Posts Tagged ‘humor’

Middle School Get Me Out of Here! by James Patterson

imageRafe Khatchadorian may have survived his first year of middle school, but seventh grade looms on the horizon.  And seventh grade promises more changes for Rafe and his imaginary best friend, Leo the Silent.  First, Rafe’s family moves in with Grandma Dotty in the big city.  That means a new big city middle school to survive–Cathedral School of the Arts–and a new mission–Rafe Get a Life.

Just like last year, trouble follows in Rafe’s wake, no matter how hard he tries to avoid it.  Trouble first shows up in new bullies and then a new friend–Matty the Freak.  Along the way, Rafe tries all kinds of new experiences, from riding the subway to dropping water balloons, uh gloves.

Like the first installment, Middle School Get Me Out of Here (Little, Brown, and Company 2012) by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts is packed with snarky humor (and innocence from Rafe–Who, me?).  Rafe’s illustrations of his life reveal that his imagination is much more interesting than real life.  Rafe also discovers a surprising secret about his dad.  That’s the only part of the book that bothered me.  I’m not sure why his mom would keep the secret the truth about Rafe’s dad.

I do think that fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Origami Yoda will enjoy this combination of text, pictures, and humor.  I suspect that some of my incoming seventh graders might share Rafe’s fear and trepidation of starting middle school.  A little humor can go a long way to dispel some of it.

If you can’t get enough of Rafe’s adventures and attitude, and if you haven’t yet gotten his little sister’s story in Middle Schooll My Brother Is a Big, Fat Liar, you can check out Rafe’s Rants, a web series on Patterson’s website.

Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen

imageEven though Gary Paulsen may be best know for his survival stories (Hatchet and the rest of the books following Brian), he may be as popular in my classroom for his humor.  I predict that Liar, Liar (Scholastic 2011) will be a hit in my classroom.

Kevin has it all figured out.  Why tell the truth when a little lie–or two or three or ten–can make everyone’s life a little easier.  After all, it’s not easy being the youngest of three kids in a family that might be unraveling.  It’s not easy convincing Tina that he would be her perfect boyfriend.  It’s not long before all his lies have grown out of control and Kevin must face the unthinkable–telling the truth.

Despite his chronic lying, I like Kevin.  He is actually a good student and proud of it.  Even when he plans to skip class to pursue Tina, he makes up all the work he missed and even does extra work to get back into his teachers’ good graces.  His heart is in the right place even when his schemes have unintended consequences.  And when Kevin is confronted with those consequences, he doesn’t run or hide from them.  He takes them on and owns up to his role.  As a result, he is going to be quite  busy in the near future:  debating the city council, completing extra projects, babysitting the neighbor boy, writing sports stories for the paper, painting sets for the school drama, and joining the wrestling team

My only regret is that I don’t have the next books in this series on deck to read next.

Ungifted by Gordan Korman

Donovan Curtis reminds me of many of my students.  He acts first and thinks later, if at all.  His latest trouble starts when he is walking across the school grounds swinging a big stick.  There in front of him is the statue of Atlas holding the world on his shoulders.  What would you do?  Donovan takes a whack with that stick  right at Atlas’s butt.  It is sticking out like an engraved invitation.  What Donovan doesn’t know is that the single bolt holding the globe to Atlas is nearly rusted through.  The impact is enough to send the globe rolling down the hill straight toward the double glass doors of the school gym–where the biggest game of the year is being played.

The resulting comedy of errors leaves Donovan with an invitation to attend the Academy forr gifted students rather than the punishment he expects.  It doesn’t take long for Donovan to realize that is is in way over his head, but he is determined to hide out at the Academy for as long as he can.  Even though he is studying harder than ever, he’s barely passsing.  His only contribution to the robotics team is to print off pictures to decorate it and control the joystick.  His classmates and teachers quickly figure out he doesn’t belong, but they like having him around for some reason.

Like many of Gordan Korman’s novels, Ungifted (Harper Collins 2012) is told from multiple viewpoints.  In addition, we hear from Superintendent Schultz, who accidentally sends Donovan to the Academy; Mr. Osborne, the robotics teacher who questions Donovan’s placement; Chloe, the gifted student who longs for a “normal” middle school experience; Noah, the genius who discovers the wonder of YouTube thanks to Donovan.  Some of the characters may be a little stereotypical (seriously, not all gifted students are socially inept), but I thought this was a fun read.

Nothing Special by Geoff Herbach

I have lots of readers (myself included) who loved Geoff Herbach’s debut novel Stupid Fast.  They will be glad to know that I have finally read the next installment, Nothing Special (Sourcebooks Fire 2012), and will share it in my classroom as soon as my daughter finishes reading it.

Felton Reinstein is back, and he’s still fast and insecure.  Knowing that college recruiters and coaches are watching him run track or play football gets him off his game, and so do mysterious emails from Detective Randy Stone.  While trying to survive day-to-day without the presence of Aleah (who wanted to take a break while she plays piano in Germany), Felton comes to the realization (thrown in his face by his former best friend) that he is a narcissist.  Is there any hope for a cure?

