thatjamiea's review against another edition
4.0
I suddenly got this wild idea that I would read Judy Blume's entire bibliography this summer. I realized that while there were many of Blume's titles that I loved, there were many I had never read and decided to just do it. I've been in a monstrous reading slump and figured Blume's short, easy reads would be what the doctor ordered.
I'm reading the books in chronological order of release date because I can and "The One in the Middle is a Green Kangaroo" came first. Published first in 1969, it is the story of a boy named Freddy who feels the weight of being his family's middle child. He is neither big and important or young and cute. All of his clothes are hand-me-down and when his baby sister is born he must share a room.
Freddy decides to do something to set himself apart and becomes the star of the school play and then he doesn't mind being in the middle so much anymore.
This book is nearly 40 years old, but I read it aloud to the girls and it didn't feel dated or old fashioned. It was just the right book for kids who may feel overshadowed by their older or younger siblings.
This book would be a great transitional book for early readers. My middle daughter is going into third grade but reads above her grade level. She liked this story, but at only 50 pages this book really wouldn't be a challenge for her at all. I'm thinking first grade students would get the most out of this book, but it would also be a great read aloud choice as it can be read, in totality, in about 20-25 minutes.
I'm reading the books in chronological order of release date because I can and "The One in the Middle is a Green Kangaroo" came first. Published first in 1969, it is the story of a boy named Freddy who feels the weight of being his family's middle child. He is neither big and important or young and cute. All of his clothes are hand-me-down and when his baby sister is born he must share a room.
Freddy decides to do something to set himself apart and becomes the star of the school play and then he doesn't mind being in the middle so much anymore.
This book is nearly 40 years old, but I read it aloud to the girls and it didn't feel dated or old fashioned. It was just the right book for kids who may feel overshadowed by their older or younger siblings.
This book would be a great transitional book for early readers. My middle daughter is going into third grade but reads above her grade level. She liked this story, but at only 50 pages this book really wouldn't be a challenge for her at all. I'm thinking first grade students would get the most out of this book, but it would also be a great read aloud choice as it can be read, in totality, in about 20-25 minutes.
editrix's review against another edition
Extremely short, but in that sweet spot for a kid who reads better than he thinks he can.
authorlibrarianrachel's review against another edition
4.0
This book was left on top of the shelf. So I read it before putting it away. Super cute but short and not much character development.
disasterchick's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I ever read this one as a kid. Freddy has the typical middle child syndrome. Rather than acting out he ends up acting. A great story to encourage kids to put their energy to positive uses.
panda_incognito's review against another edition
3.0
This early chapter book tells the story of a young boy who feels invisible at home as the middle child, but has a chance to shine when he takes part in a school play. It's really cute and sweet, and it also made me think of the time that my younger brother played a skunk in a children's church play. Good times. The costume someone made for him was phenomenal, and he got to wear it for Halloween that year.
Once again, I can see why people like Judy Blume's writing. The story rings true to a child's perspective and everyday experience, and there isn't a single wasted word in this incredibly short story. It's perfect for beginning readers, and has enough relatable appeal to be fun for older kids and adults as well.
Once again, I can see why people like Judy Blume's writing. The story rings true to a child's perspective and everyday experience, and there isn't a single wasted word in this incredibly short story. It's perfect for beginning readers, and has enough relatable appeal to be fun for older kids and adults as well.
mzrachelsuperlibarian's review against another edition
4.0
This book was left on top of the shelf. So I read it before putting it away. Super cute but short and not much character development.
dlew's review against another edition
3.0
I found the main character to just be annoying. I understand the message though and that's why it got 3 stars
theme - Judy Blume challenge
theme - Judy Blume challenge
emmyref415's review against another edition
4.0
I wonder if I read this as a kid and forgot about it, because this is the unintentional path I took myself, since I was in the middle. Very cute and fun. Can't wait to share this one.
calistareads's review against another edition
3.0
This story is about being a middle child. It sounds tough. Luckily, this middle child found the glory of the theatre and he gets to stand out and be the Green Kangaroo. It helped to give him an identity.
This is a beginning reader and a nice little story for kids to start on. It was cute. Judy Blume is such a great author.
This is a beginning reader and a nice little story for kids to start on. It was cute. Judy Blume is such a great author.