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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
I read this book as part of the Teachers As Readers book club at work. It was picked by our reading specialist, who highly recommended it.
I liked this book well enough, though there were some things that did kind of annoy me. For example, I didn't like how obnoxious Derek was. I felt like most of the time he was a little brat that had no discipline and no respect. Also, I felt like some of the illustrated words were a little unnecessary (like the word "friend" for instance) while other words were not illustrated that were less likely to be known by the target audience.
That being said, I do think that middle school aged boys would like this story. The illustrations were fun, and I think that's a good reading strategy for kids. Seeing it applied in a real-life situation is a great way to introduce them to it and shows them how to use it.
I liked the mystery interwoven in the story. It was an interesting choice for this story. It was kind of dark and serious for an otherwise lighthearted book.
All in all, it wasn't a favorite for me, but I can definitely see the appeal for the target audience: young/middle reader boys.
I liked this book well enough, though there were some things that did kind of annoy me. For example, I didn't like how obnoxious Derek was. I felt like most of the time he was a little brat that had no discipline and no respect. Also, I felt like some of the illustrated words were a little unnecessary (like the word "friend" for instance) while other words were not illustrated that were less likely to be known by the target audience.
That being said, I do think that middle school aged boys would like this story. The illustrations were fun, and I think that's a good reading strategy for kids. Seeing it applied in a real-life situation is a great way to introduce them to it and shows them how to use it.
I liked the mystery interwoven in the story. It was an interesting choice for this story. It was kind of dark and serious for an otherwise lighthearted book.
All in all, it wasn't a favorite for me, but I can definitely see the appeal for the target audience: young/middle reader boys.
Good read...a boy who isn't the smartest in his class but over the course of the summer learns a lot
Derek is excited about summer vacation until he learns he has to read 3 books over the summer and will have the same teacher in the fall. He is a typical boy who pulls off a lot of shenanigans and learns a lot about himself and others over the summer. Drawings on the side of the pages are incorporated as a part of a project he does. Interesting story and I can see students interested in reading it.
So, so close. There was much I could identify with. Attitudes, behaviors, and dialogue that worked for me. That entertained me and made me laugh. I kind of felt like I knew Derek, the hyper, active, sarcastic, artistic, reading-hating, comic-loving, twelve-year-old boy who tells this story of his attempt to spend a summer not learning anything. But, ultimately, he never quite felt authentic to me. I could tell the author was never this boy herself, because she didn't get him quite right. I could tell it was an adult pretending to be a kid, a woman pretending to be a boy. It was still a pretty good book, but not quite what it should have been because Derek just didn't quite feel real.
Ack. There I was, in the car guy's waiting room, tragically discovering that I have already read this book. It probably gets more stars, but today's reading was clouded by disappointment, muzak, and a big repair bill.
This book was charming and enjoyable for my middle school not who doesn't like to read. Well written. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it along with him. Planning to get the other books in the series.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
When summer vacation arrives, Derek is thrilled that he won't have to read for a few months. However, then the worst thing ever happens- his parents sign him up for "Summer Learning Camp." The author, Janet Tashjian cleverly weaves a mystery into the main character's life as he struggles to avoid reading at all costs. Derek becomes a very likeable character as he finds his strengths and learns to accept his weaknesses (as do his parents.)