The (Short) Story of My Life - Hardcover

Jones, Jennifer B.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802789056 ISBN 13: 9780802789051

Verlag: Walker Childrens, 2004

Inhaltsangabe

When you're the shortest guy in the sixth grade, standing tall isn't easy.

Michael Jordan does not play basketball. He's not named after the Michael Jordan. In fact, he doesn't resemble an NBA player at all.

Michael is the shortest boy in his grade, which is a problem for someone starting middle school. As if being the only boy sitting in the front row of every class photo isn't bad enough, his younger sister Emma loves pretending that she is his twin―and everyone believes her.

Needless to say, Michael worries that the journal entries he must write every week for literature class will immortalize a very bad year. But then an amazing thing happens―Macy, a pretty, blond eighth-grader, starts being very, very nice to him. Why she would go for a shorter, younger guy is a mystery, but Michael isn't complaining. He just enjoys getting tutored by her (even though he doesn't need it) and seeing her at his older brother's soccer games. Who knows where things could go from there?

Jennifer B. Jones's funny, upbeat novel perfectly captures a boy's nervousness about middle school, girls, and learning to stand up for himself.

Über diesen Titel

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Jennifer B. Jones lives in Homer, New York, half an hour from where she attended fifth grade. One of her greatest childhood dreams was to become a writer. Jennifer's short stories have appeared in several youth magazines. This is her first novel.

Rezensionen

Grade 4-7–Sixth-grader Michael Jordan is the shortest boy in his class. As he begins middle school, he is obsessed with his height. His younger sister is the same size as him, and his older brother is a star on the school soccer team. Luckily, he has a grandma and grandpa who add humor and wisdom to his feelings of low self-esteem and a supportive best friend. Bullies try to beat him up, but others find Michael to be a good guy, including an attractive eighth grader who seems interested in him. He constantly worries about his height in his journal entries for English class, and his insightful teacher helps him explore his feelings through his writing. The novel includes a positive twist; when one of the bullies is trapped in a drainage pipe, his rescue depends on finding someone who is small enough to get into the tight space. Of course Michael becomes the hero, and rises above his desire for revenge against the boy. In doing so, he sees that there is a special role for everyone, and a way to shine. This theme is explored with humor and sensitivity. While the book is somewhat predictable, and the journaling device seems a bit convenient, there is humor, warmth in the relationships, and a reality that balances the story.–JoAnn Jonas, Chula Vista Public Library, San Diego, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gr. 4-6. Sixth-grader Michael "Mike" Jordan isn't named after the basketball star, but as the shortest kid in class, his name brings some teasing. Being mistaken for his younger sister's twin and being put in the front for school pictures doesn't help. Along the way, Mike meets eighth-grader Macy, who seems to like him even though he's shorter than she is, and he must face a school bully who won't leave him alone. Navigating school and life isn't always easy, but with his supportive family and his best friend, Ben, Mike gains perspective and confidence, ultimately learning that standing tall has nothing to do with size. The author of Dear Mrs. Ryan, You're Ruining My Life (2000) approaches familiar childhood concerns and scenarios with humor, compassion, and an appealing, dimensional character. Mike's lively first-person narrative makes for engaging reading as does his growth from self-consciousness to self-confidence. An entertaining story with a positive message. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Details zur Ausgabe

• Verlag: Walker Childrens
• Erscheinungsdatum: 2004
• Sprache: Englisch
• ISBN 10: 0802789056
• ISBN 13: 9780802789051
• Einband: Gebundene Ausgabe
• Anzahl der Seiten: 160
• Kontakt zum Hersteller: Nicht verfügbar
• Verantwortliche Person: WordUnited GmbH; distribution@wordunited.com; ; Theodorstrasse 105; DUSSELDORF; 40472; Deutschland