole concept of the origami Yoda and how the book is set up as case files with many different students telling their experience with origami Yoda in their own words and commentary from Tommy who started the case file and Harvey who is a die-hard non-believer.

Complete with middle school romance and awkwardness (remember those school dances?) and other shenanigans, this book is great for the middle school crowd. 

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1 by Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson can't seem to stay out of trouble.  He's about to be kicked out of another boarding school, where some events seem just....odd.

Upon returning home for the summer, he and his mother take off for a relaxing weekend when it takes an unbelievable turn causing Percy to battle against a monster and then running for refuge at a summer camp.

A camp for kids who are half-bloods...on half human, one half Greek god.

Percy is a wanted kid already, and is sent on a quest to prevent a war between the gods!   His time is limited, he is still figuring out his new life...will he succeed?


What I Thought: 
I'm very late to the Percy Jackson party, but glad I joined.  It's not one of my favorite series out there, and it did take me a while to get hooked into the story line but once I did I had to finish the book!  I'll eventually pick up book 2, but I'll have to wait for the title to go off the holds list!

Anyway, this book made me want to freshen up my Greek mythology knowledge.  I was pretty confused throughout the first part of the story trying to figure out what god did what and went with who.  However, by the end I felt pretty caught up, though I still think I should really do some brushing up before I move ahead in the series.

This is a super fun book that has all the elements that kids want...super kid hero, action...the works!

If your favorite tween hasn't read it yet...head on down to your local library and check it out!  I'm looking forward to reading book two, and check out the movie of this book.

Highly recommended!

Want to see more?   Check it out on Amazon: The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1 by Rick Riordan.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by P.J. Lynch

This is a collection of stories about Abraham Lincoln told from two of his sons, Willie and Tad.  In the first section, Willie recalls a trip to Chicago with his father, the lawyer.  The boys know that something big is about to happen, and Tad's father confides in him that he is about to run for President.  Tad's account of the trip is done in great fondness as he recalls many details of the trip: the train ride, waiting for his father at the courthouse while he works, meals together, and going to see entertainment.

In the second section, Willie narrates the experience of their family traveling to Washington DC after their father was elected President of the United States.  It is is an unstable time in America as war between the Northern States and Southern States is about to break loose.  The boys remember their father being carted off by the Secret Service, visiting their father in the Oval Office (much to the chagrin of his Cabinet...but they know their father loves the interruption....and playing in the White House with the Taft boys. 


In the third section, Tad recalls the painful experience of his brother's death and the effects that has on his family, and spending lots of time with his father as the war continues.  Tad sees the incredible toil the war has caused on his father, and he looks forward to returning to Springfield.  When the war finally does end, he observes his father celebrate victory in a most conservative and reluctant way and looks forward to returning home.


What I Thought: 
I adore stories about good ol' Abe and this one is no exception.  I loved how this book is narrated by Lincoln's sons, and it is quite obvious that the boys adored their father and the feeling was mutual.


I can never get enough stories of fathers who are just plain awesome. 


In the Author's Note, Wells talks about her research and how Lincoln may be one of the most documented personal histories as so many people left memoirs regarding this man and his family.  While this work is technically fiction, she points out that "The incidents in this story...are grounded in historical fact.  No detail was imagined or invented except the dialogue and the circumstances in which it took place." 


I love that Wells did so much research for this story and the result between that and her storytelling is that the reader feels connected to the whole Lincoln family, through the good times, and the bad.


Oh, and Lynch's illustrations are simply gorgeous.  Amazing. 


This is a wonderful book for those who enjoy Lincoln!  What a great short read-aloud for a class who is studying this president and it would give an exciting different perspective from the textbook. 


Very highly recommended. 


Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells, illustrated by P.J. Lynch.

Reviewed from a library copy. 

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

  

Stanley was just a normal boy, until one morning he woke to find that his bulletin board had fallen off the wall during the night, flattening Stanley into a boy who was paper-thin!  

After many failed attempts to return him to normal size, it determined Stanley would have to keep his thin state.  At first it was very fun, Stanley could slide under doors, travel through the mail, be a kite...he even helped solve a mystery at the local art gallery.

But eventually Stanley doesn't like his thinness...people keep making fun of him!  Will he ever find a way to return to his original size?

What I Thought: 

Such a cute story...I can see why this story has been a favorite with generation after generation.   The thought of being one inch thick and the benefits that could entail are endless!  

The Flat Stanley story has been used in so many creative ways, probably the most familiar is creating your own Flat Stanley and mailing him all over the world with a request to track his adventures.  Or, creating your own and taking him on your own adventures keeping a journal of his fun journeys.  

There is a new series of Flat Stanley books featuring some of his adventures....you can check them out here: http://www.flatstanleybooks.com/.  

This is a super fun book and character that I hope will stick around for generations to come!

Very highly recommended.  

Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff

Hollis Woods was abandoned as an infant in a little town named Hollis Woods.  The person who left her there pinned a note to her shirt instructing that her name be just that...Hollis Woods.  Hollis has been bounced around the foster care system for her entire life.  She has made it a habit to run away from these homes as well as skipping school and prides on being "trouble."

When really, all she truly wants is a family.

This book alternates between flashbacks of an almost perfect summer with a wonderful family in the mountains and the present when Hollis is placed with an older women, Josie who turns out to have some memory problems, but is a craftsman which is perfect for Hollis who is a very talented artist herself.

Hollis decides to stay at Josie's for a while but when the social worker informs Hollis she cannot stay with Josie because of her memory problems, Hollis talks Josie into running away.   They go to the cabin where she spent that wonderful summer in the mountains, but now it is winter and a harsh one at that!

As Hollis cares for Josie and tries to come to terms with her past, she learns a lot about herself.

What I Thought: 
A wonderful, well-written book.  I fell in love with Hollis Woods and so badly wanted her to get her dream...a family!  I loved how Giff alternated each chapter with a flashback allowing us to gain insight into her past while living her life with her in the present.   Hollis is a great girl who just has been let down by adults her whole life and has learned to fend for herself.  It's such a gift to see Hollis trust others and allow herself to become a part of a family unit! 

A super book...give to readers who love reading books about strong characters and happy endings.

Very highly recommended.

This book was the recipient of a 2003 Newbery Honor.  

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff.

In 2007, a Hallmark movie was premiered on CBS of this novel starring Jodelle Ferland as Hollis Woods,  Sissy Spacek as Josie, and Alfre Woodard as Enda Reilly--the social worker.  It was really a wonderful movie and though it has been several years since I saw it, I believe it was pretty parallel to the novel.   You can check it out here. 

A Brand-New Me! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

It's nearing graduation from 5th from grade and that means one thing...NO MORE PS 87 and HELLO MIDDLE SCHOOL!

Then a couple of setbacks muddy up the road for Hank.  First, he receives notice that he has not completed the required community service hours needed for graduation.  But, he takes care of that by helping Mr. Rock clean the school's musical instruments.

But when he finds out that his two best friends will be attending the middle school for the gifted and talented....leaving him behind. 

Thankfully, Mr. Rock sees something in Hank...something that no one else does.  Does Hank step out of his box and shoot for the stars? 

What I Thought:
Sigh.  I love Hank Zipzer.  I love his quirky character; he's a funny, smart guy.  I love his positive attitude.  And it doesn't help the book is set in New York City, one of my most favorite places in the world!

But my favorite thing about this installment of Hank's story?  The influence of teachers in Hank's life.  We see two dramatically different teachers: one who encourages Hank to mature his talents and work through his difficulties; and another who doesn't see the positive in Hank but harps on the negative.   Both teachers I'm sure Hank will never forget...one he will see as a positive influence, and the other he will strive to never ever emulate.  I think this is a GREAT lesson for anyone who works with children!

Be sure to give this story to anyone who is a Hank Zipzer fan, along with readers who need a positive story about overcoming adversity to reach your goal.

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: A Brand-New Me! by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver.

Reviewed from a library copy.

God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker

This book compiles short lists of Bible verses applicable for a variety of situations boys may encounter.  For instance, if  he feels sad and need comfort, the lad can flip write to a list of verses of God's promises for this situation.


What I Thought:
I think this is a great little guide that any child could use!  It's a great resource for anyone as we could all use a reminder of God's promises to us.

Each topic can be easily found using the table of contents which is organized by subheadings such as "God's Promises When..." and "God Wants You To..." and "God's Promises for You."

Each topic is opened with a short poem, then followed with several verses and a cute illustration.

Overall, I think this would be a wonderful gift to a boy.  Be sure to check out the book designed for girls by the same authors.  

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker.

Reviewed from a copy provided by the Thomas Nelson Publisher Book Review Bloggers program.

Sugar Plum Ballerinas: Plum Fantastic by Whoopi Goldberg with Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Maryn Roos

 

Alexandra Johnson despises ballet.  She wants to be a speed ice skater, like her hero Phoebe Fitz.   But it is her mother's dream that she take ballet classes and become a little ballerina.  So she goes to class.

When Alexandra and her mother move from her home in Georgia to Harlem in NYC, she isn't thrilled.  New home, new city, and a new ballet school...one her mother has always dreamed she could attend. 

Alexandra quickly makes friends in the class, and as they prepare for their upcoming recital (where Alexandra was chosen to be the Sugar Plum Fairy in a solo dance), her new friends help her overcome obstacles to dance her best!

What I Thought:

This is a new series we got at the library and I couldn't wait to give it a try.  I am a fan of Whoopi Goldberg, which further peaked my interest.  I found the books to be quite good and I am sure that they will have a good reception with lots of ballet loving little girls! 

The books include a glossary at the end with "Al's Guide to Ballet Terms" helping those of us who are not so educated in the terminology. 

