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EllRay Jakes #1
Ellray Is Not a Chicken!
SCHOLASTIC - 16 SHORT STORIES.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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569 people want to read
About the author
Sally Warner
65 books49 followersSally Warner is a writer of fiction for children and young adults and of books on creativity. She made the Lily series and Emma series for children's books. Sally Warner was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut and California, where her family moved when she was eight years old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
November 25, 2012
I read this book to my two 6 year olds because it was on the 2012-2013 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice for K-3. I would NOT recommend this book to other parents of young children. I should preface by saying that my children enjoyed the book and want to read the sequel. However, I was quite disappointed in the book, and in particular, its treatment of gender and of bullying.
First gender: Throughout the book EllRay makes sweeping statements about "girls do this, but boys don't" or the reverse. There is never any attempt to disprove these statements or show the similarities between boys and girls. It was so glaring that my 6 year old son finally said, "I don't like that he keeps saying, girls are like this, boys are like that."
The second issue is how bullying was treated. Not every book has to have a moral, but you'd hope not to read young children that have messages you DON"T want to teach them.
First gender: Throughout the book EllRay makes sweeping statements about "girls do this, but boys don't" or the reverse. There is never any attempt to disprove these statements or show the similarities between boys and girls. It was so glaring that my 6 year old son finally said, "I don't like that he keeps saying, girls are like this, boys are like that."
The second issue is how bullying was treated. Not every book has to have a moral, but you'd hope not to read young children that have messages you DON"T want to teach them.
February 6, 2020
Such significant drawbacks to this book. While it's awesome that this book features a black third-grade boy as its protagonist, it bears mentioning that the author is a white woman. Similarly, while I think it's useful to show boys processing the differences they perceive in how different genders are treated and expected to behave, Warner does NOT show this in a skillful way. Harmful gendered statements, such as "Girls know how to spread their misery around better than boys, who like to keep things secret" (66) "Also, boys do not solve their problems by having meetings. That's much more a girl thing, in my opinion" (61), etc are found so frequently that I wanted to put the book down.
May 10, 2011
Quiz time. Place your books under your desks and bring out your #2 pencils. Everyone ready? All right. Reach back into your brain cells and please name for me all the great contemporary early chapter books that you can think of that star male African-American protagonists. Heck, let’s make it even more interesting than that. Name me such a book but NOT any of Sharon Draper’s Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs or any of Ann Cameron’s Julian books. You have thirty seconds . . . go.
Now if you’re anything like me, the above quiz is near impossible. You’re either going to try to justify full-length chapter books like The Toothpaste Millionaire as early chapter books (it ain’t) or you’ll try to bring up books that have historical characters like Eric Kimmel’s Louie Armstrong in A Horn for Louis. While we’ve seen a nice and healthy (if still insufficient) increase in early chapter books starring black girls (Sunny, Dyamonde Daniel, Sassy, Anna Hibiscus, Nikki & Deja, etc.) the boys have been left out in the cold. This is a ridiculous gap in our literary marketplace and it leaves librarians like myself more than a little baffled. I half want to track Christopher Paul Curtis down to his home and scream in his ear, “Why aren’t you doing anything about this!?!?” That’s hardly fair, though. If publishers were actively seeking out such fare, it would be published. Into this veritable wasteland walks EllRay Jakes. He’s not perfect, but he’s fun, funny, and a start. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Ever since Christmas Break things have been tough for EllRay. For the first part of the third grade year he existed below the radar when it came to bullies like Jared Matthews and his sidekick Stanley. Recently, however, EllRay has become the target for the bully’s wrath and he has no idea why. Worse still, his dad is unimpressed with EllRay’s near heroic (if failed) attempts not to get in trouble at school. So when EllRay’s dad says that if EllRay stays out of trouble for a whole week he can go to Disneyland, the challenge is on! Of course, it’s hard to stay focused when you’re trying the hide the fact that you’re being bullied. Harder still when that bully wants you in a fair fight after school for once and for all.
Sally Warner has a way with words. No stranger to the early chapter book series world (her Lily and Emma books come immediately to mind) I was pleased that she stepped a bit out of her comfort zone with EllRay here. She makes sure to give him all the good lines, which is important when you’re dealing with a kid as charmingly flawed as he. For example, upon viewing a fellow classmate he says, “Cynthia is the cleanest person I have ever known. She is strangely clean.” I love that phrase, “strangely clean.” Of course, the setting is strictly suburban. It was interesting to me to note that EllRay’s story takes place in a school in Southern California where he’s one of the few black kids in his class. He explains at one point that everyone in his class is essentially white, “except for me, Kevin, and two very quiet girls who go to the same church, not mine.” There are plenty of kids in the country in similar situations, but of course this means that EllRay’s problems are strictly suburban problems. If you’re looking for tales set in cities, seek ye elsewhere.
I was impressed with the characters here too. The bad guys are bullies with reasons. Our hero often doth protest too much, and often the reader can see it. And Alfie, EllRay’s little sister, could easily have fallen in the too-cute-to-be-believed void of literary little sisters. Instead, her worst flaw is that she has a cute lisp. This, thankfully, is used well. For example, when Alfie announces her intention to meet Minnie Mouse in Disneyland, her parents warn her that Minnie might not be there. “ ‘I’ll meet her, all wight,’ Alfie says grimly.” Four-year-olds who speak grimly are my weakness. I have a hard time not finding them funny.
This book was originally titled EllRay Fights Back then was changed later to the more innocuous sounding EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken. The switcheroo makes more sense when you get near the end of the book and the unprecedented happens: Our hero decides to fight out his problems with the class bully . . . and then does! I’ve seen books like this play out the same situation over and over and inevitably the hero never comes to blows. The fact that EllRay does and then solves his problem through far more amicable means later is extraordinary. Undoubtedly there will be concerned adults who read this book and decide that it praises fighting as a way of solving your problems. Not a bit of it. The charm of EllRay is that child readers can see right through him. Early in the book he’s told to figure out what Jared’s problem is with him. He doesn’t, things escalate, and kid readers are left feeling that if he’d just manned up and discussed (or even yelled) the matter over with Jared then everything would have wound up better. As it stands, things seem pretty good anyway. You never see EllRay punished for fighting (another rarity) and yet things wrap up due to some unexpected bonding. It’s a realistic ending that doesn’t pander to the usual early chapter book conventions. Huh.
EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken is just the first in a long line of EllRay Jakes books to come. I do think that there’s room to expand and grow here as well. My hope, above all, is that EllRay paves the way for other books about other present day African-American boys. Preferably short, funny stories like these that give kids new heroes to grapple with. Writing such books isn’t easy, but I’ve always felt that aside from easy readers, early chapter titles are the hardest and most rewarding books to make for kids. And rewarding isn’t a bad word to use in conjunction with EllRay here. Better check him out.
For ages 6-9
Now if you’re anything like me, the above quiz is near impossible. You’re either going to try to justify full-length chapter books like The Toothpaste Millionaire as early chapter books (it ain’t) or you’ll try to bring up books that have historical characters like Eric Kimmel’s Louie Armstrong in A Horn for Louis. While we’ve seen a nice and healthy (if still insufficient) increase in early chapter books starring black girls (Sunny, Dyamonde Daniel, Sassy, Anna Hibiscus, Nikki & Deja, etc.) the boys have been left out in the cold. This is a ridiculous gap in our literary marketplace and it leaves librarians like myself more than a little baffled. I half want to track Christopher Paul Curtis down to his home and scream in his ear, “Why aren’t you doing anything about this!?!?” That’s hardly fair, though. If publishers were actively seeking out such fare, it would be published. Into this veritable wasteland walks EllRay Jakes. He’s not perfect, but he’s fun, funny, and a start. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Ever since Christmas Break things have been tough for EllRay. For the first part of the third grade year he existed below the radar when it came to bullies like Jared Matthews and his sidekick Stanley. Recently, however, EllRay has become the target for the bully’s wrath and he has no idea why. Worse still, his dad is unimpressed with EllRay’s near heroic (if failed) attempts not to get in trouble at school. So when EllRay’s dad says that if EllRay stays out of trouble for a whole week he can go to Disneyland, the challenge is on! Of course, it’s hard to stay focused when you’re trying the hide the fact that you’re being bullied. Harder still when that bully wants you in a fair fight after school for once and for all.
Sally Warner has a way with words. No stranger to the early chapter book series world (her Lily and Emma books come immediately to mind) I was pleased that she stepped a bit out of her comfort zone with EllRay here. She makes sure to give him all the good lines, which is important when you’re dealing with a kid as charmingly flawed as he. For example, upon viewing a fellow classmate he says, “Cynthia is the cleanest person I have ever known. She is strangely clean.” I love that phrase, “strangely clean.” Of course, the setting is strictly suburban. It was interesting to me to note that EllRay’s story takes place in a school in Southern California where he’s one of the few black kids in his class. He explains at one point that everyone in his class is essentially white, “except for me, Kevin, and two very quiet girls who go to the same church, not mine.” There are plenty of kids in the country in similar situations, but of course this means that EllRay’s problems are strictly suburban problems. If you’re looking for tales set in cities, seek ye elsewhere.
I was impressed with the characters here too. The bad guys are bullies with reasons. Our hero often doth protest too much, and often the reader can see it. And Alfie, EllRay’s little sister, could easily have fallen in the too-cute-to-be-believed void of literary little sisters. Instead, her worst flaw is that she has a cute lisp. This, thankfully, is used well. For example, when Alfie announces her intention to meet Minnie Mouse in Disneyland, her parents warn her that Minnie might not be there. “ ‘I’ll meet her, all wight,’ Alfie says grimly.” Four-year-olds who speak grimly are my weakness. I have a hard time not finding them funny.
This book was originally titled EllRay Fights Back then was changed later to the more innocuous sounding EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken. The switcheroo makes more sense when you get near the end of the book and the unprecedented happens: Our hero decides to fight out his problems with the class bully . . . and then does! I’ve seen books like this play out the same situation over and over and inevitably the hero never comes to blows. The fact that EllRay does and then solves his problem through far more amicable means later is extraordinary. Undoubtedly there will be concerned adults who read this book and decide that it praises fighting as a way of solving your problems. Not a bit of it. The charm of EllRay is that child readers can see right through him. Early in the book he’s told to figure out what Jared’s problem is with him. He doesn’t, things escalate, and kid readers are left feeling that if he’d just manned up and discussed (or even yelled) the matter over with Jared then everything would have wound up better. As it stands, things seem pretty good anyway. You never see EllRay punished for fighting (another rarity) and yet things wrap up due to some unexpected bonding. It’s a realistic ending that doesn’t pander to the usual early chapter book conventions. Huh.
EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken is just the first in a long line of EllRay Jakes books to come. I do think that there’s room to expand and grow here as well. My hope, above all, is that EllRay paves the way for other books about other present day African-American boys. Preferably short, funny stories like these that give kids new heroes to grapple with. Writing such books isn’t easy, but I’ve always felt that aside from easy readers, early chapter titles are the hardest and most rewarding books to make for kids. And rewarding isn’t a bad word to use in conjunction with EllRay here. Better check him out.
For ages 6-9
March 18, 2019
EllRay (short for Lancelot Raymond), the smallest kid in his third grade class, is being physically and verbally assaulted by a large bully and his follower. Something of a cut-up, and with a short temper, normally EllRay would react to this stress with verbal comebacks or acting out in class, but he’s trying his hardest to avoid all trouble this week, because if he can do that, his normally demanding father will take him to Disneyland.
This is an interesting book that tries to tackle a rather important subject, and despite its humorous tone and slight word count, it manages to hit some points about what gives bullies their power. The book’s message seems to be that parental and teacher involvement is crucial to arriving at a resolution, and that a child’s physical safety is dependent on other students changing their attitudes toward bullying from standing by to directly intervening. Of course, this is a bit of a cop-out, since parents and teachers often remain unaware of silent, persistent bullying, and students almost never rise up en masse to take the side of the weaker party, except in TV shows and books.
Aside from the bullying issue, I admired how Warner kept her prose simple, and used EllRay’s narration to explain some expressions that kids might not get such as “enlighten me” or “bad vibes” which she has the adults employ. I was distracted by how many times EllRay made flat pronouncements about what boys and girls do, such as: “boys don’t skip,” “girls are neat,” “girls don’t tattle,” “girls know how to spread their misery around,” and so on. I realize this is an eight-year-old boy talking, but I’m not sure I approve of perpetuating these stereotypes in kids’ books. I also wondered at Warner’s depiction of the teacher, who while wise in the ways of her kids’ behavior, must “check her notes” constantly while giving lessons or defining unusual words. What might be Warner’s point there – that no one has all the answers, that teachers are too overworked to prepare themselves for lessons, or what? In any case, I think kids will identify with the funny, put-upon EllRay, who explains himself and his world so well while dealing with pressure from parents and peers alike.
