Owen Foote, Second Grade Strongman [BARGAIN PRICE] (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Dee Derosa (Illustrator) "I am somebody!..." (more)
Key Phrases: Chesterfield School, The Chesterfield Klutz, Claire Price

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The good-natured star of Greene's debut novel, Owen Foote, Second Grade Strongman, returns, now old enough to play in the big-time town soccer league. Even though his best friend, Joseph, has never played soccer before and can't run or kick, Owen has talked him into signing up for the team. However, when Walter, the team bully, ridicules Joseph's abilities in front of the other players, Owen denies he's Joseph's friend. Thus Greene sets the field for what is bound to be an about-face on Owen's part, and the earnest boy obliges. He courageously speaks out against the coach's plan to divide the team into two groups based on skill (which would separate him from Joseph) and delivers a much-deserved comeuppance to Walter (even though it entails a soccer maneuver of questionable legality). Making her tale even sunnier, Greene finds a comfortable position for the bumbling Joseph, who shines playing in goal. Owen's close rapport with his parents and older sister adds extra warmth to this accessible novel, whose brief sentences, limited vocabulary and cheery drawings make it a good pick for those ready to graduate from picture books. Imparted with humor, the author's message about the importance of being a true friend will escape no youngster. Ages 6-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3?In the privacy of his bedroom, undersized, skinny Owen and his overweight friend, Joseph, share concerns about their bodies. Both boys hope that weightlifting and learning about Owen's grandfather, who was a professional strongman, will bring about some positive change. They dread the upcoming height-and-weight-chart day since the school nurse broadcasts each child's measurements and her opinions about them to everyone within earshot. This year, Owen is horrified to find himself standing up to her. Naturally, this results in a trip to the principal's office and reprimands from his parents, but he also has a quiet heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Jackson that proves helpful to them both. In this delightful first novel, Greene demonstrates her understanding of second graders. Her realistic portrayal of school life is punctuated with lively, natural dialogue and conveys the humor as well as the concerns of seven-year-olds. Owen and Joseph are fully realized characters with a strong, supportive friendship. The author's light treatment of a subject of interest to children, as well as the short chapters and often comical black-and-white illustrations, make this an attractive choice for beginning chapter-book readers.?Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; 1 edition (March 18, 1996)
• ISBN-10: 0395720982
• ASIN: B000C4SQXM
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,551,902 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S SOOOO GREAT!!!!!!, July 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Owen Foote, Soccer Star (Hardcover)

I have read the two Owen Foote books that she has written so far and they are both ABSOLUTELY STELLAR!!!!!!! Even though I am 13 I have read both many times. The lessons in life they taught me are spectacular and I learned so much about how to be a nice homo sapien. I wish Stephanie would write many more books in this spectacular series!!!!!!!!!

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Think that this is a great sequel!!!, May 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Owen Foote, Soccer Star (Hardcover)

I am the authors son, Oliver who is meant to be the inspiration for her writing the Owen Foote series. I think that my mom is pretty good at understanding children like me and trying to write realistically. She does not know that I am writing this, but I hope one day she will see it. I remember the happy day when she sold the book, and I am proud for her. I think that all young soccer players will enjoy this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Owen Foote, Super Spy--by Stephanie Greene, November 18, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Owen Foote, Super Spy (Paperback)

This is a story about four second-graders named Owen, Joseph, Anthony, and Ben. Through detail and humor, Stephanie Greene gives us a superb story about four second-graders who want to become spies. I loved this book because it was humorous. Excellent. Five stars out of five stars.