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nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
Operation Frog Effect is a story told in journal form–with eight (diverse) kids who are writing their experiences as the school year progresses. The kids use multiple formats. For instance, one writes mostly in verse while another does his journaling in graphic novel format. These different formats are sure to appeal to a wide variety of readers.
Right from the start, I could tell that the characters were going to be incredibly relatable: the story starts with Emily, who’s confused by the fact that her two best friends didn’t sit with her on the first day of school. She’s sure it’s a mistake. Well, pretty sure.
That beginning set just the right tone and let me know that this book was going to tug at my heartstrings and address situations that middle school kids face every day. It also tackles some tougher topics as well, like learning disabilities, immigration and homelessness. The fact that these issues are handled in the midst of problems that almost all kids can relate to makes them that much more accessible. Throughout the book, the kids learn how they can make a difference in the world, one small step at a time. But, as kids often do, they make some mistakes along the way–and one of their mistakes has some pretty major repercussions. The kids have to live with some of those consequences–and to fight to make things right. Kids will find the ending both inspiring and empowering!
This book will especially appeal to the younger end of the MG spectrum (not that older kids can’t enjoy it too–it just seems aimed a little younger). It would be perfect for a classroom or as a readalong with your kids because it will spark lots of discussion!
***Disclosure: While I didn’t receive this book for review (I bought it), I feel like I should point out that Sarah is represented by my agent and I’ve spoken to her personally. All opinions are still my own, of course!***
Right from the start, I could tell that the characters were going to be incredibly relatable: the story starts with Emily, who’s confused by the fact that her two best friends didn’t sit with her on the first day of school. She’s sure it’s a mistake. Well, pretty sure.
That beginning set just the right tone and let me know that this book was going to tug at my heartstrings and address situations that middle school kids face every day. It also tackles some tougher topics as well, like learning disabilities, immigration and homelessness. The fact that these issues are handled in the midst of problems that almost all kids can relate to makes them that much more accessible. Throughout the book, the kids learn how they can make a difference in the world, one small step at a time. But, as kids often do, they make some mistakes along the way–and one of their mistakes has some pretty major repercussions. The kids have to live with some of those consequences–and to fight to make things right. Kids will find the ending both inspiring and empowering!
This book will especially appeal to the younger end of the MG spectrum (not that older kids can’t enjoy it too–it just seems aimed a little younger). It would be perfect for a classroom or as a readalong with your kids because it will spark lots of discussion!
***Disclosure: While I didn’t receive this book for review (I bought it), I feel like I should point out that Sarah is represented by my agent and I’ve spoken to her personally. All opinions are still my own, of course!***
mbrandmaier's review
4.0
The only way to make a difference is to speak up. Also, you get to decide what kind of person you want to be.
mblair8506's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. The way the characters’ relationships change over time is just beautiful. As a teacher, there is so much to discuss with my students. They can learn a lot from these characters. “Everyone has a voice.”
alykat264's review
5.0
There is no better read-aloud for a 5th grade class!! Definitely best read in 5th grade as it’s not only about 5th graders, but touches on common core standards kids are learning about and discusses the fears and uncertainties of moving onto middle school, with and without your closest friends. I adore this book.
readingthroughtheages's review
4.0
This book will be enjoyed by middle grade readers. A realistic fiction story that is told in multiple voices from students in a classroom and in a journal format - social justice issues are lightly explored and discussed.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed BECAUSE OF MR. TERUPT.
Perfect for readers who enjoyed BECAUSE OF MR. TERUPT.
yapha's review
4.0
This was not how any of them expected fifth grade to go. Told in alternating perspectives by eight of the 31 fifth graders in Ms. Graham's class, this novel provides insight into the different reasons students treat each other how they do and the effect it has on those around them. The students are dealing with issues at home, with friends, at school, and the innovative exercises Ms. Graham has them do often adds kindling to the fire. When it all explodes, they have to find a way to pick up the pieces and repair the damage they have done. By working together instead of against each other, there is a chance they can make it even better than before. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
valerie07's review
3.0
i thought i would love this book. it had a full cast audiobook and i always love that and i loved the message of using your voice.
jbrooxd's review
4.0
I enjoyed this. Feels like a Mr Terrupt book with the various perspectives and the inspiring teacher. I enjoyed the diverse group of kids and all the things they learned in class.
tami_provencher's review
4.0
Operation Frog Effect was a delightful surprise for me. I picked it up after having read about it on Goodreads and seeing the title come up in our Mock Newbery Group. I was put off by the juvenile nature of the cover, which conflicted with reviews I had read regarding its content. I am extremely glad I started reading it despite my initial impression.
