In My Life as a Book, twelve-year-old Derek’s carefree summer is ruined by at least 6 things:
1. He’s dubbed a reluctant reader.
2. An overzealous mom who is a constant book-pusher.
3. Trumped-up charges for kidnapping a chimpanzee from his mom's veterinary office.
4. Learning camp. (Derek’s punishment for the alleged crime in #3.)
5. Reading strategies. (Derek’s teachers and camp leader teach him things like visualizing--ugh!)
6. A mysterious death. (Did Derek kill someone?)
The cartoons in the margins might appeal to Wimpy Kid
fans, and the light-hearted, almost silly humor, will probably appeal to most young readers. Reluctant readers might identify with Derek and adopt his favorite pastime: Drawing pictures to help himself learn vocabulary words.
Disclosure: I asked the publisher if I could have a copy because I wanted to write about it here if I liked it.
1. He’s dubbed a reluctant reader.
2. An overzealous mom who is a constant book-pusher.
3. Trumped-up charges for kidnapping a chimpanzee from his mom's veterinary office.
4. Learning camp. (Derek’s punishment for the alleged crime in #3.)
5. Reading strategies. (Derek’s teachers and camp leader teach him things like visualizing--ugh!)
6. A mysterious death. (Did Derek kill someone?)
The cartoons in the margins might appeal to Wimpy Kid
fans, and the light-hearted, almost silly humor, will probably appeal to most young readers. Reluctant readers might identify with Derek and adopt his favorite pastime: Drawing pictures to help himself learn vocabulary words.Disclosure: I asked the publisher if I could have a copy because I wanted to write about it here if I liked it.
