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248 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| April, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62779-892-1$13.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
Jake--with friends Carly, Matt, and Umberto--is thrilled to be taking an after-school video class taught by a YouTube sensation (and "that doesn't require ANY reading"). Jake secretly features a monkey his family is fostering in his video and learns a hard lesson when Frank is removed from their home. As usual, cartoon marginalia illustrate Jake's vocabulary-learning in this fast-moving, timely seventh story.
219 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62779-889-1$13.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
In the sixth My Life book, Derek's friends' interest in ninjas leads them to martial-arts classes with Sensei Takai, who doesn't show them the "ninja moves" they expect. Abundant subplots--graffiti appears at school, Carly directs the musical, Derek's dad's new job is not what it seems, poison oak sidelines Derek--make for a choppy read; cartoon marginalia and likable characters help compensate for the unfocused plot.
250 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| April, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-9851-8$13.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-8050-9865-5
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
Twelve-year-old Derek and his friends are thrilled to test a pre-production video game. Competition with mysterious "super-genius" gamer El Cid, looming state-wide tests, struggles with reading, and worry over his jobless father distract Derek; ultimately Derek's love of drawing gives him a tool for conquering the high-stakes tests. A fast-moving plot, cartoon marginalia, and sympathetic characters offer something for everyone.
175 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62779-061-1$13.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
Einstein the hamster brainstorms ways to earn enough money to save the school library, which is closing due to budget cuts. This third book starring the class pet is as purposeful as ever, but young readers will enjoy the childlike black-and-white drawings and random trivia pages in between chapters. A quiz and a section of "bloopers and deleted scenes" are appended. Reading list, websites.
165 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62779-026-0$12.99
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
When his student friends compete on Kids Know Stuff, class hamster Einstein tags along, hoping for a chance to be a game show host himself. The story is rather didactic, but the simply structured narrative and childlike cartoons are inviting for readers moving on from chapter books. "Einstein's Tasty Tidbits" pages add interesting trivia; a quiz is appended. Reading list, websites.
252 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| April, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-9850-1$13.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-8050-9864-8
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
In his fourth appearance, twelve-year-old Derek resolves to appear more mature, but he's constantly a laughingstock: he faints in class, lisps in assembly, and the "Monster Truck" he rents is really a bounce house. Derek's concern for a neighbor leads to a selfless, mature act. Fans will enjoy the fast plot, Derek's supportive friends, and cartoon marginalia representing Derek's ever-expanding collection of vocabulary words.
261 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| May, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-9609-5$13.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
Derek becomes the target of handicapped new-kid Umberto's bullying, adding to Derek's dislike of school. Even worse, Derek's passion for cartooning plays into the harassment. His parents and friends try to help, but ultimately Derek solves his own problem. A fast-moving plot, sympathetic (human and animal) characters, and cartoon marginalia offer something for everyone in Derek's third likable outing.
259 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| October, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-8904-2$13.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
In this sequel to My Life as a Book, Derek still doesn't feel any love for school or reading, but he's having a blast with his athleticism. Noticed by a Hollywood stuntman while skateboarding, Derek's hired as a body double for the latest teen sensation (a girl, no less!). This fast-moving story, with Derek's copious doodles in the margins, is a fine diversionary read.
214 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| July, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-8903-5$16.99
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jake Tashjian.
In twelve-year-old Derek's mind, summer means liberation--until his parents send him to Learning Camp. With a strong, humorous voice, Derek outlines his trials and tribulations. Attempts to solve a mystery divert readers from any hint of didacticism as Derek learns to build on his strengths. Cartoon drawings by the author's teenaged son re-create Derek's illustrated vocabulary lists and make the book approachable.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2010
9 reviews
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