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Elvis and the Underdogs #1
Elvis and the Underdogs
In the tradition of funny and heartwarming bestsellers like Wonder and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, this is the story of a sickly boy whose life is turned upside down when he gets a therapy dog…who can talk!
Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. That is, until the day Benji wakes up from a particularly bad spell. Concerned for Benji's health, the doctor offers him two options: wear the world's ugliest padded helmet or get a therapy dog. Benji chooses the dog, of course.
But when a massive crate arrives at Benji's house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland. And that isn't even the strangest thing about the dog. He announces that his name is Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. That's right, this dog can talk! And boy, is he bossy.
Having a bossy dog can come in handy, though. Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought.
Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. That is, until the day Benji wakes up from a particularly bad spell. Concerned for Benji's health, the doctor offers him two options: wear the world's ugliest padded helmet or get a therapy dog. Benji chooses the dog, of course.
But when a massive crate arrives at Benji's house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland. And that isn't even the strangest thing about the dog. He announces that his name is Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. That's right, this dog can talk! And boy, is he bossy.
Having a bossy dog can come in handy, though. Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2013
54 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Lee
8 books233 followersJenny Lee's first young adult novel, a modern reinvention of Anna Karenina titled Anna K., will be published by Flatiron Books in March 2020.
Jenny previously served as Co-Executive Producer for the BET television adaptation of Boomerang. She was a writer and producer on the ABC Family sitcom Young & Hungry, as well as the Disney Channel's number-one-rated kids' show Shake It Up.
The author of four humor essay books, Jenny is also the author of Elvis and the Underdogs.
Jenny previously served as Co-Executive Producer for the BET television adaptation of Boomerang. She was a writer and producer on the ABC Family sitcom Young & Hungry, as well as the Disney Channel's number-one-rated kids' show Shake It Up.
The author of four humor essay books, Jenny is also the author of Elvis and the Underdogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 10, 2021
3,5 star. Scribd.com English text, and translation for Portuguese + audio in English from Google Translate.
Snopysys: "From Jenny Lee, writer on the Disney Channel show Shake It Up!, the number-one-rated kids' show in the country, this feel-good middle-grade novel is about a sickly boy whose life is turned upside down when he gets a therapy dog . . . who can talk!
Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident-prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. So when Benji wakes up one day from a particularly bad spell, his doctors take the radical step of suggesting he get a therapy dog. But when a massive crate arrives at Benji's house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland who can talk! And boy, is he bossy.
In this hilarious and heartwarming friendship story in the tradition of bestselling authors Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen, Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought. "
Snopysys: "From Jenny Lee, writer on the Disney Channel show Shake It Up!, the number-one-rated kids' show in the country, this feel-good middle-grade novel is about a sickly boy whose life is turned upside down when he gets a therapy dog . . . who can talk!
Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident-prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. So when Benji wakes up one day from a particularly bad spell, his doctors take the radical step of suggesting he get a therapy dog. But when a massive crate arrives at Benji's house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland who can talk! And boy, is he bossy.
In this hilarious and heartwarming friendship story in the tradition of bestselling authors Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen, Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought. "
February 9, 2014
I think the description of this book being a cross between Wonder & Wimpy Kid is a bit shallow. It is a unique book with a unique voice and quirky-but-lovable fully drawn characters. I would have given it 5 stars if it was a bit shorter and didn't have the once used phrase of "bat-poop crazy." Being a teacher, I never like when bullying is not stopped by adults in a story but there was more to it in this book and it left me satisfied. For a book about a talking dog, the characters seemed very real!
January 11, 2026
Benji suddenly has a seizure, and to avoid wearing the protective helmet, he persuades his mother that he needs a service dog. He doesn't expect to be able to understand the dog's speech and is further surprised to learn that the dog was delivered accidentally and is really supposed to be the president's dog. Despite this rocky beginning, Benji and Elvis become friends, going through some complicated feelings together and eventually learning to be a little less rigid in their thinking.
I'm just going to take a second to say that I really was not expecting that ending, and while it didn't make me smile, I'm kind of glad it went the way it did.
So, as others have pointed out, therapy dogs and service dogs are not the same things, specifically in regards to their legal status. Both kinds of dogs are highly trained and perform specific tasks, but one is an accommodation (service dog) and one is a supplementary treatment (therapy dog). It was irritating that this book kept using the terms interchangeably. But otherwise, I really liked this book. It danced at the edge of cringe a few times, but Benji was such a good sport throughout that I couldn't help but smile along with him.
