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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
I try to read the books that my daughter's teacher reads to them--this was one such book. I found it to be well-written and interesting, and fun to talk with my girl about a story that she had read, too.
A great little book about the power of words. I may have cried at the end.
I had a hard time rating this book. On the one hand I enjoyed the look at language, the history behind how we form words, etc. It seems that Andrew Clements does similar things in his other books, looking at testing and grades with a critical eye or investigating the power behind the spoken word. I think these are important topics and can really get kids thinking about their school experiences.
While I do not believe that kids should never question authority and I do believe that adults sometimes make a big deal out of nothing, something about this story irritated me. Nick's entire situation is based on the fact that he wanted to annoy his teacher. His one goal was to cause trouble. And he was rewarded by becoming a billionaire.
In the end,for me, this whole scenario overshadows any of the interesting points about language. I cannot get past the fact that the message a lot of kids are going to take away from this is that any pain-in-the-butt, disruptive, trouble-making kid should go ahead and push his teacher's buttons and perhaps even get every kid in the school on board because there will certainly be a huge reward at the end, like a big ol' wad of cash!
I will say that I think kids will really enjoy this, it would make a great option for reluctant readers. It would also be a great read-aloud, especially since there could be lots of great class discussions surrounding it.
While I do not believe that kids should never question authority and I do believe that adults sometimes make a big deal out of nothing, something about this story irritated me. Nick's entire situation is based on the fact that he wanted to annoy his teacher. His one goal was to cause trouble. And he was rewarded by becoming a billionaire.
In the end,for me, this whole scenario overshadows any of the interesting points about language. I cannot get past the fact that the message a lot of kids are going to take away from this is that any pain-in-the-butt, disruptive, trouble-making kid should go ahead and push his teacher's buttons and perhaps even get every kid in the school on board because there will certainly be a huge reward at the end, like a big ol' wad of cash!
I will say that I think kids will really enjoy this, it would make a great option for reluctant readers. It would also be a great read-aloud, especially since there could be lots of great class discussions surrounding it.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Kids can relate to this book about a boy who renames the pen as "frindle". His teacher objects and writes a note to his parents. Controversy ensues, the media is involved and all of the kids call the pen a frindle. Eventually, the word is put in the dictionary. At the end, years later, the boy opens a letter from his teacher. She admits that she wanted to create a controversy so that the boy's new word would be recognized on a large scale.
This book always chokes me up. Wonderful example of the power of one person, my students enjoy this every year.
A great story on the power of words and the power of individuals to change the world. The story introduces some positive examples of activism and passive resistance as well as the role of great teachers in helping to nurture fully engaged children.
Ezra and I read this one together, and enjoyed it very much. The one key jarring feature was the odd incongruities in setting. One moment you are told you're in the north of England, the next the main character is in "middle-school" and his father was a "linebacker" at "college". It seemingly switches at random, and can really break the reader's attention.
Just as fun as a book as an adult as it was when I was a kid.
Who doesn’t love a bit of student vs teacher battle of the brains. And some Tom foolery.
I also love how this book shows how English as a language is adaptable.
Who doesn’t love a bit of student vs teacher battle of the brains. And some Tom foolery.
I also love how this book shows how English as a language is adaptable.
Really enjoyable book about the power of students and words. Great example of teaching outside the curriculum