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kimu's review against another edition
4.0
Other than the bits where Henry makes disparaging comments about girls being dumb, thoroughly enjoyed this.
ikuo1000's review against another edition
4.0
*** Warning: This review contains spoilers! ***
Isabelle emphatically wanted to give this book 5 stars, so the 4 star rating is all me.
The book it titled Henry and Beezus, and Beezus does have a nice supporting role, but their relationship wasn't exactly a focal point, like the way the relationship between Beezus and Ramona was a central concern in Beezus and Ramona. Scooter McCarthy is probably mentioned more often than Beezus, though Henry's relationship with Scooter is kind of about friendly one-upmanship, and perhaps not title-worthy. Going into this book, I thought maybe it would be more about Henry and Beezus planning stuff together, or getting into trouble together, but more often than not, Beezus just happened to be there, or she - and Ramona - tagged along while Henry resigned himself to their company, or at best was indifferent. Still, any time Beezus was involved, she invariable came to Henry's aid or otherwise supported him in some way. I think she was a good friend to Henry, and I wish the book had explored that friendship more, and maybe even had Henry seeking out and enjoying - or at least appreciating - her company more often.
Also, one detail at the end of the book bothered me, and I'm not sure if I missed something, or what. Henry was embarrassed to win a bunch of beauty salon coupons at a raffle, but was then quite pleased with his prize when he realized that his mother and her friends would buy the coupons off of him. The thing is, Beezus was the first to offer to buy a coupon for a free permanent wave (I love how dated the book is!) - Henry had won 2 such coupons - and she was thrilled when Henry said yes. But then later, Henry's mother and Scooter's mom offer to buy the same coupons for more money, and the implication is that they get the coupons - so Beezus is left with nothing! But the book doesn't even mention Beezus getting shafted, so it seems like that point was entirely overlooked...
Anyway, other than those two shortcomings, it really is an enjoyable book. Henry is on a quest to own a bicycle, and I love how he exhibits patience and resourcefulness as he goes about earning the money himself. Of course, Isabelle says her favorite thing about this book is that Henry gets his bike!
Isabelle emphatically wanted to give this book 5 stars, so the 4 star rating is all me.
The book it titled Henry and Beezus, and Beezus does have a nice supporting role, but their relationship wasn't exactly a focal point, like the way the relationship between Beezus and Ramona was a central concern in Beezus and Ramona. Scooter McCarthy is probably mentioned more often than Beezus, though Henry's relationship with Scooter is kind of about friendly one-upmanship, and perhaps not title-worthy. Going into this book, I thought maybe it would be more about Henry and Beezus planning stuff together, or getting into trouble together, but more often than not, Beezus just happened to be there, or she - and Ramona - tagged along while Henry resigned himself to their company, or at best was indifferent. Still, any time Beezus was involved, she invariable came to Henry's aid or otherwise supported him in some way. I think she was a good friend to Henry, and I wish the book had explored that friendship more, and maybe even had Henry seeking out and enjoying - or at least appreciating - her company more often.
Also, one detail at the end of the book bothered me, and I'm not sure if I missed something, or what. Henry was embarrassed to win a bunch of beauty salon coupons at a raffle, but was then quite pleased with his prize when he realized that his mother and her friends would buy the coupons off of him. The thing is, Beezus was the first to offer to buy a coupon for a free permanent wave (I love how dated the book is!) - Henry had won 2 such coupons - and she was thrilled when Henry said yes. But then later, Henry's mother and Scooter's mom offer to buy the same coupons for more money, and the implication is that they get the coupons - so Beezus is left with nothing! But the book doesn't even mention Beezus getting shafted, so it seems like that point was entirely overlooked...
Anyway, other than those two shortcomings, it really is an enjoyable book. Henry is on a quest to own a bicycle, and I love how he exhibits patience and resourcefulness as he goes about earning the money himself. Of course, Isabelle says her favorite thing about this book is that Henry gets his bike!
whitneyborup's review against another edition
4.0
I want to write fan fiction about the full grown adult dog food salesman who taunted a child so relentlessly that the kid ate dog food.
eupomene's review against another edition
4.0
Written back when boys were boys, girls had cooties and there were no leash laws. Beverly Cleary started writing initially because the neighborhood boys came into her library and didn't like the selection, so she thought up Henry Huggins. When I read these as a girl, I didn't blink - even though it was more than 20 years after publication they still felt like my world.
So I think on these fondly even though I don't consider the 50s to be fabulous.
Besides, Ramona is in this one too and she's hilarious as usual. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to pretend to wait for the bus.
So I think on these fondly even though I don't consider the 50s to be fabulous.
Besides, Ramona is in this one too and she's hilarious as usual. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to pretend to wait for the bus.
jjmmac's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
sar_19's review against another edition
3.0
Henry tries to earn $ to buy himself a bike. Luckily his friend Beezus is there to help Henry find a way to get the bike.
kslhersam's review against another edition
4.0
It took us a while, but Isaac and I finally finished this one. After we read the first Henry Huggins he wanted to continue the series. After finishing this 2nd one we both agreed to pick something new for our next book. I enjoyed Henry, but I don't want to overdo it.
I do find it interesting how different life was for kids back in the 70's or 80's, whenever this was based. Henry pretty much roamed free and worked hard for his money and bought his own things. I miss that independence in children these days.
I do find it interesting how different life was for kids back in the 70's or 80's, whenever this was based. Henry pretty much roamed free and worked hard for his money and bought his own things. I miss that independence in children these days.
blairewithane's review against another edition
3.0
This was my least favorite so far in our read aloud journey through the Ramona books and now the henry books. In this one Henry tries to earn enough money to buy a bike. There are some plenty of funny mishaps...but this one engages in gender stereotypes in a way Cleary normally doesn’t, and Henry gets teased a lot in a way that borders on mean that isn’t present in her other books. I prefer the Ramona series - a lot of the difference may be due to the time period in which they were written. Still love Beverly Cleary - this just wasn’t my favorite.
emlickliter's review against another edition
4.0
Henry and Beezus by Beverly Cleary – The only being with more chaotic good in the universe than Ribsy? The Quimby girls! A good laugh! Happy Reading!