Expecting the Unexpected [Paperback]

Mavis Jukes (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up

A hilarious look at life in the sixth grade follows Mrs. Gladys B. Furley, R.N., Human Interaction teacher, and her innovative approach to sex education, an approach that reassures twelve-year-old River about the awful mysteries of becoming a teenager.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

PW called this comedy of sixth-grade manners "full of broad humor and not-so-subtle ironies," and praised Jukes as "well attuned to preadolescent concerns and attitudes about puberty." Ages 10-up.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7?Trying to finish homework about changes a woman's body goes through during pregnancy; feeling left out by classmates; absorbing information she gets from the new sex-ed teacher; vying for the Class with Class Award; and having a sister who's moody, tired, and sick and a mother who acts crazy are all challenges for 12-year-old River. While "expecting the unexpected," her period, she nearly misses the fact that someone in her own home is expecting a baby, and it's not who she first suspects. Once again, Jukes treats a sensitive subject in an innovative way. However, while the novel would serve as a good springboard for discussion, the focus on menstruation throughout most of it becomes overdone and repetitive. This is unfortunate, for family dynamics at the end of the story are poignant and perceptive while still humorously handled. Jukes is terrific at capturing adolescent concerns and really shines in portraying characters and relationships. River is spirited yet sweet. And no reader will forget her teacher, Mr. Elmo, with his Oriole's baseball cap, or the principal, Mrs. McPhearson, who performs "La Bamba" on a karaoke machine, or River's mom, who dances with a finch in the yard.?Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (February 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440412277
• ISBN-13: 978-0440412274
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,916,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I DO RECCOMEND, May 8, 2000

By 

hope irene (Ohio, Usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Expecting the Unexpected (Paperback)

This book was exsquisted! 12-year old River is in a Sixth grade sex ed class where she learns the expeience of having a child. At home the things she learns are real. But the one she thinks is pregnant might not be at all. I won't spoil the ending for you but I suggest all pre-teens read this.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good!, April 22, 2001

By 

Jill (America) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Expecting the Unexpected (Paperback)

I found this at my local bookstore and I thought that the colorful cover looked appealing. The book was very interesting. 11-12 year olds should read it! I recommend it for any girl who is starting puberty.

5.0 out of 5 stars **Very good for any Pre-teen girl**, May 19, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Expecting the Unexpected (Paperback)

I saw this book at a local bookstore and decided it looked very interesting. Upon reading the first page I was intrigued! A heartwarming exciting story about a girl just beginning puberty. A must-read for any 11-13 year old!