Mighty Monty: More First-Grade Adventures [Hardcover]

Johanna Hurwitz (Author), Anek McGrory (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: Monty

Monty is mighty enough to take karate in a funny, true-to-life sequel with surefi re appeal for early chapter-book readers.

Monty Gerald Morris may be small and shy, but he's a mighty smart kid and an A+ reader. In an endearing follow-up to Mostly Monty, the quiet first-grader continues to come into his own — playing the part of a tree in a comically miscued school play, sharing his enthusiasm for ants at an outdoor birthday party, even signing up for karate class despite his asthma. Once again, Johanna Hurwitz finds gentle humor in everyday situations and offers a charming portrayal of a likable character many young readers will relate to.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1–3—First-grader Montgomery Gerald Morris, hero of Mostly Monty (Candlewick, 2007), has returned. In this title, he inherits a large collection of old magazines from his neighbor (and must dispose of them), plays the part of a tree in the class play, attends a friend's birthday party, and joins a karate class. Monty, who is shy, smart, and responsible, faces situations that young readers are sure to identify with. He makes progress in overcoming typical fears, like performing in front of a crowd, by the end of the story. Though his asthma, which he struggled with in the first book, is mostly under control, it still plays a factor in many of his decisions, such as what sports he can play or which friends' houses he can visit. With a large font size and frequent illustrations, this title is ideal for new chapter-book readers, especially those who are fans of Hurwitz's previous books or who won't be put off by reading about a child who may be younger than themselves.—Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

In the sequel to Mostly Monty (2007), first-grader Monty has asthma, which keeps him from playing sports or going into houses with furry pets—even for a birthday party. Monty makes the best of what he can do, though, talking his reluctant mother into letting him try karate lessons and finding a safe way to attend the party. Even readers who do not have to deal with asthma or an overprotective parent will see something of themselves in Monty. And the fact that he reads above his grade level makes this quietly involving book a good choice for children who do the same. Grades 1-3. --Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763629774
• ISBN-13: 978-0763629779
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.6 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,022,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars My son could not relate, November 26, 2011

By 

P.R. (Chicago) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mighty Monty: More First-Grade Adventures (Paperback)

The reviews for this book were great, and we are getting into chapter books now that my son is in 1st grade. After a fallout with Junie B. Jones, I got hits book. It was not a hit. I had to explain to my son what is asthma. Also the boy is such a good reader - too advanced for any 1st graders I know. That was a little bit overwhelming for my son. He never got into the story - he just couldn't relate. It is written well, and for the right kind of child would be a nice chapter book. We are moving on to the Magic Tree House series, and my 1st grader loves it!

5.0 out of 5 stars MIGHTY MONTY is an endearing and enchanting chapter book, June 18, 2010

By 

A Customer (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mighty Monty: More First-Grade Adventures (Hardcover)

His full name is Montgomery Gerald Morris, but everyone calls this sweet and eager first grader "Monty." Because of his asthma, Monty doesn't own a pet, sometimes has trouble keeping up with the other kids, and can't join any of the school's sports teams. But otherwise, he tries not to let his condition get in his way.

Monty has another challenge in his young life: he tends to be a bit shy. He doesn't like standing up in front of crowds, fearful that he'll make a mistake and get mocked by others. One day, his teacher announces that the class is going to put on a play about helping the environment, and Monty gets the part of a tree. He's allowed to choose which type of tree he'd like to be, and all the students make their own costumes. Monty is so nervous to deliver his lines before an audience, but the class practices very hard. It does help somewhat that his costume will hide him from the eyes of all the spectators. But what if he messes up and everyone laughs at him?

Meanwhile, two neighbor girls who take karate class invite Monty to join them. Monty's parents are worried that the karate will be too much for his asthma, but they agree to give it a try. Monty does have a bit of trouble keeping up, though he sticks with it. Then comes the exhibition, where the students stand up in front of their family and friends to show what they've learned. Monty's shyness kicks back in, and he's afraid. He won't even have a tree costume to hide behind. Will he be able to face his fears?

Johanna Hurwitz has written many books for children, and this is her second about the amazing Monty. Readers will find the first grader very relatable, seeing many of their own challenges mirrored in this likable boy. Hurwitz writes with a flowing, non-littered style, with lots of action to keep the story moving. She also has a wonderful sense of humor and an amazing connection to her young readers. Anik McGrory provides beautiful illustrations throughout, adding her own spice of delight. MIGHTY MONTY is an endearing and enchanting chapter book.