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My Life #3
My Life as a Cartoonist
There’s a new kid in Derek Fallon’s class. His name is Umberto and he uses a wheelchair. Derek’s family is still fostering Frank the monkey, and Derek thinks it would be great to train Frank to assist Umberto. But Derek quickly realizes that Umberto is definitely not looking for any help. Derek soon becomes the butt of Umberto’s jokes. On top of that, Umberto starts stealing Derek’s cartoon ideas and claiming them as his own. How did Derek get himself into this mess, and how can he find a way out before he is the laughingstock of school? The answer may very well be his cartoon strip—SUPER FRANK!
272 pages, Hardcover
First published April 30, 2013
96 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Janet Tashjian
56 books262 followersJanet Tashjian is a middle-grade and young adult novelist who’s been writing books for children for fifteen years. Her first novel Tru Confessions was made into a critically acclaimed Disney TV movie starring Clara Bryant and Shia LaBeouf. The Gospel According to Larry is a cult favorite and Fault Line is taught in many middle and high schools. Her novels My Life As a Book, My Life As a Stuntboy, and My Life As a Cartoonist are all illustrated by her teenage son, Jake. Their collaboration continues with Einstein the Class Hamster coming in August.
Janet lives with her family in Los Angeles, enjoying her respite from the long Boston winters. When she isn’t writing, she’s rewriting.
Janet has been doing school visits for fifteen years; you can email her at spatulaproductions@mac.com for details.
We invite you to follow her on Twitter @JanetTashjian and like her books on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Lif...
https://www.facebook.com/ForWhatItsWo...
Plus, check out her YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/janettash...
Janet lives with her family in Los Angeles, enjoying her respite from the long Boston winters. When she isn’t writing, she’s rewriting.
Janet has been doing school visits for fifteen years; you can email her at spatulaproductions@mac.com for details.
We invite you to follow her on Twitter @JanetTashjian and like her books on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Lif...
https://www.facebook.com/ForWhatItsWo...
Plus, check out her YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/janettash...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 8, 2022
Derek loves to draw cartoons, especially about Frank! So when a new kid comes to school, he wants to welcome him and share Frank. Instead the new kid starts to bully Derek.
This book is fantastic for children in it really shows how a child would think and react! The new kid is on defense, in the process, he has become the bully!
This book is fantastic for children in it really shows how a child would think and react! The new kid is on defense, in the process, he has become the bully!
May 17, 2015
Derek wanted to live a normal life and improve his comic strip skills, but then a new kid, Umberto, comes to their school and starts causing trouble for Derek. Because Umberto is in a wheelchair (meaning he can’t move a part of his body), all the teachers and students at school respect him the most, but Derek doesn’t like Umberto because they didn’t happen to have good impressions on each other when they first met. So, Derek happens to always get in trouble because of things that are actually supposed to be Umberto’s fault, but he ends up getting caught because the teacher only notices when Derek does something. Then, Umberto and Derek happen to get into a big fight one day after school, and their teacher, Ms. McCoddle, gives them a week detention and forces them to work on a partner project for a comic strip. My Life as a Cartoonist by Janet Tashjian is a book about teamwork, friendship, and kindness.
July 19, 2023
SPOILERS
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My aunt gave me this book to read, (without even the books of the other series, so I apologize if I have no excess detail of the books of the series)
So I decided to read this while on vacation. I was halfway in the beginning when I was reading it, but could pick up easily on the plot. A boy in a wheelchair, Umberto, who’s bullying a 12 year old abled bodied boy, Derek. Bullying has no bounds, as Derek learns, that Umberto is “stealing” his comic book ideas, and original character, Super Frank.
When all Umberto wanted was to make friends and not have people bully him, because he had trouble in school.
This book reminds people that even people with disabilities, can also be bullies in different ways, which can be true in a perspective of a 12 year old boy, thinking ableist thoughts on the handicap boy, just a few pages on the middle half of said book when Carly (a girl who Derek likes) stops him from thinking these ableist thoughts, because that isn’t right, obviously, but says that Umberto shouldn’t be bullying him as well and that sometimes it might Not Even Be Umberto’s Fault, because he’s in a wheelchair.
That happens throughout the book.
Honestly, I enjoy this book. The only thing that really confuses me, is the end. Because yes, it’s very possible and realistic for a 12 year old to bully, even with physical problems, because “he had no friends.” but the ending feels simple as the two day detention they were given in the book, not really much detail, or the Boni dog seizure mention. Not much specifics other than that.
