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The Ellie McDoodle Diaries #2
The Ellie McDoodle Diaries 4: New Kid in School
Moving to a new house? Bad. Being the new kid? Worse.
Ellie's family is moving to a new town, and Ellie is sure she won't fit in at school. The other kids play "new kid bingo" behind her back, and even the teachers can't seem to remember her name. But when her new classmates start complaining about long lunch lines (and bad food), Ellie jumps at the chance to lead a protest. And tackling the school cafeteria just might be the perfect way to make new friends!
Ellie's family is moving to a new town, and Ellie is sure she won't fit in at school. The other kids play "new kid bingo" behind her back, and even the teachers can't seem to remember her name. But when her new classmates start complaining about long lunch lines (and bad food), Ellie jumps at the chance to lead a protest. And tackling the school cafeteria just might be the perfect way to make new friends!
192 pages, Hardcover
First published June 24, 2008
15 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
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August 5, 2008
I liked this one even better than the first book. I almost think the two books should have been reversed- we needed to get to know Ellie in a familiar-to-everyone setting (I think everyone has been new somewhere at sometime) before we saw her in a new-to-her setting (being away from your immediate family with relatives) with which not everyone may be familiar. In any case that doesn't matter- now that this one is out, I'll just recommend people read this one first, then the first one second. Ha- I like to be confusing anyway :)
All of this is to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Ellie McDoodle #2. I picked it up to read because I read the first one and enjoyed the format so much. It is a very accessible format- my reluctant-reader son still wants to read it even AFTER he found out it was a "girl" book. It seems like a light read with all the fun sketches, but I think he'll be surprised at how much story there still is to read. I'm sure some will compare this to Diary Of A Wimpy Kid because of the format, but I felt there was more story here, which of course translates also to more heart.
It was fun to revisit Ellie on another I-don't-want-to-do-this-at-all adventure, which the author writes about so convincingly- trust me, Ellie is NOT happy. We feel her pain. But just when it looks bleakest, things finally start to go Ellie's way. I liked this second half of the book better as it felt the author was really in a groove and the story flows seamlessly, just as Ellie's life starts to flow the same way. I also loved the inclusion of all the jokes, pranks, how-to's, and games- excellent inclusions, all.
I can't wait for the next Ellie McDoodle now :)
All of this is to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Ellie McDoodle #2. I picked it up to read because I read the first one and enjoyed the format so much. It is a very accessible format- my reluctant-reader son still wants to read it even AFTER he found out it was a "girl" book. It seems like a light read with all the fun sketches, but I think he'll be surprised at how much story there still is to read. I'm sure some will compare this to Diary Of A Wimpy Kid because of the format, but I felt there was more story here, which of course translates also to more heart.
It was fun to revisit Ellie on another I-don't-want-to-do-this-at-all adventure, which the author writes about so convincingly- trust me, Ellie is NOT happy. We feel her pain. But just when it looks bleakest, things finally start to go Ellie's way. I liked this second half of the book better as it felt the author was really in a groove and the story flows seamlessly, just as Ellie's life starts to flow the same way. I also loved the inclusion of all the jokes, pranks, how-to's, and games- excellent inclusions, all.
I can't wait for the next Ellie McDoodle now :)
June 22, 2011
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December 18, 2018
My grades 2-5 book discussion title this month. A cute story with pictures (similar to Diary of a wimpy Kid). A good story about moving and making new friends.
August 25, 2008
I know that the whole girl-who-draws story idea isn't necessarily new. I mean, before Ruth McNally Barshaw wrote Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel there were books out there like Amelia's Notebook and the like. But is it just me or has the whole doodling girl idea gotten crazy popular recently? This year alone I've seen Katie Davis and her comic-centered The Curse of Addy McMahon and Margie Palatini's Geek Chic: The Zoey Zone. Girls with pens are in, my friend. So it is that we welcome back our second Barshaw title, Ellie McDoodle: New Kid in School. Thought surviving in the woods with your relatives sounded bad? Try starting a new grade in a new school. Once again Barshaw puts her finger squarely on kids' fears and anxieties in a format that most everyone can identify with.
