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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
I was probably 11 when I read this last, and I laughed hysterically at the part where the kid says "Where does the milk come from?" to someone in the cafeteria drinking it. The other kid yells "FROM A COW, STUPID!" Oh, it was so funny back then.
As part of UMHB's READ3307, I read "The Kid in the Red Jacket." I remember reading this book in 4th grade & loving it. I read it a few years ago again & enjoyed it & appreciated it just the same, but with a different, older perspective. This book was written by Barbara Park, who also authored the Junie B. Jones series. The Kid in the Red Jacket follows a young boy, Howard, as he and his family move to a new town and he's the new kid at his new school. The book is written in 1st person, so the reader gets to experience all of Howard's thoughts and emotions. Howard feels invisible at his new school (none of the kids know his name,), misunderstood by his parents, and annoyed by his rambunctious and persistent 6-year-old neighbor, Molly. Park brilliantly writes in the honest perspective of a child, & this book is not only heart-warming, but hilarious. Kids could easily relate to Howard & his experiences with school, family & friendships. Barbara Park uses humor to describe the awkwardness of the preteen years, making the problems light-hearted & easier to navigate. Although the book was written in the 1980's, the story is universal & still just as easy to relate to for kids reading it today. The protagonist is a 10-year-old, so I think this book would be most appropriate for elementary students: 3rd-6th graders possibly.
Great example of voice; this book sounds like it could have been dictated by a ten year old boy. As I read it, I kept thinking how sad it was that Barbara Park died last year. I can see why there are teachers who start off the year using this as a read aloud; many points could be made and discussions ensue. I compared this to my feelings when I moved when I was nine. Although I knew I would miss many good friends (and cried several times) I was thrilled to be moving to the state capital! My friends got mad that I was excited about moving.
I liked the counterbalance with the character of Molly, and the way Howard comes to realize she's not all that bad.
I liked the counterbalance with the character of Molly, and the way Howard comes to realize she's not all that bad.
Very cute story about fitting in to a new place and being kind to someone who is different than you. Great for younger children, especially if they've ever had to move to a new place. Or had to deal with an annoying younger neighbor.
I read it to my 3rd grade students and they enjoyed the book a lot. The humor went over their heads most of the time, but they got into the story.
I like Barbara Park as an author very much. One of my favorite children's books of all time is Mick Harte Was Here. I've read it at least 10 times from childhood to adulthood. This book doesn't quite have the same heart or humor. But still a fun, light read.
I read it to my 3rd grade students and they enjoyed the book a lot. The humor went over their heads most of the time, but they got into the story.
I like Barbara Park as an author very much. One of my favorite children's books of all time is Mick Harte Was Here. I've read it at least 10 times from childhood to adulthood. This book doesn't quite have the same heart or humor. But still a fun, light read.
lighthearted
fast-paced
This book went back and forth between 3 and a 4 stars.
The voice sounded very similar to her Junie B Jones series (only with proper spelling), and I think that was part of the problem for me. Howard just didn't feel real. And everything was just slightly over the top. The over the topness, if that is even a word, works well for Junie B., but not as well here. But...I am not really the audience for the book.
I wish Howard would have really learned a lesson. He learned to tolerate Molly. But only very, very reluctantly. The book seemed to play things a little too safe.
The voice sounded very similar to her Junie B Jones series (only with proper spelling), and I think that was part of the problem for me. Howard just didn't feel real. And everything was just slightly over the top. The over the topness, if that is even a word, works well for Junie B., but not as well here. But...I am not really the audience for the book.
I wish Howard would have really learned a lesson. He learned to tolerate Molly. But only very, very reluctantly. The book seemed to play things a little too safe.