Owen Foote, Second Grade Strongman [Bargain Price] [Hardcover]

Stephanie Greene (Author), Dee Derosa (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 1996

Owen, a second grader who is being teased for his small size, discovers that his friend Joseph is just as concerned about being overweight, and they share their fear of being humiliated by the school nurse on the annual weigh-in day.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The good-natured star of Greene's debut novel, Owen Foote, Second Grade Strongman, returns, now old enough to play in the big-time town soccer league. Even though his best friend, Joseph, has never played soccer before and can't run or kick, Owen has talked him into signing up for the team. However, when Walter, the team bully, ridicules Joseph's abilities in front of the other players, Owen denies he's Joseph's friend. Thus Greene sets the field for what is bound to be an about-face on Owen's part, and the earnest boy obliges. He courageously speaks out against the coach's plan to divide the team into two groups based on skill (which would separate him from Joseph) and delivers a much-deserved comeuppance to Walter (even though it entails a soccer maneuver of questionable legality). Making her tale even sunnier, Greene finds a comfortable position for the bumbling Joseph, who shines playing in goal. Owen's close rapport with his parents and older sister adds extra warmth to this accessible novel, whose brief sentences, limited vocabulary and cheery drawings make it a good pick for those ready to graduate from picture books. Imparted with humor, the author's message about the importance of being a true friend will escape no youngster. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3?In the privacy of his bedroom, undersized, skinny Owen and his overweight friend, Joseph, share concerns about their bodies. Both boys hope that weightlifting and learning about Owen's grandfather, who was a professional strongman, will bring about some positive change. They dread the upcoming height-and-weight-chart day since the school nurse broadcasts each child's measurements and her opinions about them to everyone within earshot. This year, Owen is horrified to find himself standing up to her. Naturally, this results in a trip to the principal's office and reprimands from his parents, but he also has a quiet heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Jackson that proves helpful to them both. In this delightful first novel, Greene demonstrates her understanding of second graders. Her realistic portrayal of school life is punctuated with lively, natural dialogue and conveys the humor as well as the concerns of seven-year-olds. Owen and Joseph are fully realized characters with a strong, supportive friendship. The author's light treatment of a subject of interest to children, as well as the short chapters and often comical black-and-white illustrations, make this an attractive choice for beginning chapter-book readers.?Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; 1 edition (March 18, 1996)
• ISBN-10: 0395720982
• ASIN: B000C4SQXM
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #599,023 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephanie Greene is the author of many books for young readers, including the popular Owen Foote books. Ms. Greene lives in Chapel Hill, N.C. Her website is www.stephaniegreenebooks.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S SOOOO GREAT!!!!!!, July 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Owen Foote, Soccer Star (Hardcover)

I have read the two Owen Foote books that she has written so far and they are both ABSOLUTELY STELLAR!!!!!!! Even though I am 13 I have read both many times. The lessons in life they taught me are spectacular and I learned so much about how to be a nice homo sapien. I wish Stephanie would write many more books in this spectacular series!!!!!!!!!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Think that this is a great sequel!!!, May 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Owen Foote, Soccer Star (Hardcover)

I am the authors son, Oliver who is meant to be the inspiration for her writing the Owen Foote series. I think that my mom is pretty good at understanding children like me and trying to write realistically. She does not know that I am writing this, but I hope one day she will see it. I remember the happy day when she sold the book, and I am proud for her. I think that all young soccer players will enjoy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Positive characters and a good message, June 21, 2011

By 

Holly Borham - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Owen Foote, Super Spy (Owen Foots) (Paperback)

This is a series that I am thrilled to have found for my son. We've read some others where 2nd/3rd graders "hate school" and call things "stupid" all the time. That approach might get a lot of laughs, but in the end, those are not the kind of characters I think kids should emulate. Owen, on the other hand, has spunk AND good manners. His family is supportive and reacts to his mishap (spying on the principal and getting caught) in the way you would hope parents would. His older sister gives him a hard time, but is also a good listener and ultimately is an invaluable friend to her younger brother. There are some really funny scenes, along with lots of gentle humor throughout. The author provides little lessons all along the way about friendship, trust, honesty and responsibility, without seeming heavy-handed. I think her characterization of 2nd grade boys is spot on and she gives voice to what they may be thinking, but don't quite know how to articulate. Thank you, Ms. Greene!