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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
I loved Jake's illustrations of vocabulary words and felt that they really added depth to the character of Derek, but as for the story, I didn't really find it that interesting. I guess it was a little too much everyday life without many truly funny or interesting parts. The drowned girl subplot running through the background was decent, but it never grabbed me in a way that made me not want to put the book down. I do hope this book works well for its target audience and reluctant readers.
Good for reluctant readers, kind of reads like a how-to read book in places. But I can imagine struggling readers identifying with the main character and enjoying the text. The story and ending are a little too moralistic for my own liking (is that the correct term?). When Derek gives his book report at the end with all the lessons he learned over the summer it's a little overkill, but overall I think it's a good recommendation for a certain boy or girl. Might also be a good one for kids with behavior quirks :)
Cute. Aimed at "reluctant readers." Her son did the cartoons in the margins.
Nominated for the Maud Hart Lovelace award, I appreciated the realistic characters, family connections and the awesome animals and interesting history/mystery in the plot. Definitely suggest this to readers who enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries and Gary Paulsen's Liar Liar series.
I read this book shortly after "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and was struck by how similar they were in structure. The difference...this book has a very likable character, who is also very relate-able. He's got a lot on his plate and tends to get in trouble, but through the course of one summer learns a lot about life. The book has some great teaching moments and a lot of topics are addressed, like being accepting of kids with special needs. It's not all wrapped up nice and neat in the end, but the character definitely shows growth. And it made me laugh!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! This had MANY things that are great about modern middle grades lit: authentic voice, comedy, illustrations, and a relatable story. This book was a joy to read, and I cannot wait to share with my students once break is over! I can easily see both reluctant and non-reluctant readers devouring this.
this is a great book for younger viewers! it made me laugh,and kept me interested! Im going to let my nephew borrow it because i really think he would enjoy this book!
For one thing, this should definitely not be in YA. Another library in my system has this on a booklist for 3rd-4th graders, and I don't think that's out of order. The characters felt flat, the drama felt forced, the cartoons felt gimmicky, and I came out not wanting to try any of Tashjian's Larry books (which I had previously wanted to read). But I do think this could find a readership in kids enjoying the Wimpy Kid genre. Just definitely not sophisticated teens.
I was really enjoying this book! It was laugh out loud funny. THen...it disappeared.
Okay, I reinvested, and enjoyed it the second time around. It seemed very kid friendly.
Okay, I reinvested, and enjoyed it the second time around. It seemed very kid friendly.
Kid-friendly middle grade realistic fiction.
Doodles in the margin illustrate "vocabulary" words with a preteen's sly humor, appealing to fans of Wimpy Kid. Even better, Derek matter-of-factly gets up to hijinks and irritates adults around him to no end. Sure, there are some lessons to be learned and a little growing to be done in this book's summer, but kids will probably gravitate to the misadventures more than anything (avocado grenades anyone?).
This was recommended to me by a 4th grade student.
Doodles in the margin illustrate "vocabulary" words with a preteen's sly humor, appealing to fans of Wimpy Kid. Even better, Derek matter-of-factly gets up to hijinks and irritates adults around him to no end. Sure, there are some lessons to be learned and a little growing to be done in this book's summer, but kids will probably gravitate to the misadventures more than anything (avocado grenades anyone?).
This was recommended to me by a 4th grade student.