It is the end of life as we know it. You may as well just pack it all in right now, because for Ellie the worst possible thing that could ever happen to her has finally occurred. She's moving. Moving away from friends. From her house. Everything. Moving into a new place and making new pals is going to be just terrible and Ellie knows it. But to her surprise there are a couple kids who take to her right away. Then again there's that simply awful art teacher to deal with. But what about the nice librarian Ellie just met? Yeah, she's great but have you seen the really mean New Kid bingo game the other students have been passing around? In spite of this Ellie slowly realizes that her new home isn't that bad after all. More importantly, she finds a way to make a difference that allows her to use her best talents in as cool a way as possible. The end of the book includes an interview with the author (conducted with plenty of visual aids), instructions on how to make and keep a sketch journal, help on how to sketch, and tips on drawing comics. My edition also included a Teacher's Guide and potential projects to do in conjunction with the book.
Flawed protagonists make for good reading. You can get away with heroes that are light and goodness incarnate (and many writers do) but generally those people are not the ones you the reader are going to identify with. You want nasty innnermost thoughts. You want a little bit of grit and gristle. And Ellie, for all her charm and verve, is flawed. She rushes to hasty judgments about people and situations. She is asked to dance with her friend Mo's brother with Down's syndrome and really doesn't want to. Her relationship with her older practical joker of a brother works nicely into this as well. As Ellie says at one point, "I'm torn between wanting revenge and wanting to stay on his good side." Lots of kids will be able to relate.
One of the other things that I like about Ellie is that I find the premise believable. We've all read those pseudo-journals written in what authors think are kids voices. Sometimes it's hard to suspend your belief that a child is writing this stuff (though I admit that this is a very adult point-of-view to take). With Ellie it's a little different. There's something about the quality of the drawings and the stories that feels authentic to me. I mean, this was the case with the first Ellie book, sure, but I feel that the whole idea of going camping with your relatives isn't a particularly universal theme. Being the new kid in class, though? Very familiar. One review I saw of this book mentioned that they thought that this would have been a better beginning to the series. Book #1 was too specific in its situation (i.e. camping with relatives). But since there aren't any numbers on the spines of these titles, and since the situations inside are fairly distinct from one another, I see no reason why you couldn't hand kids the second book to read first, followed by the first. I think I may.
As with Have Pen, Will Travel, this book is full of cool diagrams and fun instructions for games you can play. As a kid I would have loved to have known how to make a cootie catcher. That was always one of those mysterious kid creations that no one would actually ever teach you. You were just supposed to pick it up (probably from older siblings, which I did not have). So to actually find out how to play Capture the Flag or Ghost in the Graveyard is a bit of a boon to those kids reading the book that wouldn't have another way of learning these secrets of childhood. Now if we could only learn all the words to Miss Susie Had a Baby . . .
I've been trying to think of other trials and tribulations of childhood Ellie can slowly detest and embrace through the course of her stories. So far I've thought of piano lessons (not much of a story unless you involve a Russian spy or a dad who buys you an organ instead, though), summer camp (too similar to book one?), puberty, and underwear modeling. Really, the field is wide open. That's part of what's so nice about the series. Sure the pictures are fun and Ellie's sympathetic but really the flexibility of the situations she can find herself is one of the real draws. Fans of the first book will love the second. Fans of the second will look forward to the third. Fun stuff.
Ages 8-12.
It is the end of life as we know it. You may as well just pack it all in right now, because for Ellie the worst possible thing that could ever happen to her has finally occurred. She's moving. Moving away from friends. From her house. Everything. Moving into a new place and making new pals is going to be just terrible and Ellie knows it. But to her surprise there are a couple kids who take to her right away. Then again there's that simply awful art teacher to deal with. But what about the nice librarian Ellie just met? Yeah, she's great but have you seen the really mean New Kid bingo game the other students have been passing around? In spite of this Ellie slowly realizes that her new home isn't that bad after all. More importantly, she finds a way to make a difference that allows her to use her best talents in as cool a way as possible. The end of the book includes an interview with the author (conducted with plenty of visual aids), instructions on how to make and keep a sketch journal, help on how to sketch, and tips on drawing comics. My edition also included a Teacher's Guide and potential projects to do in conjunction with the book.