I'm just going to take a second to say that I really was not expecting that ending, and while it didn't make me smile, I'm kind of glad it went the way it did.
So, as others have pointed out, therapy dogs and service dogs are not the same things, specifically in regards to their legal status. Both kinds of dogs are highly trained and perform specific tasks, but one is an accommodation (service dog) and one is a supplementary treatment (therapy dog). It was irritating that this book kept using the terms interchangeably. But otherwise, I really liked this book. It danced at the edge of cringe a few times, but Benji was such a good sport throughout that I couldn't help but smile along with him.
January 25, 2020
Sooooooo cuuuuuuute!!!! I can't wait to read the sequel. Why did it take me so long to pick this up??
As a side note Mom got this for me cause my puppy is named Elvis lol
As a side note Mom got this for me cause my puppy is named Elvis lol
July 8, 2017
This took me so long to read!! I just didn't like the way it was written. Then again this is a kids book. I liked the story tho. Dogs are one of my fav animals.
April 15, 2014
Benji, a sickly ten year old boy and small for his age, goes up against a bully with the help of his new service dog named Elvis. The story, a realistic fantasy book (his dog talks and can be understood by only Benji) grew on me, and I think it would make a good read aloud for 3rd or 4th graders. The author is a writer and producer for the Disney channel, so the writing feels more like a script at times,but once I got Into the story I became used to the writing style and liked the message it gives those kids who are underdogs and susceptible to bullying. I also liked how the bully character did not make a 180 degree turn about, but Benji grew to understand the bully and how to handle him. The voice of his dog Elvis is the reasoning voice that helps Benji begin to understand how to make friends and handle bullies. While the story describes Elvis as a service dog, it is unfortunate that the blurb describes Elvis as a therapy dog, as that is not the case.
June 26, 2016
Cute story and a lot of fun to read. My only criticism would be the author using the term "therapy" dog and "service" dog to mean the same thing. They have completely different jobs. Elvis is trained to perform tasks and as such is a true service dog.
Also Benji uses and epi pen when he has an allergic reaction to walnuts and the kids just go inside and get a glass of water. If you use an epi pen you must always call 911 and go to the hospital. You've just injected someone with some serious medication and they could still continue to have another reaction and need further treatment.
But it's a real fun read.
Also Benji uses and epi pen when he has an allergic reaction to walnuts and the kids just go inside and get a glass of water. If you use an epi pen you must always call 911 and go to the hospital. You've just injected someone with some serious medication and they could still continue to have another reaction and need further treatment.
But it's a real fun read.
June 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and it was a fast read. My only complaint is that the two non-white characters are awefully stereotypical. Taisy if a super athletic African American girl, like the best athlete in the school, and Alexander is a nerdy, musical prodegy, Asian American with parents who are only concerned about his academics.
June 19, 2016
Elvis and the Underdogs (Elvis and the Underdogs #1) by Jenny Lee, Kelly Light (Illustrations)
Juvenile fiction
May 14, 2013
Balzer + Bray
Goodreads | Amazon | Website
SCORECARD
Entertainment level: A+
Service dog representation: B-
In the tradition of funny and heartwarming bestsellers like Wonder and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, this is the story of a sickly boy whose life is turned upside down when he gets a therapy dog…who can talk!
Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. That is, until the day Benji wakes up from a particularly bad spell. Concerned for Benji’s health, the doctor offers him two options: wear the world’s ugliest padded helmet or get a therapy dog. Benji chooses the dog, of course.
But when a massive crate arrives at Benji’s house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland. And that isn’t even the strangest thing about the dog. He announces that his name is Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. That’s right, this dog can talk! And boy, is he bossy.
Having a bossy dog can come in handy, though. Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought.
*~*
This week on the blog, I interviewed Shadow the Seizure Response Dog Guide and he very eloquently explained exactly what his job entails. So being a former elementary school reading buddy, I was curious. How does his reality translate into fiction? I hopped online to browse my local library’s overdrive collection and was pleased to discover a dog who seemed to have a similar job.
