Number One Kid: Zigzag Kids Book 1

Zigzag Kids #1

by Patricia Reilly Giff, Everette Plen

Number One Kid. That’s what Mitchell McCabe’s favorite T-shirt says. He’d like to be Number One at the Zigzag Afternoon Center, where there are lots of fun activities to choose from: swimming, nature walks, field trips, art, even homework help. But Mitchell is worried. What if he’s the only kid who doesn’t get a prize on Prize Day? Luckily, Mitchell realizes he’s a winner at something terrific.

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, 2nd Grade, Fiction

Audio

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Rossy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like it very much. Too many characters and I couldn't connect to them, but the message of the book was great, everyone is good at something, you just have to keep trying and find out what it is!

[Ashley Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book to give to students who are transitioning between a picture book and a chapter book. This book shows how students work towards an award and how great they feel when they get to my award. I can use this to help shape my behavior management plan in my classroom.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like its name, this book was all over the place. I felt it lacked a cohesive story and compelling characters. Appleville Elementary is for this same demographic and, in my opinion, better written.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about adjusting to new things and new ways of thinking about yourself and others. I liked the writing, the characters, and the illustrations.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter book “Number One Kid” addresses one of kids’ biggest fears: measuring up to their peers. Mitchell McCabe is a little unsure of himself and how he fits in at the Zelda A. Zigzag elementary school. Mitchell and his sister, Angel, recently moved to the area, and now Mitchell thinks he is no good at anything. On top of that, his teacher, Ms. Katz, announces a contest which will soon award prizes to students to recognize their talents. Mitchell attends the “Afternoon Center”, the afterschool care that takes the kids on field trips, helps them with homework, and provides them with all kinds of fun activities. This creates a problem for Mitchell because he constantly sees the talents of the other children and compares himself to them.

Eleven children and a friendly-looking, striped tabby cat named Terrible Thomas round out the cast of characters in Zigzag Kids. Fun black and white illustrations are sprinkled throughout the text. Mitchell and his friends have a good time as they visit a nature center, go swimming, and search for a lost mask. As for the contest, Mitchell and all his friends receive recognition for what they know how to do well, giving Mitchell the boost of confidence he needs.

Patricia Reilly Giff is the author of many books for children, such as the Newbery Honor books “Lily’s Crossing” and “Pictures of Hollis Woods”. She has written other winners, too, which are ALA Notable Books and Best Books for Young Adults. “Zigzag Kids” is her latest early reader series. She has written other such series, including the Kids of the Polk Street School books, the Polka Dot Private Eye books, and the Friends and Amigos books.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Number One Kid is the first book in Patricia Reilly Giff's Zigzag Kids series. The books are loosely connected, I believe, by the fact that all the main characters attend the same school, Zelda A. Zigzag elementary school. But the books do not share main characters. This first book is narrated by Mitchell McCabe. Mitchell, for better or worse, tends to think of himself as a loser. He doesn't see himself at being particularly "good" at any one thing. Will participating in the after-school program help him change how he sees himself? It isn't like he has a choice in the matter--he has to attend the after-school program regardless. But the good news is, it turns out he actually likes the after school program.

If you're looking for good, strong, deep characterization, this series will probably prove disappointing. If you're looking for extremely light, but widely diverse characterization, you probably will find it satisfying enough. I have to be honest and say that I found the characterization to be very light, and, the plot very light as well. So it isn't that this is a plot-driven, action-driven read at the expense of characterization. What it does have in its favor perhaps is the fact that it is short and illustrated. Also the book does tend to focus on friendship and teamwork and getting along.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really cute book. Mitchell is at a new school. He doesn't know anybody, and he doesn't want to go to the Afternoon Center. But his older sister hears about the permission slip and signs him up for everything. He does make one friend, so maybe it won't be all bad, but then Mitchell finds out that they're giving out prizes at the end of the week. How will he get a prize if he's not good at anything?

This book is simply laid out, a fun read, and has a good message.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mitchell and his kindergarten aged sister Angel have moved to a new neighborhood and a new school. What if the other kids think Mitchell's a loser? Where did the mask he borrowed disappear to? And what is the school's Afternoon Center and why would he want to go there? Told in first person, Mitchell has the angst and the observations typical of an early elementary school student.

