Customer Reviews

Big Nate on a Roll

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A REVIEW BY ZACH of Madderly Review
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Nate is a boy who is a Timber Scout. This year the Timber Scouts are selling wall hangings. The grand prize for selling the most is a new skateboard. Nate wants to win the skateboard, but he has some competition. BIG NATE ON A ROLL is gut-busting fun for the whole family. I couldn't stop myself from laughing at the comics Nate drew about what was happening in his life. This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. I have loved reading books since I was four. Now I am an active nine, and for me to like a book it has to be a good one. This one was so good I read it twice!!!

As always, I love the Big Nate books. This one still gets 5 stars, even if it wasn't quite as wonderful as the first two. It didn't have as much of a moral to the story as the others had, but it was still a great read. I prefer it to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books as I like Nate better as a character. I have no problems recommending this to any child. The drawings and journal aspect make it easier to read for reluctant readers, and it really is funny!

A few years ago, newspaper comics were something that didn't concern me. While it's true that we all live inside our own bubble, those hour lunches at work give me a chance to check out the local newspaper when I otherwise wouldn't. It's from these brief moments away from the insanity that is retail that I discovered I had a favorite comic strip, or rather comic strips.

It's really hard to explain how I became attracted to Cow and Boy, but the reasons are all two clear when it comes to Big Nate. Ironically, that reason is hinted at on the cover of these books where Jeff Kinney (author of the Wimpy Kid series) is quoted as being a fan of Big Nate. It's not too hard to see the connection between the two, but it's their differences that are of note and what ultimately make Big Nate superior. Kinney's Greg Huffley is brat and there are times where I absolutely loath his selfish behavior. This is never the case with Nate who, while not immune to blissful ignorance of childhood, at least acts like he's part of the universe and not the sole reason for its being.

As it stands, "On a Roll" is another solid outing in a series I hope to follow to it's conclusion. Still, at the same time I can't say this one is a slam dunk like the previous volumes. The best thing I can say about the book is unlike "In a Class of by Himself" I didn't see the ending of this one coming from a mile a way, which was definite buzz kill. This time around, Peirce focuses on Nate's adventures in winning a custom designed skateboard. The overall plot is fine but its laser beam focus comes at the expense of character interaction and variety. For example, despite the opening it's not long before Nate's life at school takes a back seat and that's a setting where Big Nate derives some of it's best humor.

"On a Roll" isn't without its problems but its way too early to hit the panic button. Whereas Kinney has a real problem brewing with his main character in the Wimpy Kid books, Peirce has a long way to go before he even gets close to such a conundrum.

I can certainly see the attraction to the Big Nate books, but this one isn't winning any awards any time soon. The protagonist and narrator is a kid named Nate who is self-centered and selfish. I found that the book deals with children's thoughts honestly, but I thought there was the occasion of inappropriate vocabulary. I was also flustered with Nate's apparent dislike of and obvious lack of interest in school. There are no "ah-ha" moments where Nate really learns a lesson, so he continues to be a static character throughout the entire book- with only the hint of a possible lesson at the end. The author could have really done more at the end to help readers get the full understanding of that possible lesson, but I can't say more without spoiling the book. The book is written to be in the same genre as "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid", but it not nearly as interesting or witty. In fact, I felt like the author tried too hard to make things funny without letting the story create the humor. The comics are cute, and the author integrated a "secret code" that children might find interesting. The secret messages, however, are dull and pointless.

Before purchasing this book, realize that kids are reading it only for humor they see in Nate and the way Nate views other characters. Nate describes characters in unflattering terms which are supposed to create humor, and for children it probably does. Unfortunately, Nate never realizes that his attitude is part of what causes all of his problems. I wish I had read these books before I let my son read them. Since I've only read this one, I cannot comment on the contents of the other books, but if they are written as this one, prepare for flat plot lines, poorly-developed characters, and a lack of a contribution to moral development. If you are okay with reading a book that is slightly funny, it's okay.

I love all of the Big Nate books, but this one is the best. I read it in one day!

I bought this book for my 9 year old son. He loved it. Read it in about 4 days and he cannot wait to read the next.

My sons love the Big Nate series. They have read all of the books in the series. They especially loved this book and read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

big nate is the best book I ever read. My favorite part of the book was when nate gets to much detention. this is the best book ever.

My son just turned 8 years old/2nd Grade and LOVED this book. He read it in 24 Hours. He was so excited to read this book that he wanted to take it with him so he could read it to and from school. I think I like this character better than the Diary of Whimpy kids' books. Big Nate books will definitely be on his Christmas list as suggestions for others...

This came over night which was great since it was a birthday present. My grandson loves these books and wants the whole collection.