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wardo2700's review against another edition
3.0
A short, cute book about a third grader's reluctance to learn how to write cursive. The main character is shown to have spunk as she resists both her teacher and parents effort to change her mind. As an elementary teacher I can't say the choice made by Maggie's teacher was the best one but it worked. I wonder if this book would still interest young readers in an age of texting and online communication? I'd recommend it as a quick light hearted read for any reader interested in stories about school.
foxykitty's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
devontrevarrowflaherty's review against another edition
3.0
Muggie Maggie, by Beverly Cleary. Published in 1991, by HarperCollins.
I actually forgot that we read this book before Christmastime, which I think says a lot about the book itself. We were waiting for the next Henry Huggins books, so we decided to read this one-book Beverly Cleary, which we already had in our library. It was forgettable.
Now, I have really enjoyed Beverly Cleary. Our family has been enjoying her at bedtime for months. We really enjoyed Ramona Quimby, and are moderately enjoying Henry Huggins. We were let down, then, when we read through this book in a couple nights.
First, it’s just too short. Cleary’s allure, as a writer, is her “normal,” nostalgic characters. Less so are her plot lines, which usually cover plenty of “normal” days in the lives of her characters. With such a slim, singular volume, we don’t become invested enough in Maggie to want to follow her through her normal adventures.
We also found the plot to be a little weird. Why Maggie chooses cursive to mutiny about left my kids feeling distanced from the writing. Perhaps its because they are Montessori kids and learned cursive in kindergarten? Even so, many children are not learning cursive at all these days. So the plot has become a bit irrelevant, or just, as I said, a little weird. Perhaps a secondary plot line about something deeper would give some sort of backstory as to why Maggie is mutinying now?
Plus, the title should have just been Muggie.
I wouldn’t really discourage anyone from reading Muggie Maggie. As always, the writing is clear and un-distracting, the setting clean and refreshing, and the situations entertaining. However, I would tell you that you are much better to read the Ramona series, the Henry series, or probably some of her other books (which we have not read yet, like The Mouse and the Motorcycle or Dear Mr. Henshaw). In the end, you could fill your arms with great Cleary books, and just leave Muggie Maggie at the bookstore.
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
I actually forgot that we read this book before Christmastime, which I think says a lot about the book itself. We were waiting for the next Henry Huggins books, so we decided to read this one-book Beverly Cleary, which we already had in our library. It was forgettable.
Now, I have really enjoyed Beverly Cleary. Our family has been enjoying her at bedtime for months. We really enjoyed Ramona Quimby, and are moderately enjoying Henry Huggins. We were let down, then, when we read through this book in a couple nights.
First, it’s just too short. Cleary’s allure, as a writer, is her “normal,” nostalgic characters. Less so are her plot lines, which usually cover plenty of “normal” days in the lives of her characters. With such a slim, singular volume, we don’t become invested enough in Maggie to want to follow her through her normal adventures.
We also found the plot to be a little weird. Why Maggie chooses cursive to mutiny about left my kids feeling distanced from the writing. Perhaps its because they are Montessori kids and learned cursive in kindergarten? Even so, many children are not learning cursive at all these days. So the plot has become a bit irrelevant, or just, as I said, a little weird. Perhaps a secondary plot line about something deeper would give some sort of backstory as to why Maggie is mutinying now?
Plus, the title should have just been Muggie.
I wouldn’t really discourage anyone from reading Muggie Maggie. As always, the writing is clear and un-distracting, the setting clean and refreshing, and the situations entertaining. However, I would tell you that you are much better to read the Ramona series, the Henry series, or probably some of her other books (which we have not read yet, like The Mouse and the Motorcycle or Dear Mr. Henshaw). In the end, you could fill your arms with great Cleary books, and just leave Muggie Maggie at the bookstore.
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
girlpuck's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ajay913's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny and Sexism
daumari's review against another edition
Part of 3rd grade group reads, based on discussion. I know words and fluency- thx Mrs. L!
I do not remember the plot, but from the description... honestly do they even still teach cursive at present? dated then, more dated now.
I do not remember the plot, but from the description... honestly do they even still teach cursive at present? dated then, more dated now.
effiekaradimitri's review against another edition
2.0
opportunity for good discussion, theme - it's okay to admit you've made a mistake, be open-minded
http://mrspedersonsclassroom.yolasite.com/resources/Muggie%20Maggie%20Unit%20Plan.pdf
http://mrspedersonsclassroom.yolasite.com/resources/Muggie%20Maggie%20Unit%20Plan.pdf
barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
2.0
eh, it was super short, decently entertaining, but doesn't really stand out in any way.
chrissyz's review against another edition
3.0
2.5* I liked the illustrations more than the content and I hate to be negative about a Beverly Cleary book but I didn't love the way Maggie's stubbornness was handled nor the way her whole problem with learning cursive was solved. I am not sure many students now could read the cursive portions as penmanship is a dying art.