Troublemaker [Hardcover]

Andrew Clements (Author), Mark Elliott (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 26, 2011 | Age Level: 8 and up

There’s a folder in Principal Kelling’s office that’s as thick as a phonebook and it’s growing daily. It’s filled with the incident reports of every time Clayton Hensley broke the rules. There’s the minor stuff like running in the hallways and not being where he was suppose to be when he was supposed to be there. But then there are also reports that show Clay’s own brand of troublemaking, like the most recent addition: the art teacher has said that the class should spend the period drawing anything they want and Clay decides to be extra “creative” and draw a spot-on portrait of Principal Kellings…as a donkey.

It’s a pretty funny joke, but really, Clay is coming to realize that the biggest joke of all may be on him. When his big brother, Mitchell, gets in some serious trouble, Clay decides to change his own mischief making ways…but he can’t seem to shake his reputation as a troublemaker.

From the master of the school story comes a book about the fine line between good-humored mischief and dangerous behavior and how everyday choices can close or open doors.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Clements is a genius of gentle, high-concept tales set in suburban middle schools."--The New York Times

"Another rock-solid school story that will resonate with middle graders."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Andrew Clements is the author of the enormously popular Frindle. Over ten million of his books have sold to date and he has been nominated for a multitude of state awards and has won two Christopher Awards and an Edgar Award. His popular works include Extra Credit, Lost and Found, No Talking, Room One, Lunch Money and more.  He is also the author of the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series. Mr. Clements taught in the public schools near Chicago for seven years before moving East to begin a career in publishing and writing. He lives with his wife in central Massachusetts and has four grown children.  His website is andrewclements.com. 

Mark Elliott has a BFA in illustration from the School of Visual Arts. He has illustrated a number of book covers and his work has been exhibited at the Society of Illustrators and the Art Directors Guild. Mark lives on a sheep farm in the Hudson Valley region of New York.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (July 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416949305
• ISBN-13: 978-1416949305
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Most of my characters are fairly normal people who are dealing with the basics of everyday life--getting along with others, finding a place in the world, discovering talents, overcoming challenges, trying to have some wholesome fun along the way, and getting into some scrapes and a little mischief now and then, too. I guess I hope my readers will be able to see bits and pieces of themselves in the stories, particularly the novels that take place in and around school. School is a rich setting because schools and education are at the heart of every community. The stories that are set in school seem to resonate with kids, teachers, parents, librarians--readers of all ages. Everyone's life has been touched by school experiences. And I also hope, of course, that kids and others will enjoy reading, enjoy the use of language, enjoy my storytelling.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific story for middle graders, August 12, 2011

By 

Lori Katz "Librarylady" (CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Troublemaker (Hardcover)

Clay is a troublemaker and a frequent visitor to the principal's office. His file is so thick with incident reports that the school secretary calls it her masterpiece. However, when Clay's brother Mitch is released from jail after serving a month for contempt of court, Mitch sets out to change Clay's ways. While it's not easy giving up throwing food at lunch, Halloween and hanging with his troublemaker friends Clay learns to trust his brother's words of wisdom.

Andrew Clements has written another terrific story for middle graders. Readers will get a glimpse as to why someone might bully and make fun of others. The secondary characters are well drawn and Mrs. Ormin the school secretary is my favorite. Mitch is believable as the reformed troublemaker older brother and we can see why Clay idolized him both before and after his jail sentence. The writing is smooth and the illustrations (although not final when I read the arc) work well with the story. Recommended for 3-6 graders.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Clements, August 5, 2011

By 

Beverly L. Archer "Booklady123" (Colorado Springs, CO) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Troublemaker (Hardcover)

Clay is one of those students "who is not living up to his potential." He idolizes his older brother and wants to follow in his mischievous footsteps. At first I worried that this book might be a "bad influence" by giving kids ideas for making trouble (and it does, but nothing a mischievous child hasn't already thought of). But it also sets a good, if someone simplistic example. Clay's admiration for his older brother Mitch may get him into to trouble in the beginning, but it also puts him on the right path to making better choices.

What I liked about the book: It provides a good message in simple and humorous terms. The writing is typical Clements and will appeal to students and educators alike. Mark Elliott's illustrations have a feel as though they were done by a talented student, which will have great appeal for readers.

What I don't like about the story: The message is a little oversimplified. Though I think the simplicity of the story makes it perfect for its targeted audience it might also give the impression that changing one's behavior can happen virtually overnight. It has the feel of an "after school special" where everything is solved in a couple of hours.

Overall this is a good read and I recommend it for Clements fans and anyone who wants to impart a message about how your choices tend to follow you.

Recommended for 3rd grade and up.

Mrs. Archer's rating: 4 of 5

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Frustrated by the muddled message and bad language, October 18, 2011

By 

sheryl theisen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Troublemaker (Hardcover)

I encouraged my 9-year-old to buy this book via Scholastic Book Fair at his school and was willing to pay for the hardcover version based on the reviews and Scholastic's reputation for bringing quality reading to appropriate ages.
Imagine my surprise when my son told me there were bad words in the book. Furthermore that the book brought to life a family that is riddled with a son recently released from jail and school children making fun of the adults and the learning system. Now I get the underlying message, but a 9 year-old takes away the immediate impression that it's okay to call authority figures a "jackass" and to look for ways to gain popularity through revenge -- the greater message is easily lost.
My suggestion: either write the book for 9-12 age group by toning down the negative and emphasizing the positive or write and market it for a more mature audience.
This book misses it's target.