This is an interesting book that tries to tackle a rather important subject, and despite its humorous tone and slight word count, it manages to hit some points about what gives bullies their power. The book’s message seems to be that parental and teacher involvement is crucial to arriving at a resolution, and that a child’s physical safety is dependent on other students changing their attitudes toward bullying from standing by to directly intervening. Of course, this is a bit of a cop-out, since parents and teachers often remain unaware of silent, persistent bullying, and students almost never rise up en masse to take the side of the weaker party, except in TV shows and books.
Aside from the bullying issue, I admired how Warner kept her prose simple, and used EllRay’s narration to explain some expressions that kids might not get such as “enlighten me” or “bad vibes” which she has the adults employ. I was distracted by how many times EllRay made flat pronouncements about what boys and girls do, such as: “boys don’t skip,” “girls are neat,” “girls don’t tattle,” “girls know how to spread their misery around,” and so on. I realize this is an eight-year-old boy talking, but I’m not sure I approve of perpetuating these stereotypes in kids’ books. I also wondered at Warner’s depiction of the teacher, who while wise in the ways of her kids’ behavior, must “check her notes” constantly while giving lessons or defining unusual words. What might be Warner’s point there – that no one has all the answers, that teachers are too overworked to prepare themselves for lessons, or what? In any case, I think kids will identify with the funny, put-upon EllRay, who explains himself and his world so well while dealing with pressure from parents and peers alike.
July 31, 2020
Benji gives this book 99 stars and says it's one of the best books he's read :)
June 3, 2019
She really went in hard with the gender roles.
March 7, 2012
In this book about bullying, I fail to see where a lesson is ever learned. In fact, after the big fight between EllRay and Jake, they are treated to a trip to Disneyland while the parents still don't know about the fight. And the kids lie about it. The author skips right over everything that happens at Disneyland when the two boys are left alone, then end on a highnote of EllRay back in the car at the end of the day reflecting on the fact that he still has to deal with all the parents and his teacher finding out on Monday, but that's okay by him. Did I miss something here??
And seriously, why is it okay to skip the entire portion of time the two eight-year-old boys are galavanting around Disneyland alone?
So much pressure is put on EllRay to behave at school that he spends the entire week hiding the fact that he is being bullied, even when his teacher and dad finally ask him if he is okay.
I don't know if I'm expected to suspend my irritation with the lack of a resolution at the end of the book because it's first in a series and perhaps there's a worthwhile lesson for children reading this series in a later book ... but it just did't work for me.
I'm giving it two stars instead of one because I think kids will enjoy EllRay's character and some may identify with the situation he is in. I can see boys crawling all over this book. Warner does a great job of getting inside a third grade boy's head.
And seriously, why is it okay to skip the entire portion of time the two eight-year-old boys are galavanting around Disneyland alone?
So much pressure is put on EllRay to behave at school that he spends the entire week hiding the fact that he is being bullied, even when his teacher and dad finally ask him if he is okay.
I don't know if I'm expected to suspend my irritation with the lack of a resolution at the end of the book because it's first in a series and perhaps there's a worthwhile lesson for children reading this series in a later book ... but it just did't work for me.
I'm giving it two stars instead of one because I think kids will enjoy EllRay's character and some may identify with the situation he is in. I can see boys crawling all over this book. Warner does a great job of getting inside a third grade boy's head.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2020
Message learned: Adults can tell when things are wrong.
Disclaimer: I was bullied in school. I was in EllRay's shoes.
I wanted to scream at this book! In fact, I did stop on quite a few occasions to proclaim my dislike for this book to my son. EllRay is bullied by Jared, to the point where all other students can pick up on it and try to stand up for EllRay (go other kids!). EllRay stays quiet, which makes sense given the situation.
But even when EllRay is given multiple opportunities to speak up because the adult spider-sense is going off, he dismisses it! The adults can even tell there's tension between EllRay and Jared but rather than sitting each of them down to talk about it, they let the two have a playdate to get to know each other.
No, no, no, no, no.
I wanted to like this book. I had high hopes from the beginning. Yet it continued to miss the mark on what needed to be said about how to resolve a bullying situation. On the positive note, this book did give me talking points with my son on what-not-to-do when in a similar situation to EllRay.
Disclaimer: I was bullied in school. I was in EllRay's shoes.
I wanted to scream at this book! In fact, I did stop on quite a few occasions to proclaim my dislike for this book to my son. EllRay is bullied by Jared, to the point where all other students can pick up on it and try to stand up for EllRay (go other kids!). EllRay stays quiet, which makes sense given the situation.
But even when EllRay is given multiple opportunities to speak up because the adult spider-sense is going off, he dismisses it! The adults can even tell there's tension between EllRay and Jared but rather than sitting each of them down to talk about it, they let the two have a playdate to get to know each other.
No, no, no, no, no.
I wanted to like this book. I had high hopes from the beginning. Yet it continued to miss the mark on what needed to be said about how to resolve a bullying situation. On the positive note, this book did give me talking points with my son on what-not-to-do when in a similar situation to EllRay.
Read
December 14, 2012I just finished reading EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner. I liked this book because it is interesting and not on just one topic the entire story.
I think this book is interesting because I have been bullied before, but not as intense as poor EllRay. I think this book teaches lessons because it shows if you just be good you will get rewarded. I also like it because it is very well written because it really put a picture in my mind. As I was reading, I kept on reading the lines over and over again. I was surprised when the main bully was nice to EllRay after he hurt him pretty badly. I LOVED this book and I would rate it five stars!
I think this book is interesting because I have been bullied before, but not as intense as poor EllRay. I think this book teaches lessons because it shows if you just be good you will get rewarded. I also like it because it is very well written because it really put a picture in my mind. As I was reading, I kept on reading the lines over and over again. I was surprised when the main bully was nice to EllRay after he hurt him pretty badly. I LOVED this book and I would rate it five stars!
January 23, 2012
I expected too much from this, based on other reviews. I just wasn't impressed. I do think kids who are bullied will like it, but I wanted EllRay to stand up for himself much earlier than he did in the story.
On a personal preference matter, I really disliked the illustrations. They looked...cheap. By that, I mean they reminded me of cheap-o books you'd see for sale 2/$3 in a bin at a discount store. I really, really didn't like them. Publisher should have used the cover illustrator instead.
On a personal preference matter, I really disliked the illustrations. They looked...cheap. By that, I mean they reminded me of cheap-o books you'd see for sale 2/$3 in a bin at a discount store. I really, really didn't like them. Publisher should have used the cover illustrator instead.
December 13, 2012
this was a pretty good book
April 15, 2022
I'm not sure where I learned about this series but I bought the series for our 2nd grade class and will get a set for 3rd as well. He is a realistic kid who has problems and triumphs that I think all kids can relate to.
