Guinea Pigs Don't Talk [Hardcover]

Laurie Myers (Author), Cheryl Taylor (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 1994 | Age Level: 5 and up

On Lisa's first day at a new school, she and bossy classmate Angel begin playing a series of tricks on each other, with the class guinea pigs as unwitting accomplices. The conflict escalates until Lisa devises a creative plan for converting her new enemies into friends.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4-A short, enjoyable book about friendship and school problems. Lisa gets into trouble on her first day at her new school. When the teacher asks her to change the paper in one of the guinea pigs' cages, Angel, a troublemaker, tells her to put the two animals together. This proves to be a big mistake-they fight, and one loses part of an ear. Angry, Lisa decides on a plan of revenge. Feelings run high as she and Angel play embarrassing tricks on each other. Finally, Lisa realizes that she is making more enemies than friends, and she comes up with a way to establish a truce with Angel. Told mainly through conversations with only brief descriptions and minimal character development, this story is a quick read. An additional purchase for lightweight reading.
Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. Lisa Rogers, a new girl in Mrs. Flowers' class, is eager to make friends. Seatmate Traci Walters seems like a good possibility, but two other students, Angel and Joe, make it clear they want nothing to do with Lisa. They embark on a series of pranks aimed at her, involving Bruiser and Squeaky, the class guinea pigs. Things escalate as Lisa and Traci carry out a few dirty tricks of their own, and the four land in big trouble with Mrs. Flowers. Finally, Lisa negotiates a truce acceptable to everyone, leaving open the possibility of future friendships. Myers handles typical childhood issues with a humorous touch, and her characters are believably drawn. This first chapter book, reminiscent of The Gadget War (1991), written by Myers' sister, Betsy Duffey, will appeal to readers looking for funny books or stories involving animals. Kay Weisman

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; First Edition edition (September 23, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395689678
• ISBN-13: 978-0395689677
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,635,892 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Laurie Myers is the award-winning author of chapter books for children, including Surviving Brick Johnson, an ALA Notable book, and Lewis and Clark and Me, winner of the Pennsylvania Children's book award and Honor book for Michigan. Her books have been on the International Reading Association's Children's Choice, Teachers' Choice and Parents' Choice lists, as well as Junior Library Guild selection and many state master lists and nominations for the Crown Award.

She has collaborated with her sister, Betsy Duffey and her mother Betsy Byars on several popular books, which have been nominated for state awards and won the Louisiana and South Carolina children's book awards.

She lives in Augusta, Georgia with her husband, their dog, Samson and their cat, Venus.

www.lauriemyers.com
www.writingsisters.com