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eberico's review against another edition
4.0
Andrew Clements seems to excel at writing YA fiction that features a very clever protagonist taking on a challenge that would be difficult for an adult, much less for a child. In this case, the weapon of choice is a student newspaper, and Clements proves once again that the pen is mightier than the sword.
wistyallgood's review
1.0
This was read to my class in like fifth grade, and it was a great story to put me to sleep.
cgn's review
5.0
Reread because this was one of my favorite books in middle school, and I can clearly see why I loved it. It’s a very age-appropriate book, with big text and every word pushing the story forwards. I would highly recommend
elfeeza's review
5.0
Worth the 10-year wait! I love this book! I enjoyed it tremendously! It is a heartwarming story about a teacher who had burnt out from the many years of teaching at a school which runs on a system that is very different from his own educational style and a bright young girl who was learning to cope with the her parents' divorce. The two brought out the best in each other. I can relate to this very much because I myself am a teacher and have went through burn out for the same reason and have found hope and a renewed sense of reason and purpose in working with amazing and interesting young minds. This is an inspiring tale for teachers, parents and students. A highly recommended read!
rosieyxl's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I've just been on a re-reading spree lately, and when I was little, Andrew Clements was absolutely one of my favourite authors.
I think as a child, I would have likely rated this book higher, but because it's definitely not meant for teens, my rating reflects that. I wish the story had been longer and more developed.
However, it does tackle some heavy topics in a way that is very vulnerable and true; I think it's a really great book for kids.
I think as a child, I would have likely rated this book higher, but because it's definitely not meant for teens, my rating reflects that. I wish the story had been longer and more developed.
However, it does tackle some heavy topics in a way that is very vulnerable and true; I think it's a really great book for kids.
gliebherr's review
5.0
truth and mercy.
This story was moving but not in an overly dramatic or trying-too- hard way.
Just simple and good.
This story was moving but not in an overly dramatic or trying-too- hard way.
Just simple and good.
inkstainedlife's review
5.0
After I finished Frindle, I was determined to see what else Clements wrote. I picked this one up at the library yesterday and finished it in an hour before I went to bed. Let me tell you, it is so so good… like, I think I ought to buy a copy for myself, it’s that good. It’s all about journalism and how a little girl starts a class newspaper that shakes things up in her school. If I were ever to teach a journalism class, I think this would be required reading. It is really an excellent introduction to the profession for such young readers.--notes from 2005 (a year in which I read it twice)
A must-read for all aspiring (and current!) journalists, in my opinion. Andrew Clements is currently my favorite children's book author, and this is my favorite by him. Makes my heart race every time I read it.
A must-read for all aspiring (and current!) journalists, in my opinion. Andrew Clements is currently my favorite children's book author, and this is my favorite by him. Makes my heart race every time I read it.
fictionadventurer's review
4.0
Read it out loud to my little brother (my voice is so tired). Much deeper than I was expecting. Typical Clements plot elements that make a surprisingly touching story. It's about a newspaper that gives one lonely girl a chance at friendship and brings back her worn-down teacher's enthusiasm for his job. Also, was pleasantly surprised to see a secular story that involved a Bible verse as part of its key message.