Customer Reviews

Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head

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4 star:		(4)
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What I like about Samantha Hansen is that she is not one of those extra cutesy or overly precocious characters who seem able to get out of any situation no matter how preposterous. She's real, and her issues (learning how to handle her temper; dealing with the death of her father and how it affects her family) are real, and she overcomes them with a believable intelligence and a wonderful sense of self. Samantha's love for rocks and all things geological is catching, and Nancy Viau's writing is subtle as she introduces facts about rocks into the story without ever sacrificing plot. The main character may be a very intelligent girl but this book is for girls and boys (my 10-year-old son is very much looking forward to reading it). Samantha Hansen is a welcome addition to the canon of modern children's literature, and I look forward to reading more of Sam's adventures in the future.

Ten year old Samantha Hansen is a mad scientist. Not the crazy kind- she doesn't blow stuff up or mix up potions. She just loves science (especially rocks) and figuring out how the world around her works. But there are some things there just isn't a scientific answer for, like why her bossy big sister can't seem to keep her hands off Sam's rock collection. Or why Sam can't control her temper. And there are some bigger questions, too, like: Why did her father have to die, and why won't her mom talk about him anymore?

When Sam's mom announces an upcoming family trip to the Grand Canyon, it's a dream come true. But it's also a challenge: If Sam can't learn to put a lid on her temper and ignore her irritating sister, she's going to miss her chance to see one of the worlds biggest rocks, and maybe find out the answers to some of her questions.

I don't usually read MG novels, but I might have to start incorporating more of them! I absolutely loved Samantha Hansen has Rocks in Her Head! It was such a cute and funny novel and it was also very moving. I couldn't help but love Samantha's character! I remember having my own rock collection and digging in the yard. I even had a rock tumbler that would make the rocks smooth and shiny! After finishing the book I was inspired to dig out my old rock collection! The plot itself is not only charming but it is multi layered. As well as Samantha's constant hunger for learning about things around her, Viau also touches on a more serious note. Samantha finally is able to discuss the death of her father with her mother, and learns that having a big sister isn't always a bad thing. I would absolutely recommend this as a great read to MG readers!

If you're tired of stale, moping characters, and too-sugary-sweet storylines in your middle grade novels, then you have to check out this book. Finally, there's a girl whose hilarious imperfections will keep you laughing all the way through the story. With a sharp wit and a short temper, Samantha Hansen isn't afraid to speak up for herself.

But if she can't learn to bite her tongue, Sam's mom won't take her to the Grand Canyon for a rock-lover's dream vacation. And Sam loves rocks. She's gaga for rocks. And lists, too. It's all part of the love of science Sam inherited from her dad who died years earlier. As Sam searches for information about her father, a touching storyline emerges which Viau has deftly woven in, adding depth and heart to this otherwise adorable book.

With sassy humor and a winning character coupled with a high-stakes plot and cool science facts, there's something for every reader in this book. SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD is "ab-so-lutely" hysterical, and I can't wait to see more of Sam in the future!

Samantha must learn to control her temper before she misses the chance to explore the world's grandest canyon. If her mom could just understand how frustrating a big sister is, she wouldn't threaten Sam with the possibility of staying behind during the family's first vacation since dad died.

After all, it isn't Sam's fault her feet tend to whip out and kick the people who make her mad. Especially That Kid Richard at school. The one who tells everyone Sam has rocks in her head.

Mad Scientist, Samantha Hansen, is ab-so-lutely precocious--a delight from her rock-filled head to her errant feet.

She's lovable and full of the kind of spirit that makes for a lasting character. Nancy Viau weaves in seamless science lessons, sure to slide by young readers as casual plot, until they pop up and help them during science tests.

This is a fun middle grade book perfect for chapter book readers who love to connect with quirky characters. Readers will identify with Sam's temper and her need to control it in order to get the things she wants.

Science-loving kids and school librarians take note!

Off to turn another page....

This review was cross posted at YA (& Kids) Books Central
www.yabookscentral.com

By Regular Contributor, Julie M. Prince
www.juliemprince.com

Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves rocks. And bugs. And fossils. She keeps an organized notebook filled with lists about her favorite rocks, the rocks she hopes to find, what she knows about planets, butterflies, and anything else related to science. She also makes lists like why she'd trade in Jen, her older sister, for a turtle.