I liked the more complex structure of this text that shows the different journeys Felton takes to arrive at a new place in his life.  The entire novel is written as a letter to Aleah.  He describes his current journey to Florida that includes missed flights, unplanned layovers, and finally multiple transfers on a Greyhound bus.  He also reflects back on his first journey to Florida the summer before where he thought he was searching for his missing little brother.  Instead, as these two journeys weave together, Felton might just discover himself.

Just as in Stupid Fast, Felton’s voice funny, insecure, engaging, and absolutely honest.  I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.  And for the true Felton Reinstein fans, there’s a third book coming soon.  Look for I’m with Stupid to hear more of Felton’s story.

Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald

Do I have a book for you, dear reader.  You know who you are–those of you who still insist that books will give you hives.  You are going to love Charlie Joe Jackson’s Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald.  Not only will he inspire you with the great lengths he will go to to avoid reading at all costs, he also lets you in on his secrets with tips scattered throughout the book.  Don’t worry.  Most of the chapters are short (Tip #1).

But rather than listen to me go on about how funny this book is, check out this book trailer:

I’m also participating in a discussion with Tommy Greenwald over on GoodReads.  He’s just as funny as the book.  I definitely want to add Charlie’s next adventure to my towering pile of books.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

This is my retro book review running over at the Nerdy Book Club site today.  Remember you have until tomorrow to submit your favorite books of 2012 for a Nerdy Award.

I don’t remember the first time I read Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (probably sometime during my high school or college years), but every year that I have been teaching eighth grade I make it my mission to put this little book in the hands of just the right reader.  I love it when the magic happens and I can revel with another reader at the myriad of improbable events and and snicker any mention of the number 42.

If for some reason you have version the many versions of this classic sci if comedy (Listen to the radio show! Watch the movie or televison show!  Play the video game! Peruse the comics!), let me introduce you.

Poor Arthur Dent is a befuddled human who is fascinated by digital watches and worried about all the wrong things.  It simply doesn’t matter is city hall is going to bulldoze your house if Vogons are waiting up above to demolish the Earth to make way for a hyperspatial express route.  Fortunately, his friend Ford Prefect is not from Guilford, but is from a small planet somewhere near the vicinity of Betelgeuse.  Ford also writes for the best-selling Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.  When the Vogons show up, Ford is past ready to hitch a ride away from Earth, and he takes Arthur with him.

As they make their way across the universe, they escape the horrifying effects of Vogons poetry (while strapped into poetry appreciation chairs), survive being thrust into the vacuum of space (improbable to the odds of two to the power of two hundred and seventy-six thousand, seven hundred and nine to one against), are picked up by the the Heart of Gold (stolen by Ford’s cousin Zaphod Beeblebrox who just happens to be President of the Imperial Galactic Government), and visit the mythical planet of Magrathea (which designed the Earth as an experiment to discover the question to the Life, the Universe and Everything.  The answer is 42.).

Believe it or not, these seemingly random and improbable events (along with many more) come together in a way that is both brilliant and hilarious.  After all, I’ve never laughed at a  squashed sperm whale before, but it is the characters that I love and remember the most.  Arthur may be bumbling, but he manages to surprise even Ford on occasion and even says something more intelligent than “tea” every once in a while.  Ford may be a suave travel writer (or at least he thinks he is), but he is a loyal friend and cousin when it counts.  Zaphod may be stupid, or it may be just an act.  Even he doesn’t know why he does the things he does, but a secret brain surgery has convinced him there is a method to his madness.  It’s a good thing he has Trillian, a mathematician and astrophysicist, to look after him.  My favorite, though, has to be Marvin, the depressed robot.  You are bound to feel better about your situation after spending time with him.

Quick, grab a copy of Hitchhiker’s and a cu of tea and settle in for the ride of a lifetime.  The journey can continue with the ever growing series, including The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Life, the Universe, and Everything, So Long and Thanks for All the Fish, Mostly Harmless, and now And Another Thing written by Eoin Colfer.  If all else fails, DON’T PANIC keep your towel handy.

PS -There are only 177 days left until Towel Day on May 25.

 

Nerd Girls: A Catastrophe of Nerdish Proportions

The battle between the Nerd Girls and the ThreePees has finally gone too far.  Principal Mazer is determined to end the feud before any more damage is done.  (You should have seen the art room once the ThreePees attacked the Nerd Girls locked inside.). Now all six girls must work together to represent the Aardvarks at the Academic Septathlon.  If they don’t pull together, there will be consequences.

What I love about this story is the quirky characters.  Meet the Nerd Girls and their nemeses.

