Super Grammar [Paperback]

Tony Preciado (Author), Rhode Montijo (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2012 | Age Range: 7 - 10 years | Lexile Measure: 970L (What's this?)

Think grammar is difficult? You just need someone to save you from it!

The best learning tools for a young mind are word association, visual aids, and superpowers! In SUPER GRAMMAR, all of the major elements of grammar will be personified with superhero or super villain identities. You won't just learn about the part-of-speech called an adverb. Instead you'll meet the vibrant super heroine The Adverb, and you'll learn about her awesome ability to modify verbs and other adverbs. You won't simply be told that you shouldn't use a double negative in a sentence. Instead you'll actually meet the sinister twin brothers, Double Negative, and you'll learn how to avoid being tricked into falling for their double talk. The book's fun, full-color design looks like a mix between a reference book and a comic book. With SUPER GRAMMAR you'll learn to save yourself!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Reluctant grammar students will be drawn to this comprehensive overview presented in the guise of a superhero guidebook. Preciado gives a clear and engaging introduction, treating each element of sentence structure, part of speech, and punctuation mark as a superhero character with specific powers. Each power is given a concise description, complete with adventure-themed examples reminiscent of classic TV and comic-book situations ("The mutant insects destroy entire cities"). These grammar "superheroes" are cleverly cast as members of various teams, "The Completion Team!" (Parts of a Sentence), "The Amazing Eight!" (Parts of Speech), and "The Super Symbols!" (Punctuation Marks), which form the organization of the book. Together, they have a mission to fight the sworn enemies of good grammar, "The Sabotage Squad!" These villains are the common grammatical mistakes that can prevent a sentence from being strong and correct. Preciado calls on readers to fight for correct grammar, explaining that the superheroes believe that "every sentence, no matter its message, no matter its size, and no matter its complexity, is worth fighting for." Montijo's vibrant, comic-style illustrations nicely complement the narrative tone and are more intuitive than those in similarly styled works. In typical character guidebook fashion, each of the superheroes receives an introductory full-page illustration. Montijo's choices are thoughtful, with expressions and postures clearly indicating the hero's skill or purpose. Additional action-packed illustrations accompany each of the grammar examples. This work stands up to other traditional grammar resources that libraries may already own, but is sure to outshine them with its broad appeal.-Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, Farmington Hills, MIα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

Praise for Super Grammar

"We have to confess: We think this is the coolest thing since 'Conjunction Junction' on Schoolhouse Rock." —The Washington Post

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 7 - 10 years
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Reference; Original edition (September 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545425158
• ISBN-13: 978-0545425155
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Children's Grammar Book Ever?! August 21, 2012

By Louis Jones

Format:Paperback

Seriously - what better way is there to get your kids learning anything, than ingeniously utilizing super heroes? Not only is this an incredibly smart idea, sharply written and beautifully illustrated, it's an EXCELLENT grammar book. Teachers and parents, do not miss out on this one!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book to learn about grammar November 21, 2012

By Stef

Format:Paperback

I ordered this book from Scholastic as a way to add some fun to my homeschool grammar lessons with my 7-year-old son. I had planned to use it as a supplement, probably just bringing it out every now and then to catch his interest or help with the more difficult lessons. I laid the book down to look at later, and my son saw it. He loves Super Heroes and read through the entire book twice. He was excited about it and kept coming up to me talking about all the things he learned from reading it. When a 7-year-old gets excited about comma splices and double negatives, someone did something right!

The book is well-written, with bright, fun illustrations and characters. The explanations and examples are easy to follow and understand. It really strikes a balance between fun and educational. There are enough explanations and examples to help the child comprehend, but not too much that it overwhelms. I've decided to use it as a primary grammar book and supplement it instead of using it as the supplement. I would highly recommend this to any teacher, homeschool mom, or parent who wants to help their child with grammar.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars fun and useful! October 3, 2012

By mariposa

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Finally...a fun book that teaches grammar! This is an awesome book that teachers can use, but you can also gift. I've already bought it for my friend's children and cousins as well. This is my new favorite childrens gift:)