Book Review

Hi All,

Here is my latest book review.  If you think it sounds good, you may borrow the book from me!

Hank Zipzer:  Day of the Iguana

by Henry Winkler

 

 

     I've had a copy of this book on my shelf for a few years now.  Initially, I decided to buy it at one of our book fairs because I saw that it was written by Henry Winkler.  Now I don't expect you kids to know who that is, but some of your parents (and all of your grandparents) will remember him as "The Fonz" on Happy Days.  Oh, how I LOVED that show!  Anyway, it was enough to pique my curiosity.  It wasn't until one of my students, Gianni Lombardo, told me it was good, that I actually read the book.

 

     I'll be honest, the first line of the book made me roll my eyes and laugh, all at the same time.  I was sure that this was going to be a book for boys...body noises, lots of references to bathroom humor, etc, but I was wrong.  The first sentence was a hook.  It was shocking enough for the reader to think, "Did I just read that?"  Yes, you did!  But, as the story unfolds, you see that it is really about a boy and his best friends.  Hank, the main character, is a 4th grader who has a tough time with academics in school. He also manages to mess things up on a regular basis, even though his intentions are almost always good ones!   Because of an unfortunate mess-up, Hank upsets his best friend.  This isn't your typical friend argument.  Hank's friend is MAD, and shows he is mad for several days.  Hank becomes extremely stressed-out over this and does everything he can to make it up to his friend.  Here's the great part, though.  When Hank truly NEEDS his friend, he comes through and helps him through a situation that could have led to real trouble.  Now that's true friendship!

 

     This book of realistic fiction will appeal to anyone, boy or girl, who has accidentally upset their best friend.  The emotions Hank feels about his sister, the irritating kid down the street, his parents, a school bully, school, and his friends are easy to identify with.  Don't overlook this book just because of the cover or the fact that the kids are younger than you.  I think you'll enjoy reading about the funny situations that happen.  You will also identify with the theme: friendship.

Finished the Book!!!

Well, Kids...

I finished The Fire Within yesterday.  The lunchtime rains left me with no obligation to do work outside and I just decided to ignore the inside of the house.  Dragons are FAR more interesting than dusting, laundry, or bathrooms.  What a great book!  It wasn't what I expected at all and the characters are people you wish you knew.  In fact, I'm going to miss them so much I'm going to have to start the sequel.  Here's my review:

The Fire Within

by Chris D'Lacey

 

     This book is set in a small town in Massachussetts.  A young college student needs an inexpensive place to live and answers an ad he saw in the newspaper.  He ends up living in a room in the home of a woman named Liz and her 10-yr. old daughter, Lucy.  They are funny, down to earth, and odd...all at the same time!  David, the student, realizes that there are clay dragons all over the house.  Liz and Lucy even give him one of his own.  Through his interactions with Liz and Lucy, an odd-ball neighbor, unusual townspeople, several squirrels, a girl from the animal hopsital, and this special clay dragon, David finds that he has a fire within himself...the fire to write!

 

 

     I found this book to be captivating.  It held my attention throughout.  Just when I thought I might be sure about what was happening, something unexpected would happen and I'd be wondering all over again.  The characters are loveable, outspoken, eccentric, and hilarious!  I love each of them and wish they were real people.  Lucy reminds me of so many of my students.  She is kind, loving, bright, and impulsive.  She always says what she is thinking!  This is a great book for those of you who love a mystery, love to laugh, and have a secret hope that dragons and magic are real!  Enjoy!!!