In a laugh-out-loud series of hilarious vignettes, Jon Scieszka (recently named the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature with special emphasis on reaching reluctant readers) relates tales gleaned from his growing-up years as the second oldest of six boys. Admitting to the advantage of being near to oldest, he recounts remembrances of mischief often with his younger brothers as the victims of his schemes. Particularly amusing are his exploits as a for-profit brother-sitter, or in a hand-me-down Halloween costume, or as one of the inventors of "Slaughter Ball." This last caused one of his younger brothers to have a broken collar bone three or four times - good thing their mother was a nurse! Cleverly illustrated with vintage school photos from the 60's and reprints from the family photo album, Sciezka's memoirs will be appreciated by readers grades 3 - 7 who enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid or the Captain Underpants series.
This book is not simply a story about a cat. It is a book both cat lovers and cat haters could enjoy. The fascinating appeal of this book is the way it is written. Jack writes his feelings about a cat terrorizing him at the bus stop. It is written as journal entries, however, not in simple narrative style. It is written in a poetic style with some alliteration, metaphors, and onomatopoeia language introduced to him by his teacher, Miss Stretchberry. It is a play on words with words. For something truly different and fun, check out this book! I think it will impress language arts and English teachers. This book is most suitable for readers in grades 2-4.
After school Brandon goes to Hannah Dufrane's house until his mother picks him up after work. Hannah is extremely creative. She likes to play pirates, vampires, fairies and just about anything in "fantasy land." Brandon would prefer to relax after a hard day at school and watch TV. Brandon's lack of interest in playing these games with Hannah might be due to the character in which he ends up playing each time. It is usually not the character of his choice.
Hannah has a huge orange cat named Buttercup. Buttercup can be a pain, especially when he runs off and Hannah and Brandon have to catch him. Neighborhood children which happen to be triplets are suspected of trying to kidnap Buttercup. Brandon is ready to get off the couch and help Hannah become detectives to protect her adorable pet. The story has a little mystery and much humor with a nice surprise ending. This book is a second book in the adventures of Brandon and Hannah. A Girl, A Boy and A Monster Cat was the first book. It, also, is found on this blog. Read both books and let me know what you think. This book is most suited to readers in grades 1-3.
