Five-Finger Discount [Paperback]

Barthe DeClements (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Five-Finger Discount is the story of fifth-grader Jerry Johnson, whose father is in prison a fact Jerry desperately wishes to keep a secret. Unfortunately slimy Edward Troller knows and threatens to tell the whole school.Recipient of the Pen Center USA West 1989 Literary Award

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- This novel is unlikely to achieve the popularity of other DeClements books such as Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade (Viking, 1981), but it is a credible story with enough action to keep many children reading. Fifth-grade Jerry Johnson has transferred to a new school near Seattle. His father is in prison--a fact which one unsavory fourth grader uses to try to obtain hush money. Jerry acquires an ally in the girl next door. Wanting to help his mother by obtaining an expensive pair of comfortable shoes for her to wear on her waitress job, Jerry steals the shoes, which he explains is a "five-finger discount." When his father is released from prison and Jerry confesses the theft to him, they both make a wish that they will "always be straight," although Jerry says, "I wasn't sure in my heart if he could keep his. But I knew I would keep mine." Readers are to find out what happens to Jerry in two sequels. Well-rounded characterizations and believable dialogue, along with realistic portrayals of family relationships and friendships, elevate this above the typical problem novel. Values are presented smoothly within the context of the story. --Ronald A. Van De Voorde, Graduate Library School, University of Arizona, Tucson
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A smoothly plotted...narrative is strengthened by characters who are thoroughly believable." -- The Horn Book

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse (September 8, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595007805
• ISBN-13: 978-0595007806
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,849,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it back then, love it still!, February 27, 2011

By 

S. Shaw - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Five-Finger Discount (Paperback)

We read this book when I was in fifth grade. Now, I am a teacher myself and use this book in my own classroom. I just love how both main characters are PK's (a prisoner's kid and a preacher's kid.) A great realistic fiction story that students can relate to.

5.0 out of 5 stars love this author, May 10, 2010

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Jann L. Komotos (St. Louis, MO United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Five-Finger Discount (Paperback)

you cannot go wrong with any of these books. My daughter is 10 and loved the book