November 27, 2019
The relationship between Ellray and his mother is by far one of the greatest and my favorite part of this book.
December 19, 2016
In this chapter book, which is the first in a series, and a companion to Sally Warner's Emma books, EllRay Jakes is picked on by two boys at school because they're bigger than he is. Though he feels threatened on a daily basis by their insistence that he is a chicken and the fact that they repeatedly punch his arm, EllRay feels the pressure not to cause more trouble by telling on his tormentors. Unfortunately, though, EllRay gets blamed for goofing off in class, even when the bullies are at fault. This prompts his dad to make a deal with him - if he's good all week, they'll go to nearby Disneyland on the weekend. EllRay wants to go so badly, but he wonders - will he be able to pull off a week of good behavior if the bullies keep teasing him? Or will they steal even that fun reward from him?
Though this book covers a lot of familiar ground, there is something really likable about EllRay. He's the ultimate underdog, dealing with threats from kids who are physically superior, outnumbering and outweighing him. His observations of the unfairness of the world around him really endear him to the reader and also help put the reader in his shoes.
The family dynamics are also a really strong part of this story. EllRay has a lot of pressure on him from his dad, an English professor who has high expectations and accepts nothing less than the best. On the flip side, his mom, a fantasy author, is warm, loving, open, and compassionate. I like the way the parents' opposite approaches still manage to complement each other. EllRay's dad is definitely strict, but there is never any doubt that he wants the best for his son.
In terms of the school side of things, readers of the Emma books will recognize characters such as Annie Pat Masterson and Kry Rodriguez, who are also friends of Emma's, and while I don't think you need to read the Emma books to appreciate these, readers will certainly want to, since the same characters are involved in both books. (Is EllRay mentioned in the Emma books? I don't have one on hand to check. It would be neat if he were.)
One thing I did think was kind of unusual is that EllRay's teacher, Ms. Sanchez, seems somewhat clueless. When teaching a science lesson, she mentions a substance called Alum, but when asked, can't define it. I'm used to seeing teachers who are pretty competent in books like this, so I wondered why the author chose to portray this ignorance. I don't think it's reasonable to assume that a teacher would know everything, and I'm fine with giving adult characters flaws, even in children's books, but I wondered what that particular description was meant to indicate.
I've read most of the Emma books and liked them, which is why I picked up this EllRay book in the first place, but I actually think I enjoy EllRay's voice, personality, and thoughts more than Emma's. He reminds me of Alvin Ho, who also has an intense internal life and deals with a lot of fears and anxieties, but also has a bit of a spark in him that enables him to deal with the difficulties that come his way.
Though this book covers a lot of familiar ground, there is something really likable about EllRay. He's the ultimate underdog, dealing with threats from kids who are physically superior, outnumbering and outweighing him. His observations of the unfairness of the world around him really endear him to the reader and also help put the reader in his shoes.
The family dynamics are also a really strong part of this story. EllRay has a lot of pressure on him from his dad, an English professor who has high expectations and accepts nothing less than the best. On the flip side, his mom, a fantasy author, is warm, loving, open, and compassionate. I like the way the parents' opposite approaches still manage to complement each other. EllRay's dad is definitely strict, but there is never any doubt that he wants the best for his son.
In terms of the school side of things, readers of the Emma books will recognize characters such as Annie Pat Masterson and Kry Rodriguez, who are also friends of Emma's, and while I don't think you need to read the Emma books to appreciate these, readers will certainly want to, since the same characters are involved in both books. (Is EllRay mentioned in the Emma books? I don't have one on hand to check. It would be neat if he were.)
One thing I did think was kind of unusual is that EllRay's teacher, Ms. Sanchez, seems somewhat clueless. When teaching a science lesson, she mentions a substance called Alum, but when asked, can't define it. I'm used to seeing teachers who are pretty competent in books like this, so I wondered why the author chose to portray this ignorance. I don't think it's reasonable to assume that a teacher would know everything, and I'm fine with giving adult characters flaws, even in children's books, but I wondered what that particular description was meant to indicate.
I've read most of the Emma books and liked them, which is why I picked up this EllRay book in the first place, but I actually think I enjoy EllRay's voice, personality, and thoughts more than Emma's. He reminds me of Alvin Ho, who also has an intense internal life and deals with a lot of fears and anxieties, but also has a bit of a spark in him that enables him to deal with the difficulties that come his way.
January 16, 2012
Eight year-old Lancelot Raymond, better known as EllRay, is eager to prove that despite his small size, he is not a chicken. When he's bullied by some boys at school, rather than alerting his parents or other authority figures, he decides to "take it like a man" and suffer alone.
There were a number of things that I liked about this novel. Lots of interesting details about EllRay and his family made this early middle-grade realistic fiction novel feel very well developed. EllRay likes Mondays and he likes making lists. He doesn't understand girls. His younger sister is named Alfleta, meaning "beautiful elf" in Saxon, but goes by Alfie for short. His geology professor father seems caring but stern. While the adults can't seem to figure out what's going on, they can tell that things aren't quite right. Being promised a trip to Disneyland if he can have an "incident-free" week at school encourages EllRay to keep things under wraps more than ever. My heart broke for this poor kid, who felt such pressure, at such a young age. I liked that this was a "boy" book, featuring a relatively happy African-American family.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book wholeheartedly, as I did have some problems with it. While I loved the cover, I was very disappointed by the interior illustrations. In them, EllRay looks bug-eyed and two-dimensional. The ending of the book left much to be desired. As things grow to a head between EllRay and bullies Jared and Stanley, EllRay finally takes matters into his own hands, meeting Jared for a fistfight. This manages to clear the air, but both boys are disappointed when it's revealed that their parents have conspired to send them to Disneyland... where they'll be forced to hang out together. I didn't think a namby-pamby, "And then the boys all learned to be friends! And they lived happily ever after!" sort of ending would have made any sense, but I was saddened that violence seemed to be the answer to EllRay's problems, and that the adults in the story remained clueless throughout. The final third of the book really dragged for me... I kept picking it up, reading a sentence and putting it down again, meaning this short book took me over a month to read. The book is appended with a sneak peek chapter from the next book in the series. For me, this made an already choppy ending feel even choppier, but for kids who liked the book, that sneak peek chapter will provide reassurance that more of EllRay's adventures are on the way. I did enjoy this book. And I'll certainly recommend it to kids looking for good realistic fiction featuring African American families. It doesn't replace the special place that The Stories Julian Tells holds in my heart, though.
