Planet Middle School [Hardcover]

Nikki Grimes (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 13, 2011 | Age Range: 10 and up | Lexile Measure: 680L (What's this?)

For twelve years, Joylin Johnson's life has been just fine, thank you very much. A game of basketball with the boys-especially her friend Jake-was all it took to put a smile on her face. Baggy jeans, T-shirt, and hair in a ponytail were easy choices. Then suddenly the world seemed to turn upside down, and everything changed at once. Her best girl friend is now flirting with her best guy friend. Her clothes seem all wrong. Jake is acting weird, and basketball isn't the same. And worst of all, there is this guy, Santiago, who appears from . . . where? What lengths will Joy go to-and whom will she become-to attract his attention?

In short poems that perfectly capture the crazy feelings of adolescence and first crushes, award-winning author Nikki Grimes has crafted a delightful, often hilarious, hearttugging story.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

NIKKI GRIMES is the author of many highly acclaimed books for young readers, including the bestseller Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope; and the Coretta Scott King honor books Jazmin's Notebook, Dark Sons, and The Road to Paris.

www.nikkigrimes.com

Product Details

• Age Range: 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (September 13, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599902842
• ISBN-13: 978-1599902845
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #272,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Nikki Grimes conveyed the fire-in-the-belly fervor of a Harlem girl who knows she was born to write in Jazmin's Notebook, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book. In My Man Blue, a Booklist Editor's Choice and Newsweek Children's Books of the Year selection, her artful words expressed a boy's journey from skepticism to trust. And now with Bronx Masquerade she presents a rich chorus of eighteen voices, singing openly about ideas, feelings, and questions--things that open minds, invite debate, provide release. A recent Booklist review proclaims: "As always, Grimes gives young people exactly what they're looking for--real characters who show them they are not alone."An accomplished poet, novelist, journalist, and educator, Ms. Grimes was born and raised in New York City and now lives in the Los Angeles area.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick read, wonderful book. December 10, 2011

By Lori Katz

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

See above for full synopsis.

Told in short poems Planet Middle School explores so many themes it's hard to believe the book is only 154 pages and a delightfully quick read. Joylin is a tomboy and an awesome basketball player. She tries to teach her artist younger brother to play in the hope that their dad will notice him more. She's dealing with her body changing against her will and her best friends (one a boy, one a girl) are trying to make her understand she's still the same person. She's experiencing her first crush.

This book is recommended for girls in grades 6 and up. Reluctant readers will be drawn to it's quick pace and easy to read style while appreciating Nikki Grimes' understanding of what tweens/young teens are going through. I laughed and cried and loved it from the opening poem to the closing one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the kind of story any middle-school girl can relate to November 11, 2011

By KidsReads

Format:Hardcover

Every kid on the planet goes through a time in their lives when everything goes topsy-turvy. Their bodies change, their moods change, their attitudes change, and life seems like it's completely different from what it was just yesterday.

Awarding-winning author Nikki Grimes understands the concept perfectly as is evidenced by the true-to-life characters in her latest book. Her main character, Joylin Johnson, feels like she has been dropped onto "Planet Middle School" by an alien spaceship. She keeps hoping the aliens will come and get her, and take her back to her old world on the "normal" planet Earth.

During middle school, Joylin suddenly starts noticing boys, and one in particular. She is a tomboy who plays a mean game of basketball, and up to this point, hoops has been the main focus of her day. But now she exchanges her usual attire of baggy jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes for skirts, fitted shirts and heels --- and even makeup --- all in an effort to get Santiago to pay attention to her. She is not comfortable changing her complete look, but does so because she feels it's important that he notices her.

When he doesn't, her best friends --- Keelee, a preacher's kid, and Jake, who has been her basketball buddy forever --- tell her that she needs to just be herself and quit trying to change who she is to impress anybody.

This is the kind of story any middle-school girl can relate to. Each chapter contains a short poem, and the writing is lively and expressive, making the text interesting to read (even if you're not a big fan of poetry). The point of the book comes across with humor and realism as Nikki Grimes shines a light on the inner workings of a preteen's brain.

Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Joy has entered Planet Middle School... September 17, 2011

By INSPIREDMOMIE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Planet Middle School is a great read, told in poems, about a tomboy who is beginning to grow up and discover herself.

I'm trying to go through this review as unbiased as I can because I love Nikki Grime's works. Though this isn't my favorite, this is at least in my top 15.

Joylin is experiencing the 'joys' (pun and sarcasm intended) of growing up into a teenager. She can't even get through a game of basketball without getting distracted by the boys. Her best friends are beginning to make those googly eyes at each other. AND her body is changing without her permission. Can things get any worse?

The plot is explored territory, but this is a very interesting take on going through 'The Changes'. This includes finding your style and becoming your own person, rather than being a clone of someone else.

The writing is great. Though I'm usually not a fan of books told in poetry, this is probably the best I have read. Some of the metaphors used are very nice, but Joylin's voice shines through. Since she is witty and tomboy-ish, there wouldn't be anything 'beautiful' per se.
The poetry wouldn't let the personalities of the minor characters (not Joylin, given it's inside her head), so I guess I can't comment on that.

The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it didn't delve deeper into the mind. If anything, the poetry just scratches the surface of what it's like to be going through 'The Changes'. And I wish it could have been thicker.

Overall, Planet Middle School is a great read, though very thin. Only 160 pages. If you're looking for a read that will make you laugh big and gasping at it's honesty, this book is for you.