Customer Reviews

The Sloppy Copy Slipup

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A terrific read for children in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.This is a story about a boy who is not sure of himself when it comes to putting his ideas on paper and how he overcomes this insecurity. The author does an exceptional job of drawing the reader into the story through wit, suspense and the telling of a tale that captures the attention of the school age child. Not only is the book fun to read but it may help children in this age group overcome their own obstacles to writing.
An outstanding book, well written and illustrated and most importantly it may help your child become more confident in their own ability to "tell a story" and commit it to paper. Exceptional...5 stars!!!

My daughter is taking a creative writing class over the summer, and I'm buying several copies for the class.
Excellent role model and story for children that love not only to read, but to express themselves on paper.

Highly recommended for grades 2-6

An entertaining read for children. Details the creative writing process for kids in a way that they can relate to and makes the point that the best writing is writing what you know. The author writes in a simple and clear style and presents advanced writing techniques in an engaging manner so they are accessible to younger children (and perhaps parents). I highly recommend this book. I've bought it for my nieces. Anne/NJ

What a great book. Readers are surely going to be able to relate, or create connections to Brian. Brian shows up to school without having completed the first draft of his writing assignment. He had nothing to write about, everything he can think of is too boring, too short, too long, etc. So, Brian, after a series of close escapes, ends up having to explain his reason for not having his work completed. He ends up telling a great story from his life. He had something to write about as well. Readers will jump at the chance to voice their predictions as Brian's story unfolds.

The author does a wonderful job of throwing in writing details, such as pointing out similes.

Overall a great read that I am sure many readers will enjoy.

Brian Higman is the hero of The Sloppy Copy Slip-up by DyAnne DiSavlo and is about to be in big trouble. Brian is in fifth-grade and feels he never has anything to write about. He could write about his family, but he figures writing about them is boring. Brian reminds me of many boys that I know in thinking that nothing in their life is of interest. So I found it odd that Brian began to write in his journal while waiting to pass in another blank assignment. Oh, I admit there certainly are kids who have no trouble in filling up their school journals but struggle with actual writing assignments. However, the majority of struggling writers I've taught would rather talk to their neighbors, flick things, or even nap. But back to Brian. In a classic saved-by-the-bell scenario (literally), school is interrupted by a fire drill. While his class files outside, Brian's thoughts drift to the electric guitar he bought the previous weekend. Ah, no wonder he didn't have time to write his sloppy copy: He had an "emergency". Once again, Brian reminds me of several students I know. They're the ones about whom adults say, "If only you put as much effort into your work as you do into avoiding it...." When the class returns from the fire drill and Brian finally has to face his teacher, he launches into a story about his weekend. His teacher, classmates, and even the principal apparently find his escapades so compelling that they beg throughout the day to hear installments. Not only did I find it unrealistic that Brian would be allowed to interrupt a school day like this, but I found myself yawning through his rambling and long-winded story. When Brian's teacher finally requires him to put words to paper, Brian views her request as a second chance and completes his assignment without any further delays. Unlike the struggling writers I know, he whips it off without any mistakes or further qualms. As for the next time he has an assignment? Brian comes prepared with a pad and pencil in his pocket and a new motto: "A writer is always prepared to write." If only it were so easy to encourage struggling students to write!

This book arrived looking a little worn, but otherwise it is fine. I hope the young man I tutor in reading wiil enjoy reading this book.

Characters in The Sloppy Copy Slipup remind me of the kids from my own fifth grade class. Watching Big Hig's multi-stepped logic as he explains about the homework assignment is entertaining becuase it's so familiar. Even the teacher's sentences and mannerisms accurately reflect teachers I have met along the way. Hilarious recognizable moments whether in school or at home with Brian Higman. What a good read!

The book is a great example of its main idea, writing. It provides the rules and then illustrates them in a fun and original way, finishing up with an accessible summary. I highly recommend this outstanding 'Big Hig' story.

My kids enjoyed reading this book, The Sloppy Copy Slipup, by DyAnne DiSalvo. I would recommend it to other parents with kids in grades 2 to 5.