FIRST GRADE TAKES A TEST [Paperback]

Miriam Cohen (Author), Lillian Hoban (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1995

Who's the smartest person in the first grade? When the teacher hands out a test, everybody can't wait to find out. But only lucky Anna Maria does well enough to move to a special class. Is getting the best grade all that matters?

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Although Cohen's story originally appeared in 1980, with pictures by Lillian Hoban, this newly illustrated version couldn't be more timely. One day the first-graders are given a special multiple-choice test by the principal. Some kids find the questions puzzling. Then, suddenly, time's up. Anna Maria announces, "That was easy."But many kids are confused and upset, and "You're a dummy!" echoes through the class, which only settles down when the kindly teacher reminds the children of all the things they do understand. Veteran author Cohen's sensitivity to children's feelings and reactions really shows here, and it's just as on point now as it was all those years ago. Himler was a good choice to update the art. It's a cozy multicultural classroom now, with kids working closely together, and Himler's loose-lined, pencil-and-watercolor pictures skillfully use body language and facial expressions to chart the children's emotional highs and lows. There's little question that kids who have had similar experiences will recognize themselves. A wonderful book for discussion. Stephanie Zvirin
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

...the current emphasis on assessment makes its message as timely as ever. --Book Notes

Veteran author Cohen [shows] sensitivity to [the feelings of children] and the book is just as on point now as it was years ago. Himler was a good choice to update the art. It is a cozy multicultural classroom now, with kids working closely together, and [the] loose-lined, pencil-and-watercolor pictures skillfully use body language and facial expression to chart the emotional highs and lows [of the children]. There is little question that kids who have had similar experiences will recognize themselves. A wonderful book for discussion. --Booklist

First Grade Takes a Test celebrates the importance of all types of learning: reading and math as well as social skills and the importance of not reading too much into a rigorous but limited test, especially at a young age. Highly recommended. --Midwest Book Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (August 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440410932
• ISBN-13: 978-0440410935
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,287,963 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars required reading for elementary students!!, April 18, 2001

By 

Chess Heart "paxbear" (Canton, OH) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: FIRST GRADE TAKES A TEST (Paperback)

..."First Grade Takes a Test” is an excellent, multicultural book that should be in every elementary classroom, especially Kindergarten thru 3rd grades...For it’s use in demonstrating that the really important things in life aren’t measurable, and even as a tool for helping students understand and interpret poorly worded questions (and there will always be a handful of them on any standardized test), the book is invaluable. Highly recommended from this early childhood teacher.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars First grade takes a test, September 28, 2000

By 

Louise Jorgensen (Roosevelt, Utah United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FIRST GRADE TAKES A TEST (Paperback)

Very enjoyable and reader friendly. Children relate to the situation, especially with the current pressure of standardized testing by the state agencies. Children love the ending... Friends are more important then testing results...

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fond memories..., December 4, 2009

By 

J. L. Dorsey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: First Grade Takes a Test (Paperback)

I remember this book fondly from my childhood, I used to read it to my little sister who is 4 years younger than me. I still remember her reaction "First Grade Takes A Test was good!" I was so proud that i could read it and was a special moment between us.