Flawed protagonists make for good reading. You can get away with heroes that are light and goodness incarnate (and many writers do) but generally those people are not the ones you the reader are going to identify with. You want nasty innnermost thoughts. You want a little bit of grit and gristle. And Ellie, for all her charm and verve, is flawed. She rushes to hasty judgments about people and situations. She is asked to dance with her friend Mo's brother with Down's syndrome and really doesn't want to. Her relationship with her older practical joker of a brother works nicely into this as well. As Ellie says at one point, "I'm torn between wanting revenge and wanting to stay on his good side." Lots of kids will be able to relate.
One of the other things that I like about Ellie is that I find the premise believable. We've all read those pseudo-journals written in what authors think are kids voices. Sometimes it's hard to suspend your belief that a child is writing this stuff (though I admit that this is a very adult point-of-view to take). With Ellie it's a little different. There's something about the quality of the drawings and the stories that feels authentic to me. I mean, this was the case with the first Ellie book, sure, but I feel that the whole idea of going camping with your relatives isn't a particularly universal theme. Being the new kid in class, though? Very familiar. One review I saw of this book mentioned that they thought that this would have been a better beginning to the series. Book #1 was too specific in its situation (i.e. camping with relatives). But since there aren't any numbers on the spines of these titles, and since the situations inside are fairly distinct from one another, I see no reason why you couldn't hand kids the second book to read first, followed by the first. I think I may.
As with Have Pen, Will Travel, this book is full of cool diagrams and fun instructions for games you can play. As a kid I would have loved to have known how to make a cootie catcher. That was always one of those mysterious kid creations that no one would actually ever teach you. You were just supposed to pick it up (probably from older siblings, which I did not have). So to actually find out how to play Capture the Flag or Ghost in the Graveyard is a bit of a boon to those kids reading the book that wouldn't have another way of learning these secrets of childhood. Now if we could only learn all the words to Miss Susie Had a Baby . . .
I've been trying to think of other trials and tribulations of childhood Ellie can slowly detest and embrace through the course of her stories. So far I've thought of piano lessons (not much of a story unless you involve a Russian spy or a dad who buys you an organ instead, though), summer camp (too similar to book one?), puberty, and underwear modeling. Really, the field is wide open. That's part of what's so nice about the series. Sure the pictures are fun and Ellie's sympathetic but really the flexibility of the situations she can find herself is one of the real draws. Fans of the first book will love the second. Fans of the second will look forward to the third. Fun stuff.
Ages 8-12.
Read
October 16, 2017ive read all the other books in this series and they are such good books
July 29, 2009
Because I enjoyed the first book about Ellie, Have Pen, Will Travel, I was looking forward to reading this book and I wasn't disappointed. Barshaw continues to maintain Ellie's point of view in both the narrative and the pictures which make up Ellie's journal. In this book, Ellie is having a very hard time because her family is moving into a house she hates, into a room she doesn't want to share with her sister, and she's going to be beginning a new school in a new grade. And the beginning of school is pretty much what she had already scripted in her mind--she hates it; the teachers won't learn her name; the other students make fun of her. Her best times are those spent in the library with the librarian who has befriended her and with her new friend Travis.
But instead of withdrawing, Ellie puts herself out there. When the art teacher Ellie doesn't like suggests that Ellie has talent and should enter an art contest, Ellie follows through. And when the lunch line isn't fast enough, Ellie uses those writing skills she's practiced in her journal to write a letter and then she organizes her classmates for a peaceful demonstration.
Throughout the book, Ellie's loving family with their practical jokes helps her with her experiences. In her journal, Ellie shares some of her talent with readers, showing instructions for origami and giving instructions for games to play outdoors.
One of the strengths of this book is the idea of actually reading a girl's journal. Ellie refers to her book throughout the narrative and it rings true in both the writing and the cartoon-y illustrations. If I were 10-years-old, I would certainly like to be Ellie McDoodle's friend. She's not perfect, but she's got a lot going for her.
This is a fun read, tackling a difficult time for students with humor and encouragement.
But instead of withdrawing, Ellie puts herself out there. When the art teacher Ellie doesn't like suggests that Ellie has talent and should enter an art contest, Ellie follows through. And when the lunch line isn't fast enough, Ellie uses those writing skills she's practiced in her journal to write a letter and then she organizes her classmates for a peaceful demonstration.
Throughout the book, Ellie's loving family with their practical jokes helps her with her experiences. In her journal, Ellie shares some of her talent with readers, showing instructions for origami and giving instructions for games to play outdoors.