Readers, meet Elvis. He’s a massive Newfoundland dog who helps his 10-year-old handler Benji with his new diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy. He’s funny, well-meaning and a little over-confident. And did I mention that he has a very prim and proper British accent? It’s official. I’m a FAN of Elvis. His initial meeting with Benji had me huffing with laughter.
If there’s anyone in need of a dog, it’s Benji. He spends more time in the hospital than he does in school, and in many ways, his prolonged absences and his health issues leave him isolated from his peers and vulnerable to the machinations of Billy the 4th grade bully. Like any other 4th grader, Benji yearns to belong and to be just like everyone else.
Benji starts out wanting to blend in, fearing the qualities that make him unique. He believes that his otherness – really, his chronic illness – is the reason why he doesn’t have any friends and why his mom is so overprotective of him. It takes his service dog Elvis to point out that what he really needs is to “find a pack”, a group of friends who look out for one another and aren’t afraid to be themselves.
With Elvis’ encouragement, Benji does just that. He befriends the new kid at school who is also a target for bullying and the very tall, very athletic girl in his grade who I think he secretly has a crush on. Together, with Alexander, Taisy and Elvis, Benji is able to confront his bully, who has secrets of his own.
Overall, this story amused me, moved me and has me recommending it to elementary-school aged children – with one caveat. I have some reservations about the service dog representation in this novel. But let’s start with what author Jenny Lee got right.
THE GOOD
1) She explains that service dogs help individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
2) She outlines service dog training.
3)She gives a specific example of a fetching task performed by a service dog.
4)She highlights that service dogs have a high level of empathy when their handler experiences heightened emotions.
5) She gives a great example of an activity that many service-dogs-in training participate in as puppies, myself included.
6) She explains service dog etiquette for the public.
7) She explains the main job of a seizure response service dog.
Here:
And here:
8) She explains service dog public access laws.
THE GNARLY
Jenny Lee probably took some (liberal) artistic license, which is understandable because this is children’s fiction.
1) She uses the terms “therapy dog” and “service dog” interchangeably, though this could be because it’s Benji doing the talking and the narrating… And he’s a kid. For interested readers, I explained the difference between a therapy dog and service dog in my post here .
Here:
And here:
2) Although she later has Elvis explain proper service dog etiquette, she starts off with a bad example.
3) Elvis the service dog barks – and it isn’t on command, which is a specific skill to call for help.
4)She significantly shortens the wait time for a service dog – 2 weeks! – though this is explained away as a favor to Benji’s doctor. The wait time is 1-3 years, sometimes longer depending on the program.
5)There’s no team training where Benji learns how to work with Elvis. Usually, new handlers are invited to “service dog school” where they bond with their new service dog and learn how to work together as a well-oiled machine. But somehow, Benji and Elvis go to school together immediately, and as some parents will tell you, the process of bringing a student’s service dog with them to school isn’t so straightforward…
That being said, don’t let these contradictory points dissuade you from reading this book or recommending it to a child you know. They’re a great opportunity to open up a discussion about service dogs. And I have to hand it to her, Jenny Lee really tried to get it right, while writing an entertaining story for children.
This is the first book in the series, and it has a bit of a bittersweet ending. I’m hooked, though, and I want to find out the rest of Benji and Elvis’ adventures.
Juvenile fiction
May 14, 2013
Balzer + Bray
Goodreads | Amazon | Website
SCORECARD
Entertainment level: A+
Service dog representation: B-
In the tradition of funny and heartwarming bestsellers like Wonder and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, this is the story of a sickly boy whose life is turned upside down when he gets a therapy dog…who can talk!
Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. That is, until the day Benji wakes up from a particularly bad spell. Concerned for Benji’s health, the doctor offers him two options: wear the world’s ugliest padded helmet or get a therapy dog. Benji chooses the dog, of course.
But when a massive crate arrives at Benji’s house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland. And that isn’t even the strangest thing about the dog. He announces that his name is Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. That’s right, this dog can talk! And boy, is he bossy.
Having a bossy dog can come in handy, though. Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought.
*~*
This week on the blog, I interviewed Shadow the Seizure Response Dog Guide and he very eloquently explained exactly what his job entails. So being a former elementary school reading buddy, I was curious. How does his reality translate into fiction? I hopped online to browse my local library’s overdrive collection and was pleased to discover a dog who seemed to have a similar job.
Readers, meet Elvis. He’s a massive Newfoundland dog who helps his 10-year-old handler Benji with his new diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy. He’s funny, well-meaning and a little over-confident. And did I mention that he has a very prim and proper British accent? It’s official. I’m a FAN of Elvis. His initial meeting with Benji had me huffing with laughter.
“Hi, doggy. My name is Benji. What’s your name, huh?”
The dog opened his mouth again. I thought he was going to lick the other half of my face, but instead he said, “Very nice to meet you, Benji. My name is Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. You may call me Parker Elvis Pembroke. Or Mr. Pembroke, if you prefer.”
…
He really spoke his words very clearly for a dog. In fact, he sounded like those boring Shakespeare movies that my dad watches on the BBC or a butler on a TV show.
If there’s anyone in need of a dog, it’s Benji. He spends more time in the hospital than he does in school, and in many ways, his prolonged absences and his health issues leave him isolated from his peers and vulnerable to the machinations of Billy the 4th grade bully. Like any other 4th grader, Benji yearns to belong and to be just like everyone else.
There was that word again, “special”. What I wouldn’t give to just be regular.
Benji starts out wanting to blend in, fearing the qualities that make him unique. He believes that his otherness – really, his chronic illness – is the reason why he doesn’t have any friends and why his mom is so overprotective of him. It takes his service dog Elvis to point out that what he really needs is to “find a pack”, a group of friends who look out for one another and aren’t afraid to be themselves.
With Elvis’ encouragement, Benji does just that. He befriends the new kid at school who is also a target for bullying and the very tall, very athletic girl in his grade who I think he secretly has a crush on. Together, with Alexander, Taisy and Elvis, Benji is able to confront his bully, who has secrets of his own.
Overall, this story amused me, moved me and has me recommending it to elementary-school aged children – with one caveat. I have some reservations about the service dog representation in this novel. But let’s start with what author Jenny Lee got right.
THE GOOD
1) She explains that service dogs help individuals with a wide range of disabilities.
Service dogs have lots of skills, and they help a lot of different people. There are service dogs for people who are blind or deaf, for people who have seizures, for people unable to walk.
2) She outlines service dog training.
Dr. Helen described the farm [where service dog Elvis was trained] like a college for dogs. A lot of dogs go, but only a few ever graduate. Some dogs train for more than two years.
3)She gives a specific example of a fetching task performed by a service dog.
“I didn’t offer [Elvis] three bags – he actually grabbed three bags on his own and put them by me at the register when I was getting my coffee. It really was quite remarkable.”
4)She highlights that service dogs have a high level of empathy when their handler experiences heightened emotions.
… [Elvis] placed his nose under my left arm and tossed his head so that my hand landed on top of his head, making me pet him.
5) She gives a great example of an activity that many service-dogs-in training participate in as puppies, myself included.
Elvis said that Lola Beth had some learning disabilities and had a very hard time learning to read. One of her therapists suggested she should try reading to a dog, because that would offer her a sense of purpose but at the same time she didn’t have to worry about the dog judging her if she made any mistakes.
6) She explains service dog etiquette for the public.
“Technically, [Elvis is] not supposed to let anyone hug, pet, kiss, or baby-talk [him] when [he’s] working …”
7) She explains the main job of a seizure response service dog.
Here:
The dogs know when an episode is about to come on, and they know exactly how to get the person to safety, and to also call for help.
And here:
“My mom says that dogs who have this sort of training are able to sense it before I have a seizure, and then they make sure I’m in a safe location in case I fall down. They also know how to call for help.”
8) She explains service dog public access laws.
“Well, Benjamin, of course if you had a service dog for medical purposes, it would be allowed in the school because state law mandates that.”
THE GNARLY
Jenny Lee probably took some (liberal) artistic license, which is understandable because this is children’s fiction.
1) She uses the terms “therapy dog” and “service dog” interchangeably, though this could be because it’s Benji doing the talking and the narrating… And he’s a kid. For interested readers, I explained the difference between a therapy dog and service dog in my post here .
Here:
“… if I had a therapy service dog, would I be allowed to bring him to school?”
And here:
Dr. Helen told us therapy dogs are used for people with epilepsy or other brain disorders.
2) Although she later has Elvis explain proper service dog etiquette, she starts off with a bad example.
