Trading Places with Tank Talbott (Unknown Binding)

by Dori Hillestad Butler (Author) "Jason Pfeiffer rested his chin against the car door and stared out the open window as the world went by..." (more)
Key Phrases: tadpole swimming, nose plugs, crawl stroke, Dork Face, Tank Talbott, Rec Center (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Jason is miserable. He's being forced to learn to swim when he'd rather write a horror-film script featuring his sister as the monster. To make matters worse, a staff person at the Rec Center mistakes him for Tank, the neighborhood bully. This gives Jason an idea: he'll take Tank's dance lessons for him, and Tank will take his swimming lessons. What seems simple and fun on the surface is actually a life-changing experience for both boys. Jason learns what it's like to wear Tank's shoes as his reputation gets him in trouble when he's not even there, and the boys end up as reluctant friends. A well-written, up-to-date story, laced with humor and a good sense of adolescent growing pains.
Sharon R. Pearce, Chippewa Elementary School, Bensenville, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Description
All Jason Pfeiffer wants to do is finish his horror-movie script about his sister, but lately his life is full of horrors! His parents are making him take swimming lessons at the recreation center—and there's nothing that Jason hates more than taking off his glasses and putting his face in the water. Except maybe having to deal with Tank Talbott.

All Tank Talbott ever wants to do is beat people up. (At least, that's what Jason thinks.) But Tank's at the rec center, too—because his parents are making him take ballroom dance classes! There's nothing that Tank hates more than dancing with girls—except maybe being mistaken for a dork face like Jason. But that's just what gives Jason a brilliant idea—trading places! The mismatched pair make the switch, and along the way, they learn some surprising things about friendship and courage. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

Product Details

• Unknown Binding
• Publisher: Perfection Learning (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756973333
• ISBN-13: 978-0756973339
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trading Places ... is fun!, August 6, 2004

By	R. Orchanian "RPO" (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Trading Places With Tank Talbott (Library Binding)

Trading Places is an exciting book!

With respect to the reviewer's 3 star rating, I'd like to express two points.

1.) What might be predictable to an accomplished writer/reviewer is probably not predictable to a teenager. So the teenager finds this story interesting and not predictable.

2.) I think of some people who told me that they didn't see the movie Titantic because they knew the ending. $1 000 000 000 later, I still find that reasoning shallow.

When we drill down, most stories are not truly original. We all know that the value of story is in it's development and execution.

Trading places has an excellent plot. This book is funny while addressing some serious life issues for children.

Ms. Butler's has a special talent of writing books that are both whimsical and important.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read, May 6, 2004

By	Lane Young "Teacher and Librarian" (Highland Park, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Trading Places With Tank Talbott (Library Binding)

Jason Pfeiffer has a passion for writing horror movies, especially ones that star his sister as the monster. Tank Talbott has a passion for beating kids up. When Jason discovers that he and tank can be mistaken for each other, he comes up with a plan allowing Tank to get out of dance and himself out of swimming. The switch gives Jason a new appreciation for Tank as the two become friends. This novel will likely appeal to readers with its humor and predictable, but enjoyable, plot.