Class Clown [Hardcover]

Johanna Hurwitz (Author), Sheila Hamanaka (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

Lucas Cott is one of the smartest kids in Mrs. Hockaday's third grade -- but he is also the most rambunctious. Lucas doesn't mean to be the class clown, so he promises to try to behave, even though it doesn't sound like much fun.

With the best intentions, Lucas still manages to cause the unexpected when he accidentally lets a yardful of autumn leaves loose in his classroom, gets his head stuck in a chair during a school assembly, and even makes a daring bet with Cricket, the class brain. But when Mrs. Hockaday assigns him the part of a clown in their class circus, Lucas knows he would be better as the ringmaster. Can he convince his teacher, or will he always be just the class clown?

This is a warm and funny story about a boy who learns that there's a time and place for everything -- even humor.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Lucas is the most obstreperous pupil in Mrs. Hockaday's third grade. He races pencils and cracks jokes when things seem a bit dull, and he always forgets to raise his hand. When his teacher sends home a note, Lucas vows (although it won't be any fun) to behave in class. Somehow, though, most of his good intentions go awry. Nevertheless, Lucas perseveres, and by the end of the school year Mrs. Hockaday sends him home with another note that cites his improved behavior. Unlike many "class clown" stories, this one includes insights into Lucas's behavior, much of which was not originally intended to be defiant. While one entire chapter has absolutely nothing to do with school or the issue of being a class clownthe rest of the story is told with warmth, humor and a light touch that should appeal to readers. Ages 6-9.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 Hurwitz has created a third-grade classroom full of lively, true-to-life individuals, but Lucas Cott is the real star. A boy full of enthusiasm and an overabundance of engergy, never deliberately misbehaving but always wanting attention, he tries the patience of everyone with whom he interacts. Once again Hurwitz exhibits her talent for creating characters who talk, act, and think just like real kids. Adults are also given three-dimensional treatment, from Lucas' often exasperated teacher, whose patience with him wears thin but never out, to his mother, loving yet harried because of Lucas and her twin toddlers. There are some very funny moments here, as well as some gentle and touching ones. An episode in which Lucas' decision to bring a bagful of fall leaves rather than the one or two his teacher has assigned backfires will make a perfect read-aloud chapter. Realistic dialogue, short sentences in large print, and commonplace situations that sparkle with humor combine to make this a fine choice for children just beginning chapter books. Trev Jones.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company; 1st edition (May 29, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688067239
• ISBN-13: 978-0688067236
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,618,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This was a HILARIOUS book!, November 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Class Clown (Paperback)

I am a 9 year old girl that really enjoyed your book Class Clown. I especially like when Mrs Hochaday was handing out awards and Lucas Cott didn't care if he didn't get a pencil that was half red and half blue. Then when he got an award for the best improved conduct at the end of the year he really did care he that he received the red and blue pencils. I wanted to tell everyone how good your book the Class Clown is. I give it a 5 out of 5 stars for being so funny

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great School Story, August 19, 2006

By 

TheCommish16 (US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Class Clown (Paperback)

Whether you are a teacher, a parent, or a student this is a great and entertaining story of a student named Lucas Cott who is the typical "class clown." However, through the story and the many events, Lucas finds that he enjoys NOT being the class clown more than he does the negative attention. It's a great story of how someone can change thier perspective and then change their behavior! Great story.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a funny book!, June 21, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Class Clown (Hardcover)

Class Clown is awesome. My favorite part was when Lucas put his head through the chair. I liked chapter seven because it was about the circus when Lucas was ringmaster and Julio was a clown. I liked chapter eight because it was the last chapter of the book. Class Clown is the best book!