Friday, April 24, 2009

The Report Card by Andrew Clements





1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Clements, Andrew. 2004. THE REPORT CARD. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. ISBN 0689845154



2. PLOT SUMMARY
Told from genius fifth grader Nora Rowley's viewpoint, this story delves into the issue of grades, testing, and student abilities. Frustrated by the labels placed on all types of students, Nora decides to throw her grades and effect change by showing that standardized testing is not a true analysis of a student's intellect or ability.

3. IMPRESSIONS
Marvelously witty, this book was a great read for me, as an adult! Andrew Clements really captures the angst of fifth grade life: not quite a teen, not a child, not sure of their place in life. So interesting to read about a girl who thinks beyond herself and holds her classmates in such high regard. We catch glimpses of this beyond the wedgies and that paper fortune game where you have to pick a number between 1 and 8.

Clements is such popular author with kids. He "gets" them. He speaks their language and talks not below or above, but at their level. This was the first Clements book I have ever read. It will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of this book, the characters, and the rhythm.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This novel highlights the controversial issues of testing and grades from a child's point of view, but it also reveals the pressure that everyone, including teachers, administrators, and parents, feels. Clements's style, the large print, and the appealing cover illustration will easily capture the attention of even the most reluctant readers."
http://reviews.schoollibraryjournal.com/bd.aspx?isbn=0689845154&pub=sl


* Starred review in KIDSREAD: "For anyone who has ever received a low test score and said, "I thought I did better than that!" or "I'm smarter than that!" this is a book to check out. As he did with FRINDLE and THE SCHOOL STORY, Andrew Clements creates a perfect setting to raise the question of "What if?" and take it beyond simple answers while keeping the story believable. Kids are heroes, and everyone wins in the end."
http://www.kidsreads.com/reviews/0689845154.asp

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