Operation Frog Effect is told through the journal entries of eight 5th Grade students. Each is keeping a daily journal as part of their classroom assignment. Through their combined entries we follow them as they learn from their extraordinary teacher, Ms. Graham. A couple of things make this story special: (1) Ms. Graham is that remarkable sort of teacher who teaches her students to think critically and creatively and to behave with compassion and empathy--as opposed to simply rote memorization of facts; and (2) the author clearly worked hard to make each of the eight voices distinct from the others--and, for the most part, succeeds. The journal entries are also in different forms; most are the traditional diary-like entries but there is one in free verse, one written as a movie/TV script and one that is done completely with illustrations.
The title comes from the opening scenes in the book when one student brings an injured frog into the classroom on the first day and Ms. Graham unexpectedly allows them to keep it as a classroom mascot. They name the frog Kermit and at various points in the story different students will bring Kermit to their work space to provide inspiration or courage alongside a specific project.
Ms. Graham introduces collaborative learning with a number of assignments that require students to work together in specific groups. The response--as you might expect--is varied, but all students are definitely engaged. When Ms. Graham introduces a social issues project the students begin to grapple with real-world concerns. They begin (in different ways) to explore and consider the lives of other students in the classroom, as well as people outside of their local and cultural circles. This project leads one group to generate an idea that is, at the very least, ill-advised, and at its extreme, very dangerous. The implementation of this idea leads the entire classroom into a new understanding of how our actions--despite our intentions--can have serious consequences not just for ourselves, but for those around us as well.
Operation Frog Effect creates very tangible characters and a storyline which beautifully illustrates the 'ripples in the pond' theory from both positive and negative angles. The actions we take can affect others and likewise, any action we take--no matter how small--can make an important difference in conditions or situations where we are trying to effect change. This is a great independent or read-aloud for 4th or 5th Graders. (It could be a good read-aloud choice for a 3rd Grade classroom later in the year as well.) The plot is tightly organized and definitely has its own momentum so everything that happens feels like it occurs organically from the characters, situation and setting. The journal entry style and the author's success in creating distinctly different voices keeps the story moving at a brisk pace and provides a perfect springboard for discussions about the application of differing perspectives/viewpoints in life, as well as in literary works.
Operation Frog Effect is a much deeper story than it first appears and is well worth the read for middle grade students and adults.
Operation Frog Effect is told through the journal entries of eight 5th Grade students. Each is keeping a daily journal as part of their classroom assignment. Through their combined entries we follow them as they learn from their extraordinary teacher, Ms. Graham. A couple of things make this story special: (1) Ms. Graham is that remarkable sort of teacher who teaches her students to think critically and creatively and to behave with compassion and empathy--as opposed to simply rote memorization of facts; and (2) the author clearly worked hard to make each of the eight voices distinct from the others--and, for the most part, succeeds. The journal entries are also in different forms; most are the traditional diary-like entries but there is one in free verse, one written as a movie/TV script and one that is done completely with illustrations.
The title comes from the opening scenes in the book when one student brings an injured frog into the classroom on the first day and Ms. Graham unexpectedly allows them to keep it as a classroom mascot. They name the frog Kermit and at various points in the story different students will bring Kermit to their work space to provide inspiration or courage alongside a specific project.
Ms. Graham introduces collaborative learning with a number of assignments that require students to work together in specific groups. The response--as you might expect--is varied, but all students are definitely engaged. When Ms. Graham introduces a social issues project the students begin to grapple with real-world concerns. They begin (in different ways) to explore and consider the lives of other students in the classroom, as well as people outside of their local and cultural circles. This project leads one group to generate an idea that is, at the very least, ill-advised, and at its extreme, very dangerous. The implementation of this idea leads the entire classroom into a new understanding of how our actions--despite our intentions--can have serious consequences not just for ourselves, but for those around us as well.
Operation Frog Effect creates very tangible characters and a storyline which beautifully illustrates the 'ripples in the pond' theory from both positive and negative angles. The actions we take can affect others and likewise, any action we take--no matter how small--can make an important difference in conditions or situations where we are trying to effect change. This is a great independent or read-aloud for 4th or 5th Graders. (It could be a good read-aloud choice for a 3rd Grade classroom later in the year as well.) The plot is tightly organized and definitely has its own momentum so everything that happens feels like it occurs organically from the characters, situation and setting. The journal entry style and the author's success in creating distinctly different voices keeps the story moving at a brisk pace and provides a perfect springboard for discussions about the application of differing perspectives/viewpoints in life, as well as in literary works.
Operation Frog Effect is a much deeper story than it first appears and is well worth the read for middle grade students and adults.
readingyk's review
3.0
i thought i would love this book. it had a full cast audiobook and i always love that and i loved the message of using your voice.