There’s some statements in there, that feel like they’re trying to offend disabled people, but overall, they treat Umberto’s character like a normal human, like people should do in real life, and I can’t complain too much, because I forgot most of the first half of this book. (Thought the narrator was a girl, talking about how some sports player choked on a bolt(??)
until the name Derek was mentioned, haha)
Overall, I would give this book a 5, but the things that do offend me, are very minimal, the cartoons mentioned are very bold definitions.
And again in a 12 year old’s perspective, and it’s very realistic for anyone, including the authors of this book to be potentially ableist without trying to be, (and can’t say much, as I’m also abled.) and I could be as well.
I don’t remember when I started this book as well, so I apologize for any misinformation.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
———-
My aunt gave me this book to read, (without even the books of the other series, so I apologize if I have no excess detail of the books of the series)
So I decided to read this while on vacation. I was halfway in the beginning when I was reading it, but could pick up easily on the plot. A boy in a wheelchair, Umberto, who’s bullying a 12 year old abled bodied boy, Derek. Bullying has no bounds, as Derek learns, that Umberto is “stealing” his comic book ideas, and original character, Super Frank.
When all Umberto wanted was to make friends and not have people bully him, because he had trouble in school.
This book reminds people that even people with disabilities, can also be bullies in different ways, which can be true in a perspective of a 12 year old boy, thinking ableist thoughts on the handicap boy, just a few pages on the middle half of said book when Carly (a girl who Derek likes) stops him from thinking these ableist thoughts, because that isn’t right, obviously, but says that Umberto shouldn’t be bullying him as well and that sometimes it might Not Even Be Umberto’s Fault, because he’s in a wheelchair.
That happens throughout the book.
Honestly, I enjoy this book. The only thing that really confuses me, is the end. Because yes, it’s very possible and realistic for a 12 year old to bully, even with physical problems, because “he had no friends.” but the ending feels simple as the two day detention they were given in the book, not really much detail, or the Boni dog seizure mention. Not much specifics other than that.
There’s some statements in there, that feel like they’re trying to offend disabled people, but overall, they treat Umberto’s character like a normal human, like people should do in real life, and I can’t complain too much, because I forgot most of the first half of this book. (Thought the narrator was a girl, talking about how some sports player choked on a bolt(??)
until the name Derek was mentioned, haha)
Overall, I would give this book a 5, but the things that do offend me, are very minimal, the cartoons mentioned are very bold definitions.
And again in a 12 year old’s perspective, and it’s very realistic for anyone, including the authors of this book to be potentially ableist without trying to be, (and can’t say much, as I’m also abled.) and I could be as well.
I don’t remember when I started this book as well, so I apologize for any misinformation.
May 28, 2020
forgot to update goodreads but this is not a funny book and it is boring
November 28, 2015
Have you ever encountered someone who you absolutely hate then then you become best friends well that happened in this story. The genre is realistic fiction because the story is very very possible but the story isjust made up. My overall opinion is that the book amazing the writing the lesson and the book was funny and great overall the book was a great pice of writing.
This book is about a boy who loves to make cartoons and skate board with his best friend Matt and Carly. They all are amazing friends and always trust each other. But one day somebody named umberto came in with a wheel chair and umberto sat next to Derek and since Derek has a monkey that helps people with disabilities he wanted to help him. But then they never got along. Derek tried to be nice but umberto never listened he would copy his ideas for cartoons and used his disability to make it look like Derek did something wrong or he made Derek look very bad. But then umberto helped Derek by saving his dog because it had a seizer and umberto was nice enough to let Derek get to the vet a lot faster because of his chair. Then Derek helped umberto surf with a professional surfer who surfs with people with disabilities to pay umberto back for helping and then they made cartoons together. The story is person vs person because it's a person is vs another person and in this case it is Derek and umberto and they don't get alone nicely and they hate each other so they are vs each other and that is person vs person. The theme of the story is like don't judge a book by its cover Intill you read the book same concept in the story Derek thought he was a bad person at first but he never knew the reason but once he got to know him he learned that he cared. For example umberto showed he cared and actually helped Derek instead of letting his dog suffer.
