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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Read this one with one of my small groups and hasn't read it since elementary school. I was so infuriated with how Bradley was treated by his teacher - especially in front of the whole class and Jeff when he first arrived. Carla was good for him mostly, but understand why she was moved to a different position. That dates the book a bit - especially now when counselors are so badly needed in our schools, more than one if we are lucky. Not terrible, but I personally enjoy the Wayside kids most if all Sacher's work.
I was struggling with whether to give this three or four stars, until I finally realized that I'm just being biased because I'm an elementary school counselor like Carla. I had a few issues with the way that she interacted with students (e.g. referring to them as her "friends," trading lunches, etc.). It forced me to take a second to think of when this was published (1987), and how much had changed in regards to laws and all that wonderful education stuff nowadays. I also cringed a number of times when the teacher Mrs. Ebbel participated in bullying Bradley. I had to think about how this can be true too. :/ What makes this a four star is he overall message that even the "troubled" kids need (and DESERVE) love and attention too. In fact, this is exactly why my heart followed the career path that I'm in. I'd definitely recommend this book to others. In fact, I'm hoping to start a book club of sorts with my upper grade students and just might use this book!
I remember reading this book in fifth grade. It made me cry so hard. My younger self obviously found it amazing and touching.
A classic case of teachers bringing their work home... I figured I might as well seeing as I'd read Holes once upon a time. Starts off very well, telling the story of the worst kid in the class meeting his new school counsellor. Full of good humour and excellent dialogue. Worst kid in class develops in fits and starts under the tutelage of said counsellor, all very well managed but finishes poorly. It all gets a little ham-fisted unfortunately. Still, my class have enjoyed it immensely so far and I think, as far as the 3/4 mark, they'll love it. I'll be curious to see how they react to the conclusion.
My favorite book as a kid. I still think of it when I multiply fractions.
This book cracked me up when I was twelve. And twenty-three.
I believe students would get a good laugh from this book and some of the ridiculous things that Bradley Chalkers does. As an adult I had trouble getting past how the various adults in the story interacted with him. Not my favorite.
This was one of my favorite books when I was younger. The character development is amazing in this. And Bradley is hilarious.
I had the pleasure of seeing a performance of this years ago at the Chicago Children's Theatre. It was phenomenal.
I had the pleasure of seeing a performance of this years ago at the Chicago Children's Theatre. It was phenomenal.
Read this book to my students every year and they will make fond references to it for the rest of the year. It is a sweet, sad story of boy who is mean, awkward, and irresistible. A wonderful illustration that our doubts, fears and insecurities are our own worst enemies and that everyone needs someone to believe in them.