I found Alexandra to be a lovely character.  At first she hated her new life and begged to return to her home in Apple Creek, GA; but once she found some friends, began to enjoy her new ballet school, and became accustomed to her new life she doesn't want to ever leave.

This is a great book for the elementary crowd!   I can't wait to read further installments of the Sugar Plum Ballerinas! 

Recommended.

Want to see more?  Check it out on Amazon: Whoopi Goldberg with Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Maryn Roos.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Minli is a young girl working with her family in the fields near the Jade River. Their family was very poor and worked very hard with little reward. Her father told Minli countless stories that her mother disapproved of. She felt they filled Minli's head with nonsense.

One day Minli decided to go find the Old Man of the Moon, a character in many of her father's stories, and attempt to change her family's fortune.

Thus begins a wonderful adventure in which Minli befriends a dragon who can't fly, encounters a young boy with a buffalo, meets the king, is saved from a vicious tiger by a set of fun-loving twins, and so much more!

But will Minli reach her goal and change her family's fortune or will her request change in order to help a friend?

What I Thought:
This book is a fantastic read aloud. The plot of the story is supplemented and moved forward with traditional stories or fables interspersed throughout the text. Whether the story is told by Minli's father or another character in the book, wonderful stories are interwoven throughout.

I loved the theme of friendship that ran throughout the book. Minli is such a sweet character who made friends wherever she roamed, and she was a wonderful friend in return.

This book is a wonderful story of adventure that I think anyone would love.

Very highly recommended.

This book was awarded a Newbery Honor in 2010. (A well deserved honor!)

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Birthday for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Bear does not like birthdays,and when Mouse appears at his house ready for a birthday party, Bear is not pleased! He sends Mouse away, but we know Mouse...he doesn't give up easily!

Can Mouse win Bear over to be a fan of birthdays?

What I Thought:
A wonderful easy/first reader by Bonny Becker! If you loved A Visitor for Bear, then you'll love this one too!

This book is divided into four short chapters, perfect for the beginning reader. It's still a wonderful read aloud with a charming story and lovely ink & watercolor illustrations.

Highly Recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Birthday for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton.

Reviewed from a library copy.

Gooney Bird and the Room Mother by Lois Lowry, illusrated by Middy Thomas

It's another fun day in Miss Pidgeon's second grade class. The principal has asked all the students to ask their parents to be a room mother (or father) for their class. Thanksgiving is coming soon and every class needs a room parent to provide cupcakes for the annual Thanksgiving pageant.

Unfortunately none of the parents of Miss Pidgeon's students are able to volunteer for the job. What are they going to do?

Gooney Bird to the rescue! As the class prepares for it's Thanksgiving performance written by Miss Pidgeon, Gooney finds a room mother and in turn receives the honor to play Sequoya in the pageant.

Everyone is excited about the room mother, and wants to know who it is...but Gooney Bird has promised she will remain incognito until the day of the pageant.


What I Thought:
I love Gooney Bird. I think she's become one of my favorite characters out there for the 1st-4th(ish) grade crowd. She's like the precursor to a lot of the popular kid characters out there like Junie B., Clementine, Roscoe Riley, etc. So much fun.

As in all of Gooney's books, Lowry tackles a topic of language arts and intertwines it into the story. This book focuses on vocabulary and dictionary skills, which is genius!

A few black and white illustrations accompany the text and adds a great visual aspect to the story.

Another great installment in the Gooney Bird series! You can see my reviews of the others here:
Gooney Bird Greene
Gooney Bird is so Absurd
Gooney the Fabulous


Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: Gooney Bird and the Room Mother by Lois Lowry, illusrated by Middy Thomas.

Reviewed from a library copy.

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by David Roberts

"Never,' shrieked Miss Breakbone, "have I been asked to teach such a scraping together of fiddling, twiddling, time-squandering, doodling, dozing, don't-knowing dunderheads!"

What if this was your teacher?



Miss Breakbone was the meanest teacher. She hated kids. Her favorite part of her job was making kids cry, and when she accomplished this she gave herself a gold star. The class is amazingly talented in a variety of skills, from solving problems, to being nuts about bicycles, even making spitballs.

When Miss Breakbone confiscates Junkyard's ceramic cat he found and planned to give his mother for a present, the class decided enough was enough.

Together, and using the talents of the entire class, they devise a plan to retrieve the cat from the inside of Miss Breakbone's home. During a party.

It's a dangerous mission....will they succeed?


What I Thought:
This is a super fun book, perfect for the elementary reader! It's got a great and interesting plot full of interesting characters, along with a fair share of suspense. The color illustrations are a vital part of the book providing and are well done.

But what I like best about the book are all the kids with their interesting, not so normal talents. It shows that everyone is good at something, and everyone is unique! Plus, Miss Breakbone is kind of the classic "evil teacher" and those are just entertaining.

This one should be a hit!

Very highly recommended.

Want to see more? Check it out on Amazon: The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by David Roberts.

Reviewed from a library copy.