The first person or third person point of view affects the story because if it were in third person we would know everyone's thoughts and as the reader we would be able to know more than if it were in first point of view. A major event changed the main characters character when umberto came in because all umberto wanted to do is drive Derek crazy and bully him then Derek gets payback and it makes him look bad because umberto is in a wheel chair then Derek gets In trouble and that really changes Derek's character. The title relates to the story because the title is my life as a cartoonist and Derek loves to make cartoons and he even hosts a cartoon club and that's what the story is based on Derek loving cartoons Intill umberto comes in and copies him. The fighting between umberto and Derek help establish the conflict person vs person.
My overall opinion on the book is that it is great because it always makes me laugh because of how funny the book is. Also because the author helps you understand what the author is trying to get across to you. Also the quotes in the book are always funny for example his ideas are crazy and they usally involve a monkey in a diaper and what he does is always funny that's what my opinion is.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 because I love comedy and interesting books and that's what this book is. I recommend this book to someone who likes funny stories and a book that isn't long or to short so if you are always busy this is a nice book for you. so if you like amazing books that are random with monkeys that you will love this book.
This book is about a boy who loves to make cartoons and skate board with his best friend Matt and Carly. They all are amazing friends and always trust each other. But one day somebody named umberto came in with a wheel chair and umberto sat next to Derek and since Derek has a monkey that helps people with disabilities he wanted to help him. But then they never got along. Derek tried to be nice but umberto never listened he would copy his ideas for cartoons and used his disability to make it look like Derek did something wrong or he made Derek look very bad. But then umberto helped Derek by saving his dog because it had a seizer and umberto was nice enough to let Derek get to the vet a lot faster because of his chair. Then Derek helped umberto surf with a professional surfer who surfs with people with disabilities to pay umberto back for helping and then they made cartoons together. The story is person vs person because it's a person is vs another person and in this case it is Derek and umberto and they don't get alone nicely and they hate each other so they are vs each other and that is person vs person. The theme of the story is like don't judge a book by its cover Intill you read the book same concept in the story Derek thought he was a bad person at first but he never knew the reason but once he got to know him he learned that he cared. For example umberto showed he cared and actually helped Derek instead of letting his dog suffer.
The first person or third person point of view affects the story because if it were in third person we would know everyone's thoughts and as the reader we would be able to know more than if it were in first point of view. A major event changed the main characters character when umberto came in because all umberto wanted to do is drive Derek crazy and bully him then Derek gets payback and it makes him look bad because umberto is in a wheel chair then Derek gets In trouble and that really changes Derek's character. The title relates to the story because the title is my life as a cartoonist and Derek loves to make cartoons and he even hosts a cartoon club and that's what the story is based on Derek loving cartoons Intill umberto comes in and copies him. The fighting between umberto and Derek help establish the conflict person vs person.
My overall opinion on the book is that it is great because it always makes me laugh because of how funny the book is. Also because the author helps you understand what the author is trying to get across to you. Also the quotes in the book are always funny for example his ideas are crazy and they usally involve a monkey in a diaper and what he does is always funny that's what my opinion is.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 because I love comedy and interesting books and that's what this book is. I recommend this book to someone who likes funny stories and a book that isn't long or to short so if you are always busy this is a nice book for you. so if you like amazing books that are random with monkeys that you will love this book.
April 21, 2015
Дерек е малко по-голям и по-отговорен, дори автор на истински комикси
Цялото ревю тук: http://knijenpetar.blogspot.com/2015/...
Ето ме отново на линия с третата книга от поредицата за Дерек. „Животът ми като автор на комикси“ („Софтпрес“, 2015) е също толкова свежа и забавна, колкото и предишните – „Животът ми като таен агент“ и „Животът ми като екшън герой“. Тук обаче момчето е съвсем очевидна жертва на обстоятелствата. На дневен ред са приятелствата и как само няколко думи могат да нараняват. Джанет и Джейк Тажиян отново са спретнали солидно количество приключения за своя малък герой, но показват и една пренебрегвана до тук страна от живота. Самият Дерек все пак чете, въпреки че тази му изключително неприятна задача за известно време е заменена от много по-приятната – правенето на комикси. Време е момчето да се стегне.
В училището на Дерек всичко си тече както си е текло и досега, но само докато не се появява Умберто – новото момче в инвалидна количка. Дерек е заинтригуван, защото вкъщи си има маймунка капуцин, която след няколко месеца ще започне да се обучава за помощник на инвалиди. Каква по-добра тактика може да се измисли за спечелването на още един приятел? Както самият Дерек преценява ситуацията: „...направо си плаче за маймунска помощ.“ Нещата с Умберто обаче не стоят по начина, който си представя момчето. Умберто се оказва голям нахалник и използва всички средства да направи за смях нашия герой. (Продължава в блога: http://knijenpetar.blogspot.com/2015/...)
