Inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, the Hank Zipzer series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of a boy with learning differences.

Science projects--Fiction. Ms. Adolf--Science teacher--Fiction. Classes--Fiction. Schools--Fiction. Cable boxes--Fiction. Great! Sisters--Fiction. Iguanas--Fiction.

Hank Zipzer wants to be number one, not the one who always gets it wrong. Hank Zipzer's report is due, and he's dreading it. Then he gets his grades and they are his worst nightmare come true: straight Ds. His parents are not going to be happy. Hank needs help. And he needs it fast (amazon).

Recommended Ages: Gr. 2-5

Plot Summary: Hank Zipzer is in his first day of fourth grade and he's trying really hard not to be late. He knows Principal Love is watching out for him. Somehow, he squeaks in just in time but he's still called to the principal's office for a warning. When hank gets back to his classroom he learns about the first assignment of the year: write a five paragraph essay about your summer vacation. He is doomed. He doesn't want to write it! A friend gives him an idea to make it a creative essay because Hank is good at creativity, and without giving Mrs. Adolf details, he gets a general approval. However, when the big day of his presentation arrives, Mrs. Adolf is surprised he doesn't have a paper to turn in. Instead, he has another way to show what he did over summer. Will his hard work pay off?

Setting: unknown

Characters:
Hank Zipzer - 4th grader, always late for school
Principal Love - keeps an eye out for Hank, announces over the loudspeaker that he should come to the office on the first day and reminds him not to stop in the bathroom, not nurturing, strict and harsh, instills fear in a silly not scary way
Mrs. Adolf - Hank's teacher
Emily - Hank's younger sister by 15 months, has a pet lizard named Katherine
Stanley - Hank's father
Randi - Hank's mother

Recurring Themes: summer vacation, first day of school, essay, school, troublemaker, family, friendship

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts:

Genre: realistic fiction

Pacing: fast-medium - decent amount of action, little character development
Characters: not very well developed
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity: ( )

Young Reader Reaction: This is a very funny book. It would be great book for second graders and up. I love the friendships, too. The story reminds me of how teachers can have a positive impact on their students. My hope is that kids will have a greater appreciation for kids with learning disabilities and that parents will become aware of their child's needs and struggles. Just because a kid has a learning disability doesn't mean that they are lazy and not intelligent. I can't wait to read more books from these authors.

Pros: Lots of humor and events kids can relate to combine in a great series for young readers. Everyone can learn something from the book and be inspired by Hank.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.