One of the strengths of this book is the idea of actually reading a girl's journal. Ellie refers to her book throughout the narrative and it rings true in both the writing and the cartoon-y illustrations. If I were 10-years-old, I would certainly like to be Ellie McDoodle's friend. She's not perfect, but she's got a lot going for her.
This is a fun read, tackling a difficult time for students with humor and encouragement.
March 25, 2016
This has been on my to-read list since 2008. I enjoyed the first one a lot (Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel), but never got around to reading any of the others. I'm glad I finally did! It was fun being back in Ellie's world as she adjusts to moving to a new town and being the "new kid" at school. I love that her first new friend in town was the librarian at the public library! I'll definitely get to the next two Ellie McDoodle books this year.
July 6, 2011
Last year Rush Barshaw came to our school and I had a bit of a bad attitude about it. I was getting very sick of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and felt like she was probably just taking advantage of his glory.
After reading New Kid in School, I admit that I was very incorrect in my assumptions of Ellie McDoodle. Ellie is a super cool character that I think young students will instantly gravitate towards. She deals with real kid issues and I love the way the doodles compliment the writing.
Great book! Great story! Awesome series!
After reading New Kid in School, I admit that I was very incorrect in my assumptions of Ellie McDoodle. Ellie is a super cool character that I think young students will instantly gravitate towards. She deals with real kid issues and I love the way the doodles compliment the writing.
Great book! Great story! Awesome series!
November 29, 2017
This time no camping for Ellie, instead she is moving to a new home!
Well, I kind of wish I just had stopped at book 1. Sure, that one wasn't too good, but at least it was a two star in the end, this one just gets 1 star, and even that I find very generous.
Yes, I get that moving is scary, it isn't fun, it is terrible. Yes, I get that making new friends is hard, is difficult. Yes, I get that losing old friends isn't fun (then again, be thankful these days you have all sorts of way to communicate that are faster than sending a postcard). Yes, bullying is bad (I really hated how everyone in the school treated her like crap, even making a bingo card. Then again, didn't Ellie learn to talk to someone if she didn't feel OK? And not crop it all up in her journal?). Yes, a new school is just not fun. But why not look at it in a positive light. New chances. New friends. New environment so you can draw all sorts of new things. New teachers who may just be an inspiration. A new room all for you. And so many other things.
But it takes Ellie the entire book to finally notice that her life is actually pretty OK. Instead of the doomsday stuff she makes of it the whole entire book. Yes, throughout this whole book Ellie is one big gloomy cloud. People are trying their best to be friends with her, and sure they aren't all a match, but she immediately judges them in her head (poor Glenda for instance). Teachers are there to help her (well with the exception of that art teacher). She has a fantastic library with a wonderful librarian. She has a pretty nice home situation. She has her own room. I could go on. But instead Ellie finds faults everywhere.
And thank heavens that we don't have lunches here. If I see what those kids eat at lunch (meatloaf, hotdogs, etc.), and then also have to wait so long they can't eat properly... Here one just takes a sandwiches with them, maybe cookies, some drinks, some fruit, and done. There is time to eat, and then to play.
I did like that Ellie tried to make things better for her school, and also involved her new friends to participate. It was great fun to see how she first started with a letter and then decided to up the game to something bigger and better.
The library was so much fun, it looks like a wonderful place to just curl up and hide for a few hours.
Ah yes, and again, like the previous book. Ellie, put down your damned journal. It is just highly impolite to draw while you are at a friend. (One time they were shopping and guess what Ellie was doing? Yep, drawing.).
I did like that Ellie has a rat as a pet, though I didn't approve of her taking it to school. Not only didn't she seem to have any place for the poor critter to get food/water/toilet, but she had it in a ball quite a long time. Rodent balls are fun for a while, but can stress the animal out after a bit. So never keep your rodents in a ball for too long (entire days are a big no-no).
We also learn about a few new games, a few I never heard of before. They do sound fun! Wish I could participate.
Like the previous book, I loved the art in this one.
But yeah, I won't be reading this series further, and I am also thankfully I found these books for a bargain price.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Well, I kind of wish I just had stopped at book 1. Sure, that one wasn't too good, but at least it was a two star in the end, this one just gets 1 star, and even that I find very generous.