Цялото ревю тук: http://knijenpetar.blogspot.com/2015/...
Ето ме отново на линия с третата книга от поредицата за Дерек. „Животът ми като автор на комикси“ („Софтпрес“, 2015) е също толкова свежа и забавна, колкото и предишните – „Животът ми като таен агент“ и „Животът ми като екшън герой“. Тук обаче момчето е съвсем очевидна жертва на обстоятелствата. На дневен ред са приятелствата и как само няколко думи могат да нараняват. Джанет и Джейк Тажиян отново са спретнали солидно количество приключения за своя малък герой, но показват и една пренебрегвана до тук страна от живота. Самият Дерек все пак чете, въпреки че тази му изключително неприятна задача за известно време е заменена от много по-приятната – правенето на комикси. Време е момчето да се стегне.
В училището на Дерек всичко си тече както си е текло и досега, но само докато не се появява Умберто – новото момче в инвалидна количка. Дерек е заинтригуван, защото вкъщи си има маймунка капуцин, която след няколко месеца ще започне да се обучава за помощник на инвалиди. Каква по-добра тактика може да се измисли за спечелването на още един приятел? Както самият Дерек преценява ситуацията: „...направо си плаче за маймунска помощ.“ Нещата с Умберто обаче не стоят по начина, който си представя момчето. Умберто се оказва голям нахалник и използва всички средства да направи за смях нашия герой. (Продължава в блога: http://knijenpetar.blogspot.com/2015/...)
July 5, 2017
"Why is this new kid getting under my skin? What's wrong with getting a nickname? Aren't kids supposed to have nicknames? What's so bad about being curious anyway?" Derek seems to be the target of the new kids' bullyish ways. Umberto, who's in a wheelchair, seems to delight in setting Derek off. But why? What did Derek ever do to draw the fire? Umberto even shows up at Derek's after school cartoon club and makes things difficult. At first, Derek takes the bait time and time again and his smart comments seem to make matters worse. Then, at the suggestion of Carly, one of his best friends, he tries to walk away from it, but that doesn't work so well either. Finally, it all leads to a confrontation with field hockey sticks after school. They are caught by the teacher and given a week of detention, in which they must collaborate on a comic strip. If they fail to finish in the week, they will earn another week of detention until they do finish.
A great story about friendship, bullying, and empathy. Is it possible that some bullies don't even realize that they are bullying? Maybe they're just trying too hard to make friends or not be bullied themselves. Some great discussion topics here.
A great story about friendship, bullying, and empathy. Is it possible that some bullies don't even realize that they are bullying? Maybe they're just trying too hard to make friends or not be bullied themselves. Some great discussion topics here.
November 26, 2012
I met Janet Tshjian last year at NCTE at a dinner. When I ran into her again in the exhibit hall this year, I was delighted to see her and even more happy that she remembered me. The icing on the cake - the 3rd book in the My Life as a Book series was out in ARC format and I got a signed copy. Life is good! I so enjoy this series, and have many students, especially boys, reading it this year. They gravitate to the illustrations, either because they just enjoy them or it provides them enough support to make sense of the story. Which is great, considering Janet's son, Jake, does the illustrations because he had difficulty learning vocabulary words when he was in school.
In the latest book, Derek is still drawing his cartoons, only this time is joined by a new kid to the school, a bully in a wheelchair, Umberto. Turns out Umberto has quite a knack for cartooning as well, even when he is making Derek's life miserable. Fun story that kids will truly enjoy!
Look for My Life as a Cartoonist in May 2013.
In the latest book, Derek is still drawing his cartoons, only this time is joined by a new kid to the school, a bully in a wheelchair, Umberto. Turns out Umberto has quite a knack for cartooning as well, even when he is making Derek's life miserable. Fun story that kids will truly enjoy!
Look for My Life as a Cartoonist in May 2013.
November 13, 2015
Derek Fallons in school and a new handicapped kid named Umberto shows up is class. He thought that he sould give him frank (the monkey he is training) to be nice and asks him if he needs or want frank. He gets bullied in front of everyone and then it all started. Derek was starting a club for comics and Umberto comes and makes fun of Derek and takes his ideas(like super frank), mixes it up a little and calls it his own. One day in class he sticks up to him and the teacher walks in and Umberto acts like he was a victim. The teacher puts them into a group to make anything of their choice and choose comics. One day they go to work together and they go walk the dog (Bodi) and something happens to Bodi and Umberto and derek rush him home because his mom is a vet. after that they became friends and everything went good from their.
