Lizard Meets Ivana The Terrible [Hardcover]

C. Anne Scott (Author), Stephanie Roth (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up

Lizzie looked out the window at the pair of friends talking and laughing on their way to the bus. She wished making a new friend were as easy as making cheese and crackers.

Lizzie Gardner must begin at a new school in the middle of the year. She hopes this might be the school where she'll finally be brave enough to make some friends. But before long, the class bully starts calling Lizzie names, and Lizzie is too shy to stick up for herself. That's when the school weirdo--Ivana the Terrible--comes to her rescue.

Lizzie is afraid of Ivana at first. But soon Lizzie discovers that she and Ivana have a lot in common, especially their love for animals and reading. Maybe Lizzie will make a best friend after all.

C. Anne Scott tells a tender and humorous story about an unusual friendship. Stephanie Roth's sweet and funny illustrations perfectly depict these endearing misfits.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Scott's (Old Jake's Skirts) overwritten novel introduces a shy third-grader who starts at a new school in the spring. Lizzie moves in with her Texas grandmother from Florida while her widower father is off on a Coast Guard cruise. Her classmates include some overly familiar stereotypes: smart-mouthed Brady nicknames her "Lizard" and teases her relentlessly but, of course, he is actually sweet on her; the snooty, nearly identical Tiffy and Crystal badmouth their peers and suggest that only they are worthy of Lizzie's friendship. Predictably, the newcomer ignores their advice and befriends the primary target of their ridiculeAoutspoken, unruly coifed Ivana, who shares Lizzie's passion for reading. Heavy-handed imagery ("The house was a dance of color, like a flower bouquet," describes Ivana's home) and belabored prose (in response to some good news, "Mrs. Lula's students went goofy, making faces at each other, laughing, saying "YES," and squeaking each other's balloon hats") diminish the novel's credibility and keep readers at arm's length. Though often cumbersome, this tale may offer some comfort to those facing a new school experience, and Roth's affectionate drawings of the buddies helps to keep the tone light. Ages 7-10. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Many students will identify with this slice of school life. On her first day of third grade at Morningside Elementary, Lizzie Gardener's teacher seats her right behind "Ivana the Terrible." Unlike most of the children in the class, Ivana dresses in striped overalls and big hiking boots, and she has wild black hair. "She can turn you to stone with one stare," one girl warns. "She's so scary...she even cracked the mirror in the girls' bathroom," cautions another. Anxious to fit in at school, Lizzie hopes she can avoid her classmate. But when the two become journal partners and must write to each other everyday, Lizzie soon learns that there isn't anything "terrible" about Ivana and they become fast friends. Children will enjoy the handwritten journal entries scattered throughout the title. Animated pencil illustrations add to the playful flavor of this chapter book for transitional readers.
Carolyn Stacey, Jefferson County Public Library, Golden, CO
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805060936
• ISBN-13: 978-0805060935
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,306,332 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Greak book with a universal message, October 19, 2009

By 

tig23 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lizard Meets Ivana The Terrible (Paperback)

I work with secondary students who have reading problems. My students have enjoyed both of C. Anne Scott's books, Old Jake's Skirts and Lizard Meets Ivana the Terrible. The books are easy for them to read and keep them entertained. Both books have messages that kids outside the "norm" can relate to. I really enjoyed reading both these books as well, and the illustrations are well done - especially in Old Jakes' Skirts. Both books are positive in nature, but never preachy. I highly recommend both.

5.0 out of 5 stars My 7 year-old daughter's all-time favorite book, September 25, 2005

By 

B. Zimmerman (Mound, Minnesota United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lizard Meets Ivana The Terrible (Paperback)

WOW - wonderful story about children's relationships, starting in a new school, and best friends. My daughter is a very picky reader, but this was her all-time favorite.

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!, June 2, 2004

By 

Sarah Jenkins (Dallas,Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lizard Meets Ivana The Terrible (Paperback)

Hey! This is the greatest book! I HIGHLY suggest it! It is great for kids that are starting a new school or just a leisurely book!
It taught me to give everbody a chance!!!