There were a number of things that I liked about this novel. Lots of interesting details about EllRay and his family made this early middle-grade realistic fiction novel feel very well developed. EllRay likes Mondays and he likes making lists. He doesn't understand girls. His younger sister is named Alfleta, meaning "beautiful elf" in Saxon, but goes by Alfie for short. His geology professor father seems caring but stern. While the adults can't seem to figure out what's going on, they can tell that things aren't quite right. Being promised a trip to Disneyland if he can have an "incident-free" week at school encourages EllRay to keep things under wraps more than ever. My heart broke for this poor kid, who felt such pressure, at such a young age. I liked that this was a "boy" book, featuring a relatively happy African-American family.
Unfortunately, I can't recommend this book wholeheartedly, as I did have some problems with it. While I loved the cover, I was very disappointed by the interior illustrations. In them, EllRay looks bug-eyed and two-dimensional. The ending of the book left much to be desired. As things grow to a head between EllRay and bullies Jared and Stanley, EllRay finally takes matters into his own hands, meeting Jared for a fistfight. This manages to clear the air, but both boys are disappointed when it's revealed that their parents have conspired to send them to Disneyland... where they'll be forced to hang out together. I didn't think a namby-pamby, "And then the boys all learned to be friends! And they lived happily ever after!" sort of ending would have made any sense, but I was saddened that violence seemed to be the answer to EllRay's problems, and that the adults in the story remained clueless throughout. The final third of the book really dragged for me... I kept picking it up, reading a sentence and putting it down again, meaning this short book took me over a month to read. The book is appended with a sneak peek chapter from the next book in the series. For me, this made an already choppy ending feel even choppier, but for kids who liked the book, that sneak peek chapter will provide reassurance that more of EllRay's adventures are on the way. I did enjoy this book. And I'll certainly recommend it to kids looking for good realistic fiction featuring African American families. It doesn't replace the special place that The Stories Julian Tells holds in my heart, though.
August 14, 2012
This easy chapter book has some interesting things to say about bullying and school stuff. I love the character's complaint that if you get in trouble in school, that should be enough; why do you have to get in trouble for the same thing at home, too?? And the dynamics of bullying--two against one, bigger against smaller, done out of sight, during recess, etc. are pretty accurate.
EllRay (for "Lancelot Ray") has a secret bully problem, and he's determined to avoid trouble and resolve it on his own, in order to win a good behavior reward trip to Disneyland from his parents. (They live in Southern CA.) So EllRay tries to avoid the bully, Jared, which leads to being called a chicken. Still, he persists, until, in a final confrontation, including an actual fight, Jared blurts out why he's mad: months ago, EllRay made a joke that embarrassed Jared in front of a girl he liked. They sort of resolve this, and then EllRay's parents surprise him and bring Jared on the Disneyland trip: a teacher had tipped them off to friction between the boys. This "Enemy Pie"
approach nearly backfires, but eventually mostly works when the boys are left alone (with cell phones) for a while on the trip .
This book will resonate with lots of kids who deal with bullies. Avoidance, making light of teasing are all early steps to getting out of a bullying situation. However, many experts say that trying to work it out without adults is a mistake; EllRay tries to do that, but actually the adult, sort of sideways intervention does help, as does clearing the air about the actual cause. This might work if there is a concrete event that triggers a problem, but I think often the issues are more subtle. (Though maybe sometimes they start small, like this.) And I'm not sure how realistic it is that Jared would actually say why he was mad. That being said, this could open the door to discussions about the issue--"Do you think this would work? Were the parents right to intervene? The teacher? How would you have handled it if you were EllRay? His parents? What about Jared's sidekick, Stanley?"
EllRay is a likable, sturdy guy with a good sense of humor. He's aware of his parents', especially his dad's, concerns about behavior, academic excellence and potential racism (It's worth mentioning that they are one of only 10 or 11 African-American families in their town. p78. EllRay doesn't want that to come into play, doesn't think that's the issue.) His realistically annoying/charming little sister adds a note of humor. The book includes sketchy drawings by Jamie Harper and funny lists. Cover by Brian Biggs, of Roscoe Riley and Shredderman fame.
EllRay (for "Lancelot Ray") has a secret bully problem, and he's determined to avoid trouble and resolve it on his own, in order to win a good behavior reward trip to Disneyland from his parents. (They live in Southern CA.) So EllRay tries to avoid the bully, Jared, which leads to being called a chicken. Still, he persists, until, in a final confrontation, including an actual fight, Jared blurts out why he's mad: months ago, EllRay made a joke that embarrassed Jared in front of a girl he liked. They sort of resolve this, and then EllRay's parents surprise him and bring Jared on the Disneyland trip: a teacher had tipped them off to friction between the boys. This "Enemy Pie"
approach nearly backfires, but eventually mostly works when the boys are left alone (with cell phones) for a while on the trip .This book will resonate with lots of kids who deal with bullies. Avoidance, making light of teasing are all early steps to getting out of a bullying situation. However, many experts say that trying to work it out without adults is a mistake; EllRay tries to do that, but actually the adult, sort of sideways intervention does help, as does clearing the air about the actual cause. This might work if there is a concrete event that triggers a problem, but I think often the issues are more subtle. (Though maybe sometimes they start small, like this.) And I'm not sure how realistic it is that Jared would actually say why he was mad. That being said, this could open the door to discussions about the issue--"Do you think this would work? Were the parents right to intervene? The teacher? How would you have handled it if you were EllRay? His parents? What about Jared's sidekick, Stanley?"
EllRay is a likable, sturdy guy with a good sense of humor. He's aware of his parents', especially his dad's, concerns about behavior, academic excellence and potential racism (It's worth mentioning that they are one of only 10 or 11 African-American families in their town. p78. EllRay doesn't want that to come into play, doesn't think that's the issue.) His realistically annoying/charming little sister adds a note of humor. The book includes sketchy drawings by Jamie Harper and funny lists. Cover by Brian Biggs, of Roscoe Riley and Shredderman fame.
June 5, 2011
There's a war in Ms. Sanchez's third grade class between three of the boys. Ever since the end of Christmas vacation, Jared Matthews and Stanley Washington have had it out for EllRay Jakes. Jared and Stanley don't pull things in the classroom, at first, but they are at EllRay during lunch, recess, break and other times when they are out of sight from teachers and other adults. They know how to hide their rib-aching digs and other things they're doing from other kids as well. EllRay swears Jared's biggest aim is to make him cry in front of everyone at school.