My favorite part was when Umberto and derek fight and Umberto wins. Another one of my favorite parts is when they get Umberto to go surf. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes person against person.
My favorite part was when Umberto and derek fight and Umberto wins. Another one of my favorite parts is when they get Umberto to go surf. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes person against person.
October 29, 2015
A boy named Derek just wanted to live his life happy and improve on his cartooning skills. But a new kid Umberto was in a wheelchair. so, the teachers and kids treated Umberto good. But for Derek Umberto was being mean and making front of him at school. Umberto copied Derek's ideas in cartooning. One day Umberto wanted to fight Derek after school and Derrek said yes. When they were fighting a teacher saw them and saw Derek about to hit Umberto and thought Derek was bullying Umberto. Then they both got in detention and had to draw a cartoon together. They became really good friends together and went surfing.
March 12, 2015
This story was amazing! I thought it was a great book because I felt like I was there and there were lots of emotions going on. It was about a boy named Derek who had to deal with a bully at school, but the bully was actually in a wheel chair. The bullies name was Umberto. Derek always thought that he shouldn't get bullied especially by a boy in a wheelchair. In the end of the story Umberto did something for Derek that changed everything. They became very good friends.
March 21, 2016
When Derek met a new kid at school, Umberto started bully him. He started calling him nicknames, making fun at him, and also teasing him. So one day, when Derek started bully Umberto, they started a fight. They didn't hit each other because a teacher caught them. I liked this book because it has drawings, and also has specific details about the bully. I recommend this book to the 5th graders because so they could learn a lesson.
Read
June 7, 2016It is about how this kid draws his life as a cartoon and he draws everything that happens to him all the times.And some of the things he draws are funny and I could see it happening to me and it looks very weird and cool.I liked this book because it taking a story from real life and making it into a cartoon character.I recommend this book to people that like changing things into other things so they could look different.
Read
May 27, 2016This book was about how there is a new kid in Derick's class who has a disability and he can't walk and he is always in a wheelchair. Derick at first does not like him because of his disability but he learns something. I liked this book because Derick saw that not all people don't have something wrong with them. I would recommend thing book to Jairo and Cristian because this is a book that they would like.
April 15, 2015
I didont really like this book for alot of reasons. This book is about a kid going to school and he liked to draw cartoons and then this new kid came and started bullying him and then at the end they became freinds and then he found the new kids good drawing skills and then they became drawing buddies. I would recommends this to people who like happy endings, I dont but its an okay book.
April 22, 2015
I loved the book so much.I barely wanted to put the book to read more. It till through the book is bullying. It's a really picture form the book till what happened and it show the kids wont to read the book.And This books makes a great simile from the Wimpy Kid series as there is more cartoon they make. But i am in joying this book so much about I really liked the book.
October 18, 2015
Yet another fun My Life As... book. A fascinating take on bullying, friendship, and school/family life. Derek is a victim of bullying. The fact that the bully is the new kid in school, who happens to be in a wheel chair, only complicates things more. The characters are real and fun--you have to enjoy the surf instructor called "Heinz" because he once drank a bottle of ketchup.
March 18, 2016
The book was about how a kid dad wrote comics so he decided to write comics like his father.I like this book because it has a lot of detail in the book and it also has a lot of new words in the book and if you don't know the word it show you the definition. I recommend this book to a 6 grader because it has some challenging word for some 6 graders
March 5, 2016
Loved this-great characters, lots of emotion, and awesome life lessons that warm your heart. Great, attention-grabbing, engaging, & fast paced book for reluctant readers.
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June 22, 2021Personal Response:
I like the book, My Life as a Cartoonist, written by Jake Tashjain. I had a couple connections within the book that made it a little more real for me. While reading, I was able to put myself in the shoes of Derek and understand how he felt in his situations. Even though my situations were not exactly the same as his, they made me remember scenarios I went through at his age and continue to go through now at a high school level.
