No share time! Only one recess! Writing is hard! The stories don't end right! FIRST GRADE STINKS!
It is the first day of school and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She isn't a kindergartener anymore; she is a big kid. She is a first grader.
Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways! The classroom isn't as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn't seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher Ms. Lacey did. The work is hard and there isn't enough time to play outside. Worst of all, her best friend Ryan says he likes first grade! Finally, Hayley has had enough. "First grade stinks!" she shouts. The classroom is suddenly very quiet. "You're in trouble now," Ryan whispers. But to Hayley's surprise Ms. Gray doesn't look mad at all.
Young readers will immediately empathize with Hayley and her increasing apprehension, as she tries to negotiate new expectations and challenges on the first day of a new school year.
"Rodman handles the turmoil of school transitions with realism and humor. A good jumping-off book for discussions about differences and change." --Publishers Weekly
"Perfect as a read-aloud... a spot-on depiction of teachers helping kids through rough patches." --School Library Journal
"For young readers approaching this or any other significant transition with trepidation, Rodman's humorous tale serves as a gentle reminder to search for the silver lining." --Kirkus Reviews
"Ink sketches filled in with splashy watercolors depict a worried, increasingly frazzled Haley as she copes with new challenges in a busy, active classroom. An important book for kids making a pretty tough transition." --Booklist
"...depicts with aptness, compassion, and humor a vivacious kid who's gone sour on a much-anticipated experience... nicely authentic...will elicit immediate audience understanding." --Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books
"...an entertaining story and illustrations..." --About.com Children's Books
Leveling Information
Accelerated Reader
AR Quiz: 106614
AR Reading Level: 2.3
AR Points: 0.5
F&P (Fountas & Pinnell)
F&P Level: J
F&P Grade: 2
Reading Counts
Reading Counts Level: 1.7
Reading Counts Points: 1
Additional Info
Color Info: Full color throughout
Categories
Picture Books
School
Beth Spiegel has edited award-winning documentary programs for television and directed animated films that have received several international awards. She lives in California.
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