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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this, a wonderful book to recommend to students who for whatever reason don't fit in, have issues at school, need reassurance through a short but insightful story.
Sachar perfectly captures Bradley, his voice, his persona, the sadness and anger around him. Bradley has no friends, he intimidates and hurts others, he doesn't do his homework and he lies about everything. His only friends are the imaginary one he constructs from toys at home. But a new boy starts the fifth grade, and Bradley is also sent to see the new school counsellor.
And things slowly start to change. The change is realistic, the happenings between the children also very real. Children aren't always nice to each other, but at the same time can themselves be thoughtful and kind. Some are shy, some mean. Bradley isn't any one thing, just as Jeff the new boy isn't - Jeff tries to make friends with Bradley but is rebuffed and of course, isn't a saint.
Carla the counsellor is a great character - very much a Socratic figure who seems not to give much help to Bradley but actually in making him think and act for himself and not telling him what to do, any change comes from him. Her own story is a sad one - the parents' meeting to complain about her a good discussion for classrooms about two sides to a story, the uses of having an adult to talk to in school, justice.
Bradley ends up being a very loveable character, you see his weaknesses and his vulnerabilities and root for him to grow and make connections with others.
It's a really good school story for primary class reading and even into secondary schools, the voice of Bradley is so convincing, the story has lots of funny moments (especially the birthday party and several moments of children ending up in the wrong toilets).
Great for class discussions and solo reading. One for ages 9-13.
Sachar perfectly captures Bradley, his voice, his persona, the sadness and anger around him. Bradley has no friends, he intimidates and hurts others, he doesn't do his homework and he lies about everything. His only friends are the imaginary one he constructs from toys at home. But a new boy starts the fifth grade, and Bradley is also sent to see the new school counsellor.
And things slowly start to change. The change is realistic, the happenings between the children also very real. Children aren't always nice to each other, but at the same time can themselves be thoughtful and kind. Some are shy, some mean. Bradley isn't any one thing, just as Jeff the new boy isn't - Jeff tries to make friends with Bradley but is rebuffed and of course, isn't a saint.
Carla the counsellor is a great character - very much a Socratic figure who seems not to give much help to Bradley but actually in making him think and act for himself and not telling him what to do, any change comes from him. Her own story is a sad one - the parents' meeting to complain about her a good discussion for classrooms about two sides to a story, the uses of having an adult to talk to in school, justice.
Bradley ends up being a very loveable character, you see his weaknesses and his vulnerabilities and root for him to grow and make connections with others.
It's a really good school story for primary class reading and even into secondary schools, the voice of Bradley is so convincing, the story has lots of funny moments (especially the birthday party and several moments of children ending up in the wrong toilets).
Great for class discussions and solo reading. One for ages 9-13.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I have since reread this with my girls and I just love this book. It is a wonderful reminder that everyone has something else going on in their lives and how we treat others can make a profound difference.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I adored this book. I picked it up based purely on the title itself, and I wished I had a cool guidance counselor who wore different colored socks and liked roast beef.
It's been a good 20 years since I've read this. I loved this book. In retrospect, this kid is such an asshole. But Bradley's is a great story arc to go through, as is Jeff's. And Carla's awesomeness holds up, two decades later.
Also, I love that both Tough Guys get their just desserts at the hands of a girl. Mwa ha ha ha ha ha.
Also, I love that both Tough Guys get their just desserts at the hands of a girl. Mwa ha ha ha ha ha.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book had a wonderful message and my son seemed to enjoy it. I didn't always find the it kept me engaged but my son would probably give it 4 stars. I was a huge fan of the Wayside school books and hope to revisit those eventually.