EllRay's determined not to let anyone know what Jared and Stanley are doing to him. He doesn't want other boys taking sides and making this war bigger because that wouldn't end things for EllRay. He doesn't want the girls chattering about the war and staring. He definitely doesn't want his parents involved. Not when they are already on his care for his progress report, the one that says "Behavior: Needs Improvement." His teacher is calling home each day with a report on him now and his dad grills EllRay about his day. Then a prize is dangled in front of EllRay - a day at Disneyland if he can hold it together for a whole week.
Each day, EllRay struggles not to react to Jared and Stanley, not to blow up. He tries not to make the other kids laugh or make faces. The week gets worse and worse, and still he keeps trying to hold it together.
What I really enjoyed about this book was Jared's family. His mom's a writer who gave EllRay and his sister unusual names. EllRay's dad is a geologist, who is busy and serious all of the time. EllRay's commentary on his parents throughout the book tells a lot about him. His younger sister Alfie is hilarious. When EllRay has a headache, she suggests he "try sleeping with your feet on the pillow because maybe then your headache will get mixed up and go someplace else!"
The next book in this series is EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star!
EllRay's determined not to let anyone know what Jared and Stanley are doing to him. He doesn't want other boys taking sides and making this war bigger because that wouldn't end things for EllRay. He doesn't want the girls chattering about the war and staring. He definitely doesn't want his parents involved. Not when they are already on his care for his progress report, the one that says "Behavior: Needs Improvement." His teacher is calling home each day with a report on him now and his dad grills EllRay about his day. Then a prize is dangled in front of EllRay - a day at Disneyland if he can hold it together for a whole week.
Each day, EllRay struggles not to react to Jared and Stanley, not to blow up. He tries not to make the other kids laugh or make faces. The week gets worse and worse, and still he keeps trying to hold it together.
What I really enjoyed about this book was Jared's family. His mom's a writer who gave EllRay and his sister unusual names. EllRay's dad is a geologist, who is busy and serious all of the time. EllRay's commentary on his parents throughout the book tells a lot about him. His younger sister Alfie is hilarious. When EllRay has a headache, she suggests he "try sleeping with your feet on the pillow because maybe then your headache will get mixed up and go someplace else!"
The next book in this series is EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star!
April 29, 2012
Actual rating: 2.5
Well, I have mixed feelings about the first EllRay book. What I liked about it was the language it was written it. There is always something so fun and intriguing about writing in a sense as if you're just talking to someone. I love it. I also love how we got to see into EllRay's mind when he was thinking about certain things - like how he interpreted the things his dad told him. As adults, we often don't think about the things we say to kids and what they can really mean to them. So I really liked that as well. However, there were a few things that really annoyed me. For one, EllRay's teacher, Ms. Sanchez, needs a swift kick in the arse. As a teacher, it REALLY annoyed me to see her sighing when kids were asking her questions about things. Um, hello! You're a teacher - that's your job! I've run across this often in kids books where the teachers are just complete idiots. Why can't authors write up good teachers these days? Because they do exist. I also didn't like the whole fight scene between EllRay and James... they're 8 and yet they're having a physical fight like they're in high school? Yikes... not a message I want any child to have, especially because EllRay was all "we need to have this fight to settle things just like James said." Um... no. I know, I get it, things like that really do happen... but I felt like suddenly I was out of the third grade and in high school and they're little fight was over the stupidest thing (which, yes, kids do fight about stupid things... but come on.... 8 year olds are really going to duke it out over a silly picture one of them drew? Please)
Unfortunately, I wont' be able to use this book in my class like I was hoping. And despite my mixed feelings, there were parts of the book I really liked and others I could have lived without. You'll have to judge for yourself. I may or may not read the rest of the EllRay books... if I do, it won't be with urgency.
Well, I have mixed feelings about the first EllRay book. What I liked about it was the language it was written it. There is always something so fun and intriguing about writing in a sense as if you're just talking to someone. I love it. I also love how we got to see into EllRay's mind when he was thinking about certain things - like how he interpreted the things his dad told him. As adults, we often don't think about the things we say to kids and what they can really mean to them. So I really liked that as well. However, there were a few things that really annoyed me. For one, EllRay's teacher, Ms. Sanchez, needs a swift kick in the arse. As a teacher, it REALLY annoyed me to see her sighing when kids were asking her questions about things. Um, hello! You're a teacher - that's your job! I've run across this often in kids books where the teachers are just complete idiots. Why can't authors write up good teachers these days? Because they do exist. I also didn't like the whole fight scene between EllRay and James... they're 8 and yet they're having a physical fight like they're in high school? Yikes... not a message I want any child to have, especially because EllRay was all "we need to have this fight to settle things just like James said." Um... no. I know, I get it, things like that really do happen... but I felt like suddenly I was out of the third grade and in high school and they're little fight was over the stupidest thing (which, yes, kids do fight about stupid things... but come on.... 8 year olds are really going to duke it out over a silly picture one of them drew? Please)
Unfortunately, I wont' be able to use this book in my class like I was hoping. And despite my mixed feelings, there were parts of the book I really liked and others I could have lived without. You'll have to judge for yourself. I may or may not read the rest of the EllRay books... if I do, it won't be with urgency.
June 11, 2012
I love EllRay Jakes. I love that he has struggles at school, struggles at home and that is so completely and utterly honest. EllRay is in a war at school with two boys and no one knows it. To make it worse his teacher and parents have communicated and EllRay is on notice that he had better behave in school. To make it worse, if EllRay can get through one week in school without getting in trouble he and his family will get to go to Disneyland!
Literary Quality:
Chracter - EllRay is the realest character I have read in a long time. He is one of only a few African Americans who attend his school. His little sister gets on his nerves, but he loves her at the same time. I tweeted that EllRay and Alfie may have the best brother/sister relationship I have seen in a long time. EllRay's dad is consistently encouraging him to do better. His teacher doesn't see him getting picked on. EllRay is real. He keeps all of his struggles to himself afraid to burden his parents with his school issues and knowing it is against the rules to tell the teacher. He is a great character.
Plot: Warner weaves school and home life together throughout this novel. The plot is well conceived. The plot climaxes in a fight between EllRay and his enemy. Comically EllRay comes out as the villian in a fight that could never logically be seen that way. This is a neat twist. To follow up with the fight EllRay's enemy gets to go to Disneyland with him. The plot keeps on giving.
Tone: The tone is lighthearted and serious at the same time.
Clarity/Style of Language: Warner creates a narrator in EllRay that readers will easily understand. EllRay is funny.
Illustration: N/A
Design/Format: N/A
Interest to Children: EllRay faces issues that kids face every day. This will make the book interesting to readers.
Acceptance by Children: Children will accept EllRay and cheer him on.
