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rebeccatc's review
5.0
I read this in order to lead my daughter's Battle of the Books team and it was excellent. When the notoriously "unshushable" 5th grade boys go up against the girls in a "no talking" challenge, they learn a lot about communication. I thought the way they managed while limiting themselves to three words at a time (only when asked a question by a teacher) was very clever. I loved the way the teachers adapted their methods, especially the story-writing exercise and the debate. The students learned the value of silence and being able to hear their own thoughts, and the antagonism between the boys and the girls was lessened. When the principal unwisely decided to forbid the challenge, the way the students came together was a satisfying display of civil disobedience -- remember, "you have the right to remain silent!!"
Note: also worked for the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge prompt "book you can read in one sitting."
Note: also worked for the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge prompt "book you can read in one sitting."
aomccourt's review
5.0
Another great story from Andrew Clements.
A contest (inspired by Ghandi) between 5th grade boys and girls to see who can last for two days without talking. See how the kids handle school days and parents with minimal talking. Entertaining from start to finish!
A contest (inspired by Ghandi) between 5th grade boys and girls to see who can last for two days without talking. See how the kids handle school days and parents with minimal talking. Entertaining from start to finish!
literatehedgehog's review
3.0
I love Andrew Clements' characters - kids who are independent thinkers, getting up to hijinks without being Terribly Bad Children, and teachers who either have a sense of humor, enjoy a spectacle or a social experiment, and of course, the few and far between ones who have maybe burned out most of their patience already.
Feels very similar to Frindle, should be good for a fifth grade student book club that needs support with reading comprehension.
Feels very similar to Frindle, should be good for a fifth grade student book club that needs support with reading comprehension.
lindseygrant's review
4.0
Loved this story. In 3rd grade my class even did an activity were you could not talk, you could only use notes.
vedpears's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Bullying
deepfreezebatman's review
4.0
Definitely captures the feel of "Frindle," but I thought the ending was a bit too preachy.
wiseowl33's review
4.0
Andrew Clements has to be the king of the school story. This book was awesome. I know my kids will enjoy this one!
shighley's review
5.0
Not sure when I read this, but after hearing about Clements' death, I was reminiscing about how much I enjoyed so many of his books. I have recommended this to so many people! Imagine a scenario in which students think before they talk! I also rather enjoyed that the snooty principal was mad that things were improving at the school, but she couldn't take credit for it!
ellingtonfeint's review
5.0
This brilliant writer! A great book. I recommend it. It's so fun. It's so thought-provoking. If younger; copied. Now, just laugh. And think. Kids would love. Adults should too. Interesting yet teaches. Thanks for this.