A review by shighley
Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School by Emily Jenkins

4.0

I read this because it has been mentioned on several Mock Newbery lists. While I agree that there is not much of a plot, it does include many things that are important to first graders and primary students. It has several laugh-out loud moments, alludes to some difficulties, but really has no bad adults and makes some good points without being too pointed. I was afraid that Wyatt would become the stereotypical bully, but he did not. Harry's dad fell short at one point, but redeemed himself later. Harry is not perfectly behaved, but he grows. All of the teachers are well-meaning, but I was disappointed that it typecast with Mrs. Tellicherry's "librarian whisper."
The book goes a bit overboard in being politically correct, and is probably too long for a first grader, but it has heart. And, how many first graders (and their families) have agonized over what to bring for the 100th day? Harry has a great solution!