Samantha's good at science. Jen is good at getting her sister in trouble. She messes with Samantha's rock collection, but it's Samantha who gets in trouble for yelling. Jen plays her music much too loudly for a hard-working, conscientious scientist, and when Samantha very nicely asks her to turn it down, she refuses. So, again, Samantha's mom tells Samantha to count to ten to avoid losing her temper. Jen gets away with everything and Samantha's always the one in trouble.

When Mom announces plans for a scientist's dream vacation to the Grand Canyon, Samantha knows she'll have to learn to control her temper or Mom will decide she can't go. But when Richard Frey says she has rocks in her head, and trips her on purpose, Samantha loses it and gets sent home from school for kicking him back. She knows she'll have to plan something big so her mom will still let her go to the Grand Canyon. But she'll need Jen's help.

SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD by Nancy Viau is a delightful story. Samantha is full of energy and is on a quest to learn everything scientific. But on her trip to the Grand Canyon, she learns more than facts about rocks and fossils. Before she returns home, she'll find a caring sister, discover a proud mother, and learn more about her list-making dad whom she doesn't remember. And as a reader, don't be surprised if you learn a little bit of science before you turn the last page. This is a terrific read for any 8-12 year old.

Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

Samantha Hansen LOVES science, especially rocks. She knows tons about them: the different kinds, which ones are fluorescent, and where to find which kinds. What Samantha doesn't understand is why others won't bow to her scientific prowess, how to control her temper long enough to make it to the Grand Canyon (the coolest rock of all time), and how to get even with That Kid Richard.

Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head is a really cute Middle Reader that encourages kids to love science and strive for self-improvement (even if it is only for ulterior motives). Samantha is spunky and self-confident and I love that in a little girl.

Though this is a basically clean little read, I hesitate to hand it over to my seven-year-old daughter. Tell me I'm in denial, but I don't want her thinking about maybe liking that boy because he's nice to her and kinda cute, just yet. And Samantha does carry an attitude of general disrespect for the adults in her life (is there no adult she doesn't think is helpless without her?). I know much of it is general kid stuff, but I still live in the fantasy world that children have some semblance of respect for their elders. I will hand it to the author, though, that Samantha makes great strides towards improving her attitude and relationships.

Overall, this is really a page turner, teaches good things--about science, controlling your temper and getting along with others--and will appeal to many kids. But a mom might want to read through it and first give her child the don't-you-dare-act-like-that talk.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed this reviewer's comment on respect.

Loved this book! The storyline is fun and real and every reader can identify with Samantha! Viau does an excellent job! The book is has some great humor, hidden and overt!

This was a great book and more kids should read it. My [...]year old tells me it was interesting and she couldn't put it down. She also loves rocks and geology and was very surprised and encouraged to read a book about a girl who liked the same. It was a great way of showing a 'normal' kid (and a girl at that) who happened to like science. So much of tv today portrays kids who like educational topics as 'uncool'. Thanks Nancy! We're waiting for your next book.

I read this book with my 2nd Grade daughter for a mother/daughter book club. All members of the club said the enjoyed it. The main character, Samantha Hansen, is a lot of fun to read. Her personality shines through in the prose. She is super smart, but has some trouble controlling her temper. Very realistic. I thought some of the themes were a bit mature for my second grader and some of the humor went over her head, but my daughter enjoyed it anyway. And it definitely made it more enjoyable for me. It's a good book for talking about some big issues - loss of a parent, sibling rivalry, acceptance of differences, to name a view.

Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves rocks and science. But not all of life is answered by science. For example why did her father have to die? Why does her mother avoid mentioning him? And how come her bigger sister never ceases to annoy her.

When her mother suggests going on a family trip to the Grand Canyon, Samantha is very excited. But that might not happen if she can't keep her temper under control. Samantha needs to try not to get back at her annoying big sister or else she might miss out on one awesome trip.

Samantha is one cute character. I love how she's so into rocks and science. Her reactions to her older sister are very realistic. In my own family, I was the older sister and I know I really bugged my younger siblings. The whole control your temper thing was also very realistic.

This is a cute book and sure to appeal to younger readers who like characters who are not the stereotypical girl who only likes girly things.