Literary Quality:
Chracter - EllRay is the realest character I have read in a long time. He is one of only a few African Americans who attend his school. His little sister gets on his nerves, but he loves her at the same time. I tweeted that EllRay and Alfie may have the best brother/sister relationship I have seen in a long time. EllRay's dad is consistently encouraging him to do better. His teacher doesn't see him getting picked on. EllRay is real. He keeps all of his struggles to himself afraid to burden his parents with his school issues and knowing it is against the rules to tell the teacher. He is a great character.
Plot: Warner weaves school and home life together throughout this novel. The plot is well conceived. The plot climaxes in a fight between EllRay and his enemy. Comically EllRay comes out as the villian in a fight that could never logically be seen that way. This is a neat twist. To follow up with the fight EllRay's enemy gets to go to Disneyland with him. The plot keeps on giving.
Tone: The tone is lighthearted and serious at the same time.
Clarity/Style of Language: Warner creates a narrator in EllRay that readers will easily understand. EllRay is funny.
Illustration: N/A
Design/Format: N/A
Interest to Children: EllRay faces issues that kids face every day. This will make the book interesting to readers.
Acceptance by Children: Children will accept EllRay and cheer him on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2015
I'm not sure I can describe how much I hated this book. Perhaps my feeling was more intense because it is a Reading Olympics book this year for my entire county, so I know that thousands of kids are being forced to read this story. The good parts: EllRay is a dark-skinned boy with a very smart and successful father, a cute little sister and a teacher that may be a little strict but cares enough about her kids to talk to parents regularly about what is going on. The bad parts: EllRay's Dad is smart but obviously doesn't know how to relate to his son, is very strict and not at all interesting. The whole story is about EllRay being bullied by a big kid in his class. It is also about his sister being bullied by a mean girl in her class, another mean girl in EllRay's class, the kids who kiss up to the mean kids... you get the picture. I once read a research study that said that cartoons can increase bullying in kids because most of the show focuses on kids bullying each other while only a small portion at the end shows the kids resolving the issue and being friends. That is exactly what this book does. The ENTIRE book is about how mean these kid are. There are only a few nice kids portrayed in the whole book, and they don't show up very often. EllRay's teacher and parents know something is going on, but EllRay refuses to talk to them about it. In the end EllRay and the bully have a fight and then the next day EllRay's parents take him to Disneyland... with the bully as a surprise guest on the trip! Of course we all know that going to Disneyland magically fixes all our problems, so by the end of the day EllRay and the bully are buddies. Solution found and life is so much better! Sorry, but I don't see anything worth sharing with kids in this book.
Read
December 27, 2015So I will be buying several of the books in this series for my library. It was funny and true to life and my kids like realistic fiction. Also, EllRay is black and middle class with two parents- a professor father and an author mother. He is also one of the few black kids in his school (and one of the few black families in his Southern California neighborhood). I need more books like this that reflect the African American kids in my school. So often books that feature black families feature them as poor, or single parent, or living in a bad neighborhood or sports (i.e. stereotype!) and by and large those are not my students of color. I work in a very wealthy private school and my kids aren’t really seeing themselves in the few novels that do feature characters of color.
Now, I was of another mind about the actual story for the majority of the book. EllRay is being bullied by a kid in his class for some reason, a reason he isn’t sure about until the end. EllRay’s plan to avoid the bully isn’t particularly good nor is it effective and he won’t share with an adult that it’s going on. I think this is exactly how a kid in second grade would handle this. In fact I know it is, because we had an issue with a bully last year in the third grade and it went down in much the same way. But! But, I wish there had been some sympathetic adults. EllRay’s parents are more concerned about his behavior at school because of a progress report that went home. And his teacher is clueless as to how her actions affect the class and home dynamics. I find that really frustrating as an adult. On the other hand I don’t want a didactic story. The final page, though, explains that everything isn’t gravy but things are better and I think that made the rest go down easier.
Now, I was of another mind about the actual story for the majority of the book. EllRay is being bullied by a kid in his class for some reason, a reason he isn’t sure about until the end. EllRay’s plan to avoid the bully isn’t particularly good nor is it effective and he won’t share with an adult that it’s going on. I think this is exactly how a kid in second grade would handle this. In fact I know it is, because we had an issue with a bully last year in the third grade and it went down in much the same way. But! But, I wish there had been some sympathetic adults. EllRay’s parents are more concerned about his behavior at school because of a progress report that went home. And his teacher is clueless as to how her actions affect the class and home dynamics. I find that really frustrating as an adult. On the other hand I don’t want a didactic story. The final page, though, explains that everything isn’t gravy but things are better and I think that made the rest go down easier.
June 2, 2011
New series by Sally Warner. Ellray is the smallest kid in his class, even smaller than all the girls! His size causes him to get picked on by bigger/meaner boys, but Ellray tries his best to stand up for himself. When his teacher sends home a progress report that says Ellray has some behavioral issues Ellray's dad makes him the deal of a lifetime: no problems for 1 week and at the end of it he can go to Disneyland! Ellray does an excellent job of controlling his anger and turning the other cheek despite all of the tactics the bullies use to try to get Ellray to retaliate. In the end, all his hard work pays off and Ellray makes it to Disneyland, but he gains some company he didn't count on: Jared, the meanest bully in his class!
This book presented bullying very well. The situations and responses were realistic and honest. The chapters are short and there are many illustrations throughout the text making this a good book for grades 3-5. Others items worth noting are Ellray's family (close-knit, 4 member African-American family with the dad employed as a Geology professor at the university level). Overall, I found this title to be well-written, and I applaud the author for doing such a good job of climbing inside a child's mind and giving the rest of us the view from the inside out.
This book presented bullying very well. The situations and responses were realistic and honest. The chapters are short and there are many illustrations throughout the text making this a good book for grades 3-5. Others items worth noting are Ellray's family (close-knit, 4 member African-American family with the dad employed as a Geology professor at the university level). Overall, I found this title to be well-written, and I applaud the author for doing such a good job of climbing inside a child's mind and giving the rest of us the view from the inside out.
August 9, 2012
EllRay Jakes does not want his teachers to call home. And he is most certainly not the one starting all the problems, but the teachers know there is something going on and they only see EllRay as part of it. When EllRay's father challenges him to go an entire week without a single phone call from his teachers and he'll get a trip to DisneyLand, EllRay knows he will have to stay away from the bully to make it happen. Yet, something always brings him to the bully's attention.
