Customer Reviews

Summer School! What Genius Thought That Up? #8 (Hank Zipzer)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Initially, I was hesitant to buy this book; I was unfamiliar with the series and knew that books by actors-turned-writers aren't always quality literature. After reading it, I am so thankful I decided to buy! This fast-paced book is great for boys or girls alike, it will keep them laughing and leave them feeling like Hank is a friend of theirs. The book handles Hank's learning disability with understanding, yet never one time begs for compassion from the reader. A great book to use to introduce learning disabilities/dyslexia to your child or class!

Our last adventure found Hank making it out of the fourth grade but only if he attends summer school, to strengthen his academic skills. This book begins the first day of summer school. And while Hank will still get to walk to and from school with his best friends Ashley and Frankie, they were participating in the Junior Explorer's program and Hank was stuck back in the classroom with 10 other fourth and fifth graders. While he sits in class he can watch the junior explorers prepare for a luau.

Hank desperately wants to attend the luau, but his father has set a condition - Hank must get an A on his assignment on Friday, a presentation on a person that they admire. Mr. Rock the music teacher who is leading summer school suggests that Hank does his on Albert Einstein. Papa Pete takes him to the NYC Library to get a library card and a slew of books. The interesting thing is Hank begins to have fun learning; he also reads for fun. But can he get his A and be able to go to the party? Read and find out.

Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver have nailed the world of the LD child. Hank Zipzer is the quintessential kid with a learning disability. He's smart, he's funny, he thinks outside the box (ok he doesn't even see the box)and views the world as only a child with LD can. I read this book to my fourth graders who immediately demanded more of the same. Everyone in my class felt an instant kinship to Hank, and gained insight into LD that I could only wish for before. My students with LD identified with Hank and suddenly saw themselves in a different, more positive light. Kudos to Winkler and Oliver, and thank you so much for helping the world see LD for what it truly is.

Hank Zipzer - the world's greatest underachiever

By Winkler & Oliver


Book Review:

I have only one complaint to Henry Winkler and Lin Arnold his partner who wrote this book and that is only a small one. Henry and Lin, the cover doesn't do the book justice because at first glance it is easy to pass it by to select one with a less flamboyant cover. If you did that you would lose out because this is a story of substance, well told and very enjoyable.

There is nothing quite so disgusting as a know-it-all and a persistent one is even worse. This plot introduces Robert early to the horror of the other kids in the story and he plays a strong part. He sits next to Emily who has an iguana as a pet and which Robert knows heaps about. The lizard girl, Emily, needs to be paired off with Robert so that her brother won't be annoyed with her company thus two worries are bundled together and out of harm's way - well we think so.....

The magic 3 is as the name implies, made up of the main characters, Ashley, the treasurer of the group Robert, a magic performer or one who does magic tricks. When the twins have a party for their birthday, the Magic 3 get a gig to perform.

It doesn't run smoothly!

This is a 5 star book and will be a favourite with all of those who like kid's clubs and intrigue and adventure.

Reviewed by Tom Hampstead author of the soon to be published "The Kingdom of the Two Great Houses"

my 11 yr old 5th gr daughter is a devoted Hank Zipzer fan; I even enjoy them when she reads to me; this was the next one she needed to read them in order; they have helped her better understand her ADHD in a fun way; Henry Winkler really turned his unfortunate childhood experiences into a positive thing

Our last adventure found Hank making it out of the fourth grade but only if he attends summer school, to strengthen his academic skills. This book begins the first day of summer school. And while Hank will still get to walk to and from school with his best friends Ashley and Frankie, they were participating in the Junior Explorer's program and Hank was stuck back in the classroom with 10 other fourth and fifth graders. While he sits in class he can watch the junior explorers prepare for a luau.

Hank desperately wants to attend the luau, but his father has set a condition - Hank must get an A on his assignment on Friday, a presentation on a person that they admire. Mr. Rock the music teacher who is leading summer school suggests that Hank does his on Albert Einstein. Papa Pete takes him to the NYC Library to get a library card and a slew of books. The interesting thing is Hank begins to have fun learning; he also reads for fun. But can he get his A and be able to go to the party? Read and find out.

My son loves the serie. And this is quite surprising, given that he comes from years of reading challenges. The fact that Hank -the main character- has learning challenges, but lives a rather exciting life in fourth grade, with his friends and family, has probably a lot to do with it. I personally like to sarcastic, realistic and hopeful undertone of the book, which is much like my son's psyche.

This book is another winner from Henry Winkler! Very realistic, and funny. My son (10 years old) loves these books. This one is great because it reminds my son of the year he had to go to summer school. Very enjoyable to read together!

We love Hank Zipzer!

This Zipzer book really helps kids cope with having to attend summer school. Hank has a gift for normalizing things for kids who are struggling in school and in life. It is fun to read and theraputic too.

Summer School What Genius Thought That Up is about a boy named Hank Zipzer who has to go to summer school and has 2 best friends Ashley and Frankie went to a fun activity for a couple of weeks called junior Explorers. One day the summer school kids got told that they needed to do a project about a famous citizen in N.Y. The same day the Junior Explorers got told that they have a talent show on Friday night and anyone's invited. So Frankie and Ashley told Hank. Then Hank asked his Dad if he could go to the talent show. Hank's Dad said that he couldn't go unless he got an A on his project for summer school. He studied every night and asked Mr. Rock said "No."
I got scared when it said in the book Hank didn't get an A on his project because he made a big deal about the talent show. They made his costume, the set and got it on the stage and HE MEMORIZED ALL HIS LINES! (Surprisingly!)
I think the way they described the costume sounded like it would be funny to see Hank in it.
I also wonder if Mason will grow up to be an artist because he's really good at drawing.
You should really read the book it's fantastic and funny.