Yes, I get that moving is scary, it isn't fun, it is terrible. Yes, I get that making new friends is hard, is difficult. Yes, I get that losing old friends isn't fun (then again, be thankful these days you have all sorts of way to communicate that are faster than sending a postcard). Yes, bullying is bad (I really hated how everyone in the school treated her like crap, even making a bingo card. Then again, didn't Ellie learn to talk to someone if she didn't feel OK? And not crop it all up in her journal?). Yes, a new school is just not fun. But why not look at it in a positive light. New chances. New friends. New environment so you can draw all sorts of new things. New teachers who may just be an inspiration. A new room all for you. And so many other things.
But it takes Ellie the entire book to finally notice that her life is actually pretty OK. Instead of the doomsday stuff she makes of it the whole entire book. Yes, throughout this whole book Ellie is one big gloomy cloud. People are trying their best to be friends with her, and sure they aren't all a match, but she immediately judges them in her head (poor Glenda for instance). Teachers are there to help her (well with the exception of that art teacher). She has a fantastic library with a wonderful librarian. She has a pretty nice home situation. She has her own room. I could go on. But instead Ellie finds faults everywhere.
And thank heavens that we don't have lunches here. If I see what those kids eat at lunch (meatloaf, hotdogs, etc.), and then also have to wait so long they can't eat properly... Here one just takes a sandwiches with them, maybe cookies, some drinks, some fruit, and done. There is time to eat, and then to play.
I did like that Ellie tried to make things better for her school, and also involved her new friends to participate. It was great fun to see how she first started with a letter and then decided to up the game to something bigger and better.
The library was so much fun, it looks like a wonderful place to just curl up and hide for a few hours.
Ah yes, and again, like the previous book. Ellie, put down your damned journal. It is just highly impolite to draw while you are at a friend. (One time they were shopping and guess what Ellie was doing? Yep, drawing.).
I did like that Ellie has a rat as a pet, though I didn't approve of her taking it to school. Not only didn't she seem to have any place for the poor critter to get food/water/toilet, but she had it in a ball quite a long time. Rodent balls are fun for a while, but can stress the animal out after a bit. So never keep your rodents in a ball for too long (entire days are a big no-no).
We also learn about a few new games, a few I never heard of before. They do sound fun! Wish I could participate.
Like the previous book, I loved the art in this one.
But yeah, I won't be reading this series further, and I am also thankfully I found these books for a bargain price.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
March 10, 2025
Overall a very cute book. The illustrations are delightful! I only thought it would have had more interesting and positive messages, and it lacked a purpose in the end, imo.
Ellie touches upon a few subjects that would have been cool for the author to have brought back eventually to give her closure, like when she is trying out some clothes and she keeps asking herself why she isn't prettier, and why does she have freckles, and why do clothes look nice on her sister and not on her, and overall a bunch of ordinary insecurities that I would've loved to see her overcome.
But by the end of the story the true moral is something along the lines of "complaining really does work sometimes." lol (For context, they complain a bunch to the principal because there's too many kids in their grade so the line at lunch is too long and they waste too much time on it, and eventually their protest for change in lunch schedules catches the attention of a local news station and the principal finally agrees to do something.)
Ellie touches upon a few subjects that would have been cool for the author to have brought back eventually to give her closure, like when she is trying out some clothes and she keeps asking herself why she isn't prettier, and why does she have freckles, and why do clothes look nice on her sister and not on her, and overall a bunch of ordinary insecurities that I would've loved to see her overcome.
But by the end of the story the true moral is something along the lines of "complaining really does work sometimes." lol (For context, they complain a bunch to the principal because there's too many kids in their grade so the line at lunch is too long and they waste too much time on it, and eventually their protest for change in lunch schedules catches the attention of a local news station and the principal finally agrees to do something.)
November 22, 2019
This book is actually really interesting. because Ellie does move but I think its cool cause its when she meets moe which is her best friend. It's funny how her brother and her sister fight a lot too. but my favorite part(s) of this book is when she and her brother and her friends go to play really fun games with the neighborhood ghost in the graveyard seems the funest. plus Ellie makes friends when she meets new people at her new school too. but yeah I suggest you read this book.
June 27, 2024
This book was definitely better than the 1st one. Ellie and her family move to a new town and she has to be the new kid in school. She's not nearly as ugly and snotty as she was in the first, perhaps because she was humbled as the new kid. At first she doesn't have any friends, but as she joins with other kids to fight the short lunch time, she makes more friends and finds her place. Make new friends, but keep the old.