  • Maureen hides her insecurities behind a sarcastic humor. In addition try planning revenge on the ThreePees, Maureen has problems at home.  Her missing-for-years dad has suddenly reappeared and wants to fill up some holes.”  Somehow, she manages to inspire others without knowing it.  She just might be a leader
  • Beanpole is the enthusiastic cheerleader and peacemaker and total clutz. Even though her clothes are organized by temperature, she can’t help but see the good in everyone.  Too bad it’s not always there.  Besides on want her “Department Store Mom” to come take care off me.
  • Q is brilliant and stubborn.  She may be their secret weapon if she can survive her allergies and her attempt to cure herself.  She has a fascination with the rules and the word Aardvark.
  • Kiki, leader of the ThreePees, is the ultimate mean girl.  The only thing worse than having to work with the Nerd Girls is having to be beaten yet again by Wynston from Saint Dianne’s.
  • Brittany follows wherever Kiki leads with the constant refrain of “My dad’s a lawyer.”
  • Sofes may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but she knows hair.  She also has a big decision to make That makes her my favorite character.

Now go get your nerd on and pick up a copy to read today.  Did I tell you my copy is even autographed?  Check it out!

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

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Rodman Philbrick has done it again, this time with a rip-snorting adventure through the Civil War.  I don’t normally think of the Civil War as being ripe for humor, but I found myself laughing at Homer P. Figg’s account of his misadventures in tracking down his beloved older brother Harold.  No matter how hard he tries, Homer can’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.  As fast as he escapes from one scrape, he lands smack dab in the middle of another–and usually more dire–fix.  Hang on to your hat as you chuckle through The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Scholastic 2009).

Uncle Squint hoodwinked Harold (who is too young to legally join) into joining the Union Army as a replacement for a rich man’s son.  Uncle Squint is making a good profit off the bargain, but Homer is desperate to rescue his brother before he sees his first battle.  His journey leads him to encounters with murderous slave catchers, clever crooks, a brave conductor on the Underground Railroad, a peaceable Quaker, theatrical medicine shows, and a hot air balloon pilot.  His journey finally leads him straight into the Battle of Gettysburg where he must try to kill Harold in order to save his life.  Homer really doesn’t need to make up stories.  His real adventures are jaw-dropping enough.

Homer’s narration makes this book a rollicking funny read, but interwoven through the laughs is a lot of information about the seedier side of the Civil War.  Homer’s good heart gives it a glow, too.  I like how Mrs. Bean, the Quaker’s cook, expresses it best, ” ‘Never thought a boy could be good and a liar, too.  But you are’ ” (Philbrick 77).

Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates Program. If you decide to make a purchase by clicking on the affiliate links, Amazon will pay me a commission. This commission doesn’t cost you any extra. All opinions are my own.

Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick

I first discovered Jordan Sonnenblick when I read After, Ever After.  As soon as I finished I dug back into my box of books to look for Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie (Scholastic 2004) so I could learn the story of Jeffrey’s big brother Steven.  I was horrified when I couldn’t find it and couldn’t remember who I had lent it to before I read it myself.  Then this week, my daughter dug it out of her room and returned it to me.  Mystery solved!  I was not disappointed.

Steven has it pretty good as he starts 8th grade.  He is one of two middle schoolers in the All-City Jazz Band where he rocks out on drums.  He has a crush on Renee, the hottest girl in school, and enjoys hanging with his best friend and pianist Annette–at least when she’s not being nosy and nagging him to do his homework.  He even tolerates his too-cute and oh-so-annoying little brother Jeffrey.

Then Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, and Jeffrey’s world falls into shambles.  His mom spends night after night away from home in the hospital with Jeffrey while his dad shuts down and stops talking to him at all.  At school, Steven pretends that everything is fine, except for the fact he just quits doing his homework and dazes out class.  Eventually it will all blow up, and no one, not even Steven, can know where all the pieces will fall.

My daughter asked me when she was done, “Do guys really think like that?”  Having only taught and not been a middle school boy, I can’t say for sure, but I suspect that Sonnenblick gets inside the mind of with stunning accuracy.  After all, he was one.  He also gets us inside the mind of life of Steven with humor and compassion.  I can’t wait to share this one with my students–and check out his latest offering, Curveball:  The Year I Lost My Grip.

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen strikes again with a mystery packed with humor and adventure smack in the middle of the Everglades.  Chomp (Alfred A. Knopf 2012) takes sure aim at reality television (Does anyone really believe they reflect reality?), vampires (Whether or not they sparkle), and child abuse (on a more serious note).

Wahoo may be my favorite Hiaasen character yet.  While his dad Mickey wrangles alligators and pythons for dippy reality tv star Derek Badger, Wahoo has to wrangle his dad to keep them from getting fired or worse during the filming of Expedition Survival.  In the midst of chaos and near disaster, Tuna (one tough chick) shows up with a shiner from her father and joins the crew.  Before you know it, there are angry snakes, stunned bats, confused vampires, and a gun-toting dad on a collision course in the Everglades.

Enjoy the trailer below and then find a copy of Chomp to read.

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