***********Spoiler*************
I know this book is on the current Texas Bluebonnet Reading List, but I still have a hard time recommending it to children. In the end EllRay stands up to his bully by physically challening him in a nearby park. The rest of the school comes out to the park so it doesn't get too far. However, the next day EllRay and his bully go to Disneyland. So, I guess it's good that the EllRay's parents and the bully's parents have talked about the issue. But they never talk to either kid about bullying. They just go to Disneyland. Seems like the wrong message to me.
***********Spoiler*************
I know this book is on the current Texas Bluebonnet Reading List, but I still have a hard time recommending it to children. In the end EllRay stands up to his bully by physically challening him in a nearby park. The rest of the school comes out to the park so it doesn't get too far. However, the next day EllRay and his bully go to Disneyland. So, I guess it's good that the EllRay's parents and the bully's parents have talked about the issue. But they never talk to either kid about bullying. They just go to Disneyland. Seems like the wrong message to me.
May 1, 2011
EllRay's got it rough. Ever since Christmas break started he's been the target of nasty Jared Matthews and, as far as he knows, for no good reason. It's tough enough being one of the few black kids in school. Now his dad is telling EllRay that if he can keep his nose clean in school for one whole week, the whole family will go to Disneyland. That's harder than it sounds, though, when EllRay's bully turns up the heat and our hero has to figure out how to stand up for himself without breaking his dad's rules. Though some parents probably won't like that EllRay and Jared actually do have a fight at one point (I don't see many of those in early chapter books!) I'm so grateful to find the first black boy character in an early chapter book since . . . well it's been a really long time (the only two that come to mind are Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs and the Julian books). Definitely recommended. - B
November 1, 2011
EllRay Jakes, 3rd grader, is being bullied but he has no idea why. If he tells his dad, his dad will FREAK OUT and overreact. His mom will call the bully's mom. The boys in his class will take sides; the girls will stare. He's got to deal with this himself. Unfortunately EllRay is distracted in class plus he misbehaves in ways that make sense to 3rd grade boys but not to his teacher.
When the teacher calls his parents to report EllRay's behavior, EllRay's dad comes up with a prize--a day at Disneyland--if EllRay can stay out of trouble for a week. This is much easier said than done, especially since the bullies do what they can to mess up EllRay's efforts.
This is a good book for boys (and some girls) in about early 3rd grade and up or even younger kids who have started reading chapter books. It's funny and it's compassionate and it presents a 3rd grade outlook on the world that's worth understanding.
When the teacher calls his parents to report EllRay's behavior, EllRay's dad comes up with a prize--a day at Disneyland--if EllRay can stay out of trouble for a week. This is much easier said than done, especially since the bullies do what they can to mess up EllRay's efforts.
This is a good book for boys (and some girls) in about early 3rd grade and up or even younger kids who have started reading chapter books. It's funny and it's compassionate and it presents a 3rd grade outlook on the world that's worth understanding.
September 1, 2012
EllRay Jakes doesn't mean to make trouble, but trouble is hard to avoid--especially when you are being secretly bullied by two boys in your third grade class. Can EllRay stay out of trouble long enough to earn the reward of a weekend trip to Disneyland?
EllRay is a likable character, and it's refreshing to note that he is also African-American--something we still don't see enough of in children's literature.
However, he also displays some very gendered thinking, constantly dividing the world into "things boys do" and "things girls do," which is a pet peeve of mine. I don't fault EllRay or the author for this; the fault here really lies in society. But I hate to encounter books that perpetuate this kind of logic.
The ending also wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, for my tastes. But that aside: the EllRay Jakes series is a fun early chapter book that kids will get a kick out of.
EllRay is a likable character, and it's refreshing to note that he is also African-American--something we still don't see enough of in children's literature.
However, he also displays some very gendered thinking, constantly dividing the world into "things boys do" and "things girls do," which is a pet peeve of mine. I don't fault EllRay or the author for this; the fault here really lies in society. But I hate to encounter books that perpetuate this kind of logic.
The ending also wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, for my tastes. But that aside: the EllRay Jakes series is a fun early chapter book that kids will get a kick out of.
October 28, 2013
Eight-year-old EllRay Jakes is the smallest kid in Ms. Sanchez's third grade class, even counting the girls. Unfortunately for EllRay, Jared Matthews is the biggest in class and views EllRay as his target to take it out on due to a misunderstanding. When EllRay's father promises to take him to Disneyland only is he can stay out of trouble for a week, Jared might prevent the trip from happening. EllRay cannot let that happen and plans to avoid any trouble all week long, especially involving Jared. It proves to be the biggest challenge he's faced complete with a surprise, twist ending.
This 1st series story would be great for boys and reluctant readers who like humor and realistic fiction. It also deals with bullying in a creative and realistic view. A relatable and humorous character; highly recommended.
This 1st series story would be great for boys and reluctant readers who like humor and realistic fiction. It also deals with bullying in a creative and realistic view. A relatable and humorous character; highly recommended.
January 21, 2013
EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken is on the Texas Bluebonnet list this year and I'm currently working my way through that list. This is the first in a series of EllRay books and I can see young boys who are reluctant readers gravitating towards them. I'm a bit torn on this book. The focus is on bullying and EllRay is torn between fighting back and staying calm when put in tough situations. And he definitely does make some good decisions, practicing great self-control. You think, "What a good example to share with kids." But the flip side to that is the fight he finally does get into and hides from his parents to be able to go to Disneyland. It won't take you but 30 minutes to read through it, so you'll just have to decide for yourself.
June 1, 2013
Finally, a book on the Children's Sequoyah Book Award master list that is easy for third grade students to read and is also about a subject these students will relate to in their own lives. EllRay is boy suffering from bullying, but it really is just of how kids relate to each other. They struggle building relationships, and even when concerned and attentive adults are there to ask and support, children still struggle to learn the art of relationship. This short, fast read deals with real life situations In a slightly humorous manner allowing EllRay and his nemesis, Jared, a chance to naturally resolve their issues... sort of. BTW, Warner shows us that many of us have a "nemesis" so we all need these skills.
October 15, 2013
A decent 3rd grade chapter book - not as funny as I'd hoped, but I think kids will like the frank look at what it is like to be in 3rd grade - the mean kids, the nice kids, the shifting social scene. I also like the frank discussion of EllRay being a black boy in a mostly white school, and how that makes him feel - without that being the focus of the book. "PBIS" schools will hate the fact that EllRay and nemesis Jared manage to solve their problem with an old fashioned fist fight, but the acknowledgement that the problem started with an "innocent" doodle is right on the money, and the book addresses it well. I will push it to 3rd graders looking for chapter books and see if a teacher reads it aloud and if it encourages discussion.
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