November 27, 2022
Genre: informational non fiction
Age group: 3-6th
This book was a good chapter book to read as a student who once was a new kid. I still am sort of at bethel. This book helps a child through the process of going to a new school and shows the struggles as well. It is a hard process but I feel this book can help a child get through it. With solutions and different ways to approach Situations.
Age group: 3-6th
This book was a good chapter book to read as a student who once was a new kid. I still am sort of at bethel. This book helps a child through the process of going to a new school and shows the struggles as well. It is a hard process but I feel this book can help a child get through it. With solutions and different ways to approach Situations.
February 5, 2020
New Kid in School is just as delightful as the first Ellie McDoodle book. I don't know why these books don't get more hype! Ellie is such a fun, funny, and smart main character, and the illustrations are great. On to the next book in the series!
June 20, 2021
Took me quite some time for me to finish this book because I read it during study week (need to study :p)
Overall this is a good book for a light reading and I love the drawings too! Can't wait to know does Ellie win the state art competition.
Overall this is a good book for a light reading and I love the drawings too! Can't wait to know does Ellie win the state art competition.
February 6, 2018
I like it
April 6, 2018
This book was adventurous because it is all about how she moves and she does not because is afraid that she is not going to make new friends. But she finds a way to do it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
i just wanted to pick up a quick book and i actually forgot how good this one was also it’s nice to read books i used to read but overall this is great book for a younger crowd or nostalgia:)
January 4, 2024
Leiturinha teen muito boa, amei ler quando tinha meus 12 anos.
April 2, 2025
I read this book as it seemed to be similar to the Diary Of A Wimpy Kid ,and it did not let me down even though it wasn't exactly the same style of writing!
Read
December 2, 2015Title: Ellie McDoodle New Kid in School
Author: Ruth McNally Barshaw
Illustrator: Ruth McNally Barshaw
Genre: Contemporary (realistic) Fiction
Theme(s): Moving, bullying, family, relationships, school
Opening line/sentence: Seriously. This is the end. I’m doing this new journal to keep track of my family’s move to a new house (new city, new schools, new everything).
Brief Book Summary: This book is about a young girl, named Ellie, who moves to a new school. If moving isn’t hard enough in itself, she doesn’t make the best friends right away and feels out of place. She learns that in order to prove herself and become a leader, she conducts a protest against school lunches. Ellie finds her place by the end of the book and figures out who her friends are and what she enjoys doing.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: School Library Journal: Gr 2-5
Done in a style reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams, 2007), this sequel to Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel (Bloomsbury, 2007) is a humorous and realistic look at moving. At school and in the neighborhood, Ellie faces many experiences typical to relocation. She gets excited about her first invite, only to end up watching her new friend play a handheld game; at school her classmates secretly play "new kid bingo," waiting for her to mess up or cry. Her story is told through a notebook, which is a combination of handwritten text and line drawings. The pictures, comic frames, and dialogue balloons serve to further the story. Reluctant and struggling readers and young fans of graphic novels are sure to find this title appealing. The book also includes an illustrated interview with the author, tips and directions for keeping a "sketch journal," and a teacher's guide to Have Pen, Will Travel .-Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus Reviews
Although Ellie McDoodle knows that moving means the end of everything good, her sketch journal (which, glumly, begins, "The End") shows her gradually making a place of her own in her new house, finding friends and conducting a successful nonviolent campaign to improve the school-lunch situation. Ellie is lucky in her move; her house is roomy and her neighborhood full of young people who gather for evening group activities. This sequel to Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen Will Travel (2007) carries healthy messages: Ellie finds a new friend in the librarian; reading is more interesting than TV and video games; her new friend's Down syndrome brother is just another piece of a complicated life; peaceful protest works. But readers won't notice as they gobble down this fast read, enjoying the jokes and riddles, familiar situations and interesting instructions for group games and paper-folding woven into the story. An appendix includes an interview with the author and suggestions for making and keeping a sketch journal. (Graphic fiction. 8-11)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These review show positive thoughts on the book. They enjoy how the book is set up and can benefit reluctant readers. This book is a great way to introduce children to new schools and show them that it doesn’t turn out to be as bad as they might think.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book includes dialogue, throughout Ellie and her friend in their play date. This is done through speech bubbles indicating what each child is saying. In addition conflict occurs when Ellie’s classmates play “new kid bingo” behind her back. The mood of this story varies throughout the book depending on Ellie’s emotions and experiences she goes through.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I think this book is great in the classroom especially when having a new kid come in. It helps to teach the children to accept everyone and not make fun of someone just because they are new. I liked how this story was in a journal form, so I could have the students create their own journal/diary and write down things that happen in their lives. After a week we can gather around and students will have a chance to share some of their experiences and thoughts they wrote down.