2nd grade reader.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new series for Patricia Giff, (Zigzag Kids), which like her Polk Street School is for younger readers. I liked Polk Street better. I don't remember the sentences being quite so short! But I do like that it takes place in the now, (Polk Street goes back to 90's), and also the cultural diversity of the children. Plus a kid recommended it to me!

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series for character education read alouds in the classroom. Mitchell wants to be a number one kid, but his sister Angel tells him he's number 87. As a new kid in school, he doesn't feel like he fits in, until he wins an award in the Afternoon Center, which is an after school club/acitivty hour.

[Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Multicultural Characters. Mitchell moves to Zigzag School and is afraid he is terrible at everything. Each character shows that they are individually successful at different activities from swimming to art to WRITING! Mitchell wins the writing prize for his journaling.

Fast moving plot. Sometimes hard to follow. But lots of words that are easily decode-able.

[Ratforcekids · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful new series is sure to be a favorite for those just beginning to rad chapter books. They are full of fun, surprises, excitement and lots of after-school fun.

This brand new series about a group of quirky, lovable kids is sure to win a lot of fans. New friends and after-school excitement abound in all the books. This is the first book in the series.

[Amalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Patricia Reilly Giff, but found this narrative to be choppy. In this first of the "Zigzag Kids" series, there are many short sentences and brief dialogue which do not add to the flow of the story. This one does not encourage me to read further in this series.

[Liz Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main idea of the story is good, but none of the events/concepts are elaborated on. The story jumps from one event to another and is hard to follow. I am not ready to give up on the series yet. I'll read book #2 next before deciding how to use the book in my classroom.

[Elissa Schaeffer · Rating 2 out of 5]

As others have said, it seemed a bit choppy as it jumped around, making following Mitchell's activities and his train of thought somewhat hard to follow. I'll see how things are in the second book, but for now, this was just OK.

[Heather Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's such a cute book. It goes through what a child would go through entering a new school and whether or not they will fit in with the others. Reading it from this perspective really brought back memories

[Emily B]

Meh. Nothing great. Mostly likeable characters, but feel the way the 'loser' element is handled would make this for mid elementary (more discerning) or for younger readers a discussion or editing during a read aloud.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

2ND/3RD GRADE - First in a new series call Zigzag Kids by Giff. cute story about a group of kids at an afterschool center.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

No review.

[Taja · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for a young reader.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series that taps into realistic situations kids deal with everyday. Appreciated the use of multicultural characters.

[Jill Kahan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Takes place in community center after school, learning relationship skills with various characters. Slow read.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book for kids. Would be good for those who are struggling with reading or barely learning.

[Dolores · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. First book in a new series.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book in the "Zigzag Kids" series. New kid in school makes new friends.

[N.A. Cauldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story written for the very young. Think first grade. A boy moves to a new school and runs into the trouble of making new friends and dealing with his older sister. Complex issues are not really mentioned or dealt with. There is very little actual conflict. The peak of trouble is when he loses a mask his new friend made. There's not really any yelling or fighting or anything, although he is made fun of indirectly. This type of conflict aversion can be good for a younger audience, introducing them to the complex issues of friendship and social interaction.

The writing is extremely simple. "He went over there. He wrote the letter, 'A'." That sort of thing. The chapters are short, as well as the book. It even has a slight plotline that goes from beginning to end that can help introduce younger readers to detail retention.

I don't like the ending (spoiler). Everyone gets an award. No matter what. For doing nothing. In fact, two of the kids don't get an award and yell out, "Hey! What about me?", and, "Me too!" And all of a sudden, the teacher has to come up with something to give an award for. There are many parents out there who have a problem with this philosophy, so I wanted to make sure it was known.

[Lana Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute story about Mitchell who wants to win at something. He tries several things and doesn't think he will be able to succeed.

Black and white illustrations add to this Early Chapter Book story.

[Terry]

Kids - particularly those in a new school, who are wary of 'camps', or with an older sibling - will easily see themselves in this story. The story has lots of potential for upper-elementary kids who need/want to practice with reading. My thoughts on this one are mixed.