“Now who is this handsome big fellow?” [Dr. Helen] asked, leaning down to pet Elvis.
3) Elvis the service dog barks – and it isn’t on command, which is a specific skill to call for help.
Elvis answered my mom with a short bark.
4)She significantly shortens the wait time for a service dog – 2 weeks! – though this is explained away as a favor to Benji’s doctor. The wait time is 1-3 years, sometimes longer depending on the program.
5)There’s no team training where Benji learns how to work with Elvis. Usually, new handlers are invited to “service dog school” where they bond with their new service dog and learn how to work together as a well-oiled machine. But somehow, Benji and Elvis go to school together immediately, and as some parents will tell you, the process of bringing a student’s service dog with them to school isn’t so straightforward…
That being said, don’t let these contradictory points dissuade you from reading this book or recommending it to a child you know. They’re a great opportunity to open up a discussion about service dogs. And I have to hand it to her, Jenny Lee really tried to get it right, while writing an entertaining story for children.
This is the first book in the series, and it has a bit of a bittersweet ending. I’m hooked, though, and I want to find out the rest of Benji and Elvis’ adventures.
October 10, 2017
This book is about a kid named Benji he is in fourth grade. He was born with something that makes him faint so he has to go to the hospital a lot. One day he went to the hospital after fainting in school the docotor couldnt figuar out what caused this to happen. So it came down to two things for Benji either to get a huge helment or a service dog. Benji did not want the helment but his mom didnt like the idea of a dog she said no at first but finally softened up to the fact. Benji got a dog named Elvis he could talk. He told Benji he was the presidents dog and that there was a mistake read the book to find out what happens next.
I enjoye the book a lot. It is definetly one of my favorite book so I highly recomend it. There is a lot of ups and downs but it is a great book over all. I am the kind of person who gets board in a book very fast and never likes to finish one, but I couldnt set this book down.
I enjoye the book a lot. It is definetly one of my favorite book so I highly recomend it. There is a lot of ups and downs but it is a great book over all. I am the kind of person who gets board in a book very fast and never likes to finish one, but I couldnt set this book down.
May 1, 2018
This was actually, really good...
I realize I'm a little bit past the age of the intended target audience, but a well written, entertaining book is something for every age. I don't mind my MC being younger than me, so I enjoy many more books than I would if they were all my age and older.
That being said, Elvis was an amazing character. His relationships with with he other characters were hilarious. The MC was also a fleshed out character, a 10 year old who had go deal with constant illness or being in the hospital and how he was able to make some friends with the help of his dog. There's also a second one! So let's see how that goes.
I realize I'm a little bit past the age of the intended target audience, but a well written, entertaining book is something for every age. I don't mind my MC being younger than me, so I enjoy many more books than I would if they were all my age and older.
That being said, Elvis was an amazing character. His relationships with with he other characters were hilarious. The MC was also a fleshed out character, a 10 year old who had go deal with constant illness or being in the hospital and how he was able to make some friends with the help of his dog. There's also a second one! So let's see how that goes.
November 4, 2018
This book is so cute. It's a fast and easy read (A little too fast. I wanted it to keep going!) that keeps you rooting for the hero. It's about a boy named Benji, who describes himself as being known for his "winning sense of humor." As he is funny. He has lots of medical issues so he gets a service dog who, well, speaks English. I hadn't read the description before reading the book, so the talking dog was a bit of a shock. The best part is the the dog, Elvis, is so proper. At one point he reprimand Benji on his bad posture.
Definitely a recommended read.
Definitely a recommended read.
January 17, 2021
Message learned: Everyone needs a pack.
Love love love this book! From the first chapter, the kids were enthralled. I didn't know anything going into it, but I then read the insert and found out the secret about Elvis. The kids were shocked when the secret was revealed.
This was written in such a perfect tone. You really felt as though Benji was right there with you. Kudos to the author! The whole thing, even the bittersweet ending, was *chef's kiss* perfect.
Love love love this book! From the first chapter, the kids were enthralled. I didn't know anything going into it, but I then read the insert and found out the secret about Elvis. The kids were shocked when the secret was revealed.
This was written in such a perfect tone. You really felt as though Benji was right there with you. Kudos to the author! The whole thing, even the bittersweet ending, was *chef's kiss* perfect.
May 18, 2025
This is a perfect feel-good book, especially for kiddos who (like me and my sister) were in the hospital a lot.
There’s a lot of sweetness to it, and definitely a lot of heart, with a good message about looking past someone’s exterior to see the good within! And it’s a lot of fun, with good humor and sweet characters.
The only bad thing is that the pacing is pretty rushed at the end, making things kind of go too quickly. The resolution was nice, but it felt very rushed.
There’s a lot of sweetness to it, and definitely a lot of heart, with a good message about looking past someone’s exterior to see the good within! And it’s a lot of fun, with good humor and sweet characters.
The only bad thing is that the pacing is pretty rushed at the end, making things kind of go too quickly. The resolution was nice, but it felt very rushed.
February 15, 2020
I fun romp in every sense of the word. This is a book I read for the Battle of the Books elementary school version (2020). It touches on various common children’s themes- friendship, bullying, and finding your (own) way, and adds in elements of compassion, medical issues, and overcoming obstacles.
April 27, 2020
📚 # 51
.
Benji sakit-sakitan, sering pingsan dan bisa dibilang rumah sakit adl rumah keduanya. Setelah Elvis -si anjing super besar dan cerdas- datang, Benji diharuskan keluar dari zona nyamannya. Dia mendapat teman pada akhirnya; Taisy dan Alexander.
.
Awalnya buku ini agak membosankan buat saya. Tapi lama-lama, saya suka. Elvis memang bossy dan sok ngatur, Taisy pemberani, ayahnya memang bintang olahraga terkenal sih, dan Alexander punya kekuatan memori super. Saya suka mamanya Benji yg ramai dan suka heboh. This isn't bad for a #middlegrade book. The message I've got; face your fear.
.
Benji sakit-sakitan, sering pingsan dan bisa dibilang rumah sakit adl rumah keduanya. Setelah Elvis -si anjing super besar dan cerdas- datang, Benji diharuskan keluar dari zona nyamannya. Dia mendapat teman pada akhirnya; Taisy dan Alexander.
.
Awalnya buku ini agak membosankan buat saya. Tapi lama-lama, saya suka. Elvis memang bossy dan sok ngatur, Taisy pemberani, ayahnya memang bintang olahraga terkenal sih, dan Alexander punya kekuatan memori super. Saya suka mamanya Benji yg ramai dan suka heboh. This isn't bad for a #middlegrade book. The message I've got; face your fear.
October 28, 2021
Soren requested this as our read aloud. His teacher is doing it as the class read aloud and be said he wanted to hear it again and have Calvin hear it. I’ll be honest, I didn’t care for it. It was slow to get going, the chapters long, and kinda cliched, but the boys enjoyed it and really liked the characters, so I guess that’s the most important.
April 24, 2023
I am a 5th grader and I read this book as part of the battle of the books competition. I really enjoyed this book. One thing this book did really well was that I could imagine the scenes as they played out. Another thing they did well was they made the characters very relatable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dogs and humorous books.
May 17, 2021
A ten-year-old boy, Benji, has lots of health problems due to his premature birth. Life changes a lot when he gets a therapy dog. Then life changes even more! A really cute book that would appeal to kids in approximately Gr. 2-4.
September 6, 2017
Great so far
Just started this book it's great so far my daughter is really enjoying it. Thanks for recommending such a great book
Just started this book it's great so far my daughter is really enjoying it. Thanks for recommending such a great book
January 1, 2018
Similar themes as Wonder. Perfect for kids with service dogs. Very funny!
December 17, 2018
The book gives you a lot of life lessons and it shows frendship.
April 7, 2019
It was HILARIOUS! I loved it and I am super excited to read the next one.
June 7, 2019
Very cute and sweet book! Funny adventures!!
April 7, 2021
B+. fiction, children's fiction, upper elementary, humor, friendship, disabilities
April 7, 2021
I loved this book, Benji and Elvis have a good relationship and would recommend to book groups specifically.
February 28, 2022
Enjoyed reading this as a book club with my 4th grade son. The characters are engaging, quirky and storyline unique.
December 1, 2022
I loved it!!!!
February 8, 2023
Very cute and deals with several issues elementary students deal with. RWB didn’t want me to stop reading every night!
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April 20, 2023Awesome book, really motivational
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