Author: Ruth McNally Barshaw
Illustrator: Ruth McNally Barshaw
Genre: Contemporary (realistic) Fiction
Theme(s): Moving, bullying, family, relationships, school
Opening line/sentence: Seriously. This is the end. I’m doing this new journal to keep track of my family’s move to a new house (new city, new schools, new everything).
Brief Book Summary: This book is about a young girl, named Ellie, who moves to a new school. If moving isn’t hard enough in itself, she doesn’t make the best friends right away and feels out of place. She learns that in order to prove herself and become a leader, she conducts a protest against school lunches. Ellie finds her place by the end of the book and figures out who her friends are and what she enjoys doing.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: School Library Journal: Gr 2-5
Done in a style reminiscent of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Abrams, 2007), this sequel to Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel (Bloomsbury, 2007) is a humorous and realistic look at moving. At school and in the neighborhood, Ellie faces many experiences typical to relocation. She gets excited about her first invite, only to end up watching her new friend play a handheld game; at school her classmates secretly play "new kid bingo," waiting for her to mess up or cry. Her story is told through a notebook, which is a combination of handwritten text and line drawings. The pictures, comic frames, and dialogue balloons serve to further the story. Reluctant and struggling readers and young fans of graphic novels are sure to find this title appealing. The book also includes an illustrated interview with the author, tips and directions for keeping a "sketch journal," and a teacher's guide to Have Pen, Will Travel .-Sharon R. Pearce, Longfellow Elementary School, Oak Park, IL
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Kirkus Reviews
Although Ellie McDoodle knows that moving means the end of everything good, her sketch journal (which, glumly, begins, "The End") shows her gradually making a place of her own in her new house, finding friends and conducting a successful nonviolent campaign to improve the school-lunch situation. Ellie is lucky in her move; her house is roomy and her neighborhood full of young people who gather for evening group activities. This sequel to Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen Will Travel (2007) carries healthy messages: Ellie finds a new friend in the librarian; reading is more interesting than TV and video games; her new friend's Down syndrome brother is just another piece of a complicated life; peaceful protest works. But readers won't notice as they gobble down this fast read, enjoying the jokes and riddles, familiar situations and interesting instructions for group games and paper-folding woven into the story. An appendix includes an interview with the author and suggestions for making and keeping a sketch journal. (Graphic fiction. 8-11)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These review show positive thoughts on the book. They enjoy how the book is set up and can benefit reluctant readers. This book is a great way to introduce children to new schools and show them that it doesn’t turn out to be as bad as they might think.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This book includes dialogue, throughout Ellie and her friend in their play date. This is done through speech bubbles indicating what each child is saying. In addition conflict occurs when Ellie’s classmates play “new kid bingo” behind her back. The mood of this story varies throughout the book depending on Ellie’s emotions and experiences she goes through.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I think this book is great in the classroom especially when having a new kid come in. It helps to teach the children to accept everyone and not make fun of someone just because they are new. I liked how this story was in a journal form, so I could have the students create their own journal/diary and write down things that happen in their lives. After a week we can gather around and students will have a chance to share some of their experiences and thoughts they wrote down.
September 6, 2016
Ellie Mcdoodle
New Kid in school
Ellie Mcdoodle moved 2 hour away from her original house. At first she was very sad but now she's happy and let me tell you why. She dreaded the thought of moving but finally they actually did. She grew up with 3 siblings. 2 brothers named Josh and Ben (Ben Ben) 1 sister named Risa. She has to go to a different School. There is this town hind and seek back to school game. Ellie really wants to go! But her dad and mom can't take her. So her brother says him and his friend can take her. And now Ellie already met a friend named, Glena
QHