lazygal's review
3.0
Poor Jordan: his teacher hates him. That's enough, right there, to ruin a school year. And this isn't "hate" as in "she's strict and I don't like her teaching/correcting me" it's definitely hate. Plus Jordan's a little different, between the asthma and his pet snake and allergies, he gets bullied and no one really stops it. Of course moving to another school helps, particularly since the students there are a very diverse group, which makes being a little different easier than when your school is not diverse.
Since this is a fictionalized memoir, I won't dispute the idea that fifth graders still have show-and-tell (in my school, it stopped after first or second grade). And I will say that the Jordan/Mrs. Fisher interactions are being remembered by what the author felt and went through back then, so there's nothing to mitigate how horrible she is (aka "the humanizing element"). I can imagine middle grade boys enjoying this as they navigate similar feelings and circumstances.
ARC provided by publisher.
Since this is a fictionalized memoir, I won't dispute the idea that fifth graders still have show-and-tell (in my school, it stopped after first or second grade). And I will say that the Jordan/Mrs. Fisher interactions are being remembered by what the author felt and went through back then, so there's nothing to mitigate how horrible she is (aka "the humanizing element"). I can imagine middle grade boys enjoying this as they navigate similar feelings and circumstances.
ARC provided by publisher.
danyell919's review
5.0
I loved this memoir! It was written so much like a novel, I didn’t even realize it was based on the author’s childhood until he mentioned record players! This is also the first MG book I’ve read that talks about hair pulling from the perspective of the puller and how he feels. That was really important to me.
lost_goddess's review
4.0
Another winner from Jordan Sonnenblick. I knew nothing about this book when I ordered it. I bought it because Sonnenblick never disappoints.
This biography of his 4th grade year gives tremendous insight into his other writings. It's entertaining, fast-paced, witty, and insightful. It definitely took me back to what it was like to be in elementary school in the 70's!
Highly recommended.
This biography of his 4th grade year gives tremendous insight into his other writings. It's entertaining, fast-paced, witty, and insightful. It definitely took me back to what it was like to be in elementary school in the 70's!
Highly recommended.
lauralynnwalsh's review
4.0
All the pain and hilarity of elementary school with the boy who is really trying to be good, but not quite succeeding. This would make an interesting read-aloud.
jamikaye1980's review
5.0
I really liked this book. The author was able to tell his own story of growing up as a hyperactive kid who had trouble with certain aspects of both school and home life. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with ADHD or knows someone who is.
libscote's review
2.0
This story did make me laugh, and was easy enough to read. It was also a really good look at why some kids act out, and how there is always a story.
Caveats: I had no idea what time period this book took place in until it talked about the 1979 World Series. Then I realized it was historical fiction. Also, this book has some sexist opinions about mothers and what they "should" be doing that aren't really addressed. I get that it's "normal" in a way, but I didn't like that the dad seemed to be constantly harping on the mom to stay home.
Caveats: I had no idea what time period this book took place in until it talked about the 1979 World Series. Then I realized it was historical fiction. Also, this book has some sexist opinions about mothers and what they "should" be doing that aren't really addressed. I get that it's "normal" in a way, but I didn't like that the dad seemed to be constantly harping on the mom to stay home.
audreylee's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The main protagonist of this often humorous story is a young boy with a short attention span in a rigid school system. He addresses many of the challenges he faces with humor and strength but he also demonstrates an uncontrolled anxiety and anger problem. The father in this story is a chauvinistic, unobservant fool who is never called out for his thoughtlessness and selfishness. Overall, this feels like the middle of a great novel. Many things remain unresolved.
bookworm_stephanie's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0