Plot:
The story starts off with Derek and his two friends: Carley and Matt. Derek and Matt are talking about Carley's new boyfriend. They worry she's growing up faster than them, and they might lose her as a friend. When getting into class that day, they notice they have a new kid in class and his name is Umberto. Umberto has been in an accident causing him to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Derek decides to ask him what has happened and Umberto comes back at him not liking that Derek asks the question. At that point, Derek and Umberto do not like each other and it causes many problems. It finally reaches the point where the teacher has to get involved. They both have to sit a week of detention and make a cartoon together. While making the cartoon, they start to argue and it turns into a very bad situation. Neither of them like each other's ideas and they would constantly fight. After a situation at the dog park, Umberto goes to Derek's house. They finish the comic on Thursday and turn it in right at the beginning of detention Friday. Then shortly after, they become friends and put aside all differences .
Characterization:
Derek is the main character of the story, who is also the protagonist. He is in middle school and has two friends: Carley and Matt. Derek is for the most part level-headed; however, he gets flustered and listens to Matt a little too much, which can make him seem like he is a bad kid. Throughout the two weeks the story takes place, he matures tremendously. He also learns plenty of new things not only about himself, but others and how he can make them feel.
Carley is the more level-headed and most mature of the group. She is always telling the two boys what is right and wrong and what they should and should not be doing. Carley is the problem solver of the group, but Derek and Matt never listen to her because it does not sound as fun as their ideas.
Matt is always the one telling Derek to do stupid things, not because he is trying to force him into trouble. Rather, he thinks his options always have a better outcome. He is the more hyper, or sporadic one of the group, always finding himself in situations that Carley or Derek need to help him through. Matt, even though hyper, is always making the most friendships and has never had a problem with Umberto.
Umberto is the antagonist of the story because he comes to the school and causes all kinds of trouble for Derek, making him feel bad and always picking on him. He does not have the goal to hurt Derek, but he does and later changes how he acts towards him. He is shy and worries about coming to a new school, and through his stress, takes it out on Derek which makes him look like the bad kid but in all reality he is just trying to make friends.
Setting:
The story mostly takes place at a school in California but also takes place at the beach and Derek's house. Every day is like a hot summer day in the middle of the school year. They surf and skateboard in their free time. Derek's mother owns a vet clinic that is right next to their house; she has a dog and a service monkey they are fostering. Derek takes his dog to the dog park and sometimes sees Umberto there with his dog, which helps him in the future. Surfing plays a big role in how Carley meets her boyfriend: Crash. It also hurts her even more because they break up, and one of her worries is that Crash will show up and cause problems. The dog park also plays a huge role because that is where Derek and Umberto make up for good. Umberto is helping save Derek's dog's life by being able to go very fast through town in his wheelchair and is able to bring him to his mom’s clinic in no time at all. The story takes place in the middle of a school year with a duration of about two weeks. Derek and Umberto's hatred towards each other only lasts a short amount of time but feels like forever in their eyes.
Recommendation:
I would recommend the book to students in grades 6-12 because all the situations that happen in the book seem to be childish fights or arguments that middle schoolers will be able to relate to. Even though the reading level might be lower, high school students would still enjoy the reading because they will still be able to connect with it. All these things seem to continue happening at an upper high school level just with different platforms to the story, which in my opinion, needs to be thought about more to mature and grow in students' friendships.
I like the book, My Life as a Cartoonist, written by Jake Tashjain. I had a couple connections within the book that made it a little more real for me. While reading, I was able to put myself in the shoes of Derek and understand how he felt in his situations. Even though my situations were not exactly the same as his, they made me remember scenarios I went through at his age and continue to go through now at a high school level.
Plot:
The story starts off with Derek and his two friends: Carley and Matt. Derek and Matt are talking about Carley's new boyfriend. They worry she's growing up faster than them, and they might lose her as a friend. When getting into class that day, they notice they have a new kid in class and his name is Umberto. Umberto has been in an accident causing him to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Derek decides to ask him what has happened and Umberto comes back at him not liking that Derek asks the question. At that point, Derek and Umberto do not like each other and it causes many problems. It finally reaches the point where the teacher has to get involved. They both have to sit a week of detention and make a cartoon together. While making the cartoon, they start to argue and it turns into a very bad situation. Neither of them like each other's ideas and they would constantly fight. After a situation at the dog park, Umberto goes to Derek's house. They finish the comic on Thursday and turn it in right at the beginning of detention Friday. Then shortly after, they become friends and put aside all differences .
Characterization:
Derek is the main character of the story, who is also the protagonist. He is in middle school and has two friends: Carley and Matt. Derek is for the most part level-headed; however, he gets flustered and listens to Matt a little too much, which can make him seem like he is a bad kid. Throughout the two weeks the story takes place, he matures tremendously. He also learns plenty of new things not only about himself, but others and how he can make them feel.
Carley is the more level-headed and most mature of the group. She is always telling the two boys what is right and wrong and what they should and should not be doing. Carley is the problem solver of the group, but Derek and Matt never listen to her because it does not sound as fun as their ideas.
Matt is always the one telling Derek to do stupid things, not because he is trying to force him into trouble. Rather, he thinks his options always have a better outcome. He is the more hyper, or sporadic one of the group, always finding himself in situations that Carley or Derek need to help him through. Matt, even though hyper, is always making the most friendships and has never had a problem with Umberto.
Umberto is the antagonist of the story because he comes to the school and causes all kinds of trouble for Derek, making him feel bad and always picking on him. He does not have the goal to hurt Derek, but he does and later changes how he acts towards him. He is shy and worries about coming to a new school, and through his stress, takes it out on Derek which makes him look like the bad kid but in all reality he is just trying to make friends.
Setting:
The story mostly takes place at a school in California but also takes place at the beach and Derek's house. Every day is like a hot summer day in the middle of the school year. They surf and skateboard in their free time. Derek's mother owns a vet clinic that is right next to their house; she has a dog and a service monkey they are fostering. Derek takes his dog to the dog park and sometimes sees Umberto there with his dog, which helps him in the future. Surfing plays a big role in how Carley meets her boyfriend: Crash. It also hurts her even more because they break up, and one of her worries is that Crash will show up and cause problems. The dog park also plays a huge role because that is where Derek and Umberto make up for good. Umberto is helping save Derek's dog's life by being able to go very fast through town in his wheelchair and is able to bring him to his mom’s clinic in no time at all. The story takes place in the middle of a school year with a duration of about two weeks. Derek and Umberto's hatred towards each other only lasts a short amount of time but feels like forever in their eyes.
Recommendation:
I would recommend the book to students in grades 6-12 because all the situations that happen in the book seem to be childish fights or arguments that middle schoolers will be able to relate to. Even though the reading level might be lower, high school students would still enjoy the reading because they will still be able to connect with it. All these things seem to continue happening at an upper high school level just with different platforms to the story, which in my opinion, needs to be thought about more to mature and grow in students' friendships.
July 10, 2024
En este libro conocemos a Derek, quien tiene la fortuna de convivir y cuidar a Frank, un mono capuchino. A Derek le encanta dibujar historietas y su protagonista es Super Frank, personaje inspirado precisamente en su amigo primate.
La vida transcurre felizmente para Derek, rodeado de su familia, sus amigos y su afición por los comics, hasta que un día llega a su escuela un niño diferente: Umberto. Por alguna razón, Umberto comienza a hacerle la vida difícil a Derek. Los insultos y molestias que recibe Derek lo hacen sentir mal, pero se abstiene de reaccionar ya que Umberto tiene una discapacidad: no puede caminar y se traslada en silla de ruedas. Todos tenemos un límite y pronto Derek alcanzará el suyo, provocando que la situación de un giro inesperado.
Esta historia, que a su vez se encuentra acompañada de pequeños dibujos en cada página, nos presenta un tema muy actual y abre la visión a los niños para obtener una perspectiva clara del “bullying”, tanto de quien lo padece como de quien lo ejerce, para terminar con un mensaje universal: todos necesitamos amigos y hay que saber serlo.
La vida transcurre felizmente para Derek, rodeado de su familia, sus amigos y su afición por los comics, hasta que un día llega a su escuela un niño diferente: Umberto. Por alguna razón, Umberto comienza a hacerle la vida difícil a Derek. Los insultos y molestias que recibe Derek lo hacen sentir mal, pero se abstiene de reaccionar ya que Umberto tiene una discapacidad: no puede caminar y se traslada en silla de ruedas. Todos tenemos un límite y pronto Derek alcanzará el suyo, provocando que la situación de un giro inesperado.
Esta historia, que a su vez se encuentra acompañada de pequeños dibujos en cada página, nos presenta un tema muy actual y abre la visión a los niños para obtener una perspectiva clara del “bullying”, tanto de quien lo padece como de quien lo ejerce, para terminar con un mensaje universal: todos necesitamos amigos y hay que saber serlo.
March 26, 2017
I enjoy this series as it follows Derek on his junior high adventures. This time Derek is leading a cartoon club at school. A new kid transfers into his school and makes Derek's life miserable. If Derek retaliates he looks like the bad guy. Derek and Umberto have to come to a compromise over their problem.
I like Derek. The drawings are still in the margins for words he does not understand. Sometimes their definitions are broad but make the point. I enjoy learning more about capuchin monkeys and how they are used as animal assistants for people with disabilities. Bullying is the topic but it is not preachy about it. It does show how bullies come in all shapes and sizes and how perceptions come into play. I was on Derek's side the whole way but since he was always caught retaliating or getting mad I could see where the other people were coming from.
I hope there will be more books in this series because it is one of my favorite youth series.
I like Derek. The drawings are still in the margins for words he does not understand. Sometimes their definitions are broad but make the point. I enjoy learning more about capuchin monkeys and how they are used as animal assistants for people with disabilities. Bullying is the topic but it is not preachy about it. It does show how bullies come in all shapes and sizes and how perceptions come into play. I was on Derek's side the whole way but since he was always caught retaliating or getting mad I could see where the other people were coming from.
I hope there will be more books in this series because it is one of my favorite youth series.
May 29, 2018
„Животът ми като автор на комикси” (изд. „СофтПрес”) – не, това не е автобиографията на светило на деветото изкуство, тук няма да прочетете мемоарите на някой прочут карикатурист или създател на супергерои. Но затова пък, ще се забавлявате до насита! Третата част от популярната поредица на Дженет и Джейк Тажиян продължава патилата на вечно търсещия своето призвание (но намиращ само комични неприятности) главен герой Дерек. Таен агент и екшън герой вече са отметнати в списъка с бъдещи кариери, както може би си спомняте от предишните две книги от „Историите на Дерек”. И докато рисуването на комикси и карикатури може би се отдава на нашия познайник, то справянето с неприятностите в училище далеч не е толкова лесно. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле":
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/201...
November 6, 2017
The book, My Life as a Cartoonist, by Janet Tashjian is magnificent for kids. The reason it’s magnificent is because it sends a spectacular message, that is we do better when we work together. The way the author shows this is how the two rivals, the main character, Derrick, and Umberto, are fighting for best cartoon! From the moment you read page 10, you already know that the conflicts between these two main characters. This goes all the way from Umberto crashing his club to Umberto challenging him to fight! These two hotheads fight all the way to the second to last page of the book But, these two hot heads realize something. Instead of competing for best cartoon, why don't the work together to make it perfect! So they stay up all night, but on the very last page, they introduce the best comic either have ever made, and introduce it to the class. The class loves it! So now, they work together to make there comics the very best they can be.This is a very important lesson for kids of all ages, that we do better together! This is why this book is so fantastically amazing for kids of all ages! You never see things coming, like Umberto challenging him to a fight! I never saw that coming! So this is why this book is so great for surprises, and` morals, and overall is just marvelous.
November 26, 2020
Para mi este libro se trata de un niño en silla de ruedas que intenta encajar molestando a otros y eso al personaje principal no le gusta. Entonces intenta ver porque eso pasa y al final se hacen buenos amigos. Y terminan los 2 aprendiendo algo muy importante de la vida. Los personajes de este libro son niños que están en el colegio. Y tienen que vivir con la vida del colegio, conocer nuevos amigos y aprender muchas cosas juntos. Para mi este libro no me cambio. Pero si me ayudo a entender que es una amistad. Y cuales son los amigos de verdad. Yo le recomendaría este libro a Luci porque es un libro que yo creo que le gustaría mucho y no es tan largo.
December 5, 2017
Really good book. I would recommend this book to anyone from 3rd to 5th. Has some words that even I couldn't figure out. A new kid in a wheelchair moves into Derek Fallon's class and has a sick sense of humor. But when Umberto starts picking on Derek, he cant hurt a kid in a wheelchair, or can he? Read this book to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2018
It isn't really about a cartoonist, it is a regular kid that likes to draw. I found the title misleading, it sounds like it would only be about cartooning. It is more like just the life of a regular kid, not a cartoonist.
June 27, 2022
Perfecting his cartoon drawing despite being bullied by a copycat in a wheelchair, Derek has a miserable time at school. When a detention sends both Derek and the bully together, they must find a way to bond or risk a lengthy stay.
September 1, 2024
A new student, Umberto, bullies Derek, particularly about his cartoons. After a fight, both classmates are required to collaborate on a cartoon and become friends. Derek has difficulty reading and Umberto uses a wheelchair.
May 6, 2017
This book was the best book so far. It taught a great lesson about bullying. It also had lots of comedy
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