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mfirestone's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
suehc's review
4.0
When summer vacation arrives, Derek is thrilled that he won't have to read for a few months. However, then the worst thing ever happens- his parents sign him up for "Summer Learning Camp." The author, Janet Tashjian cleverly weaves a mystery into the main character's life as he struggles to avoid reading at all costs. Derek becomes a very likeable character as he finds his strengths and learns to accept his weaknesses (as do his parents.)
protoman21's review
3.0
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.
stefaniejane's review
2.0
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 :)
heidisreads's review
5.0
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.
wendiwoo1's review
4.0
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!
nsusdorf's review
5.0
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.
garrison1989's review
5.0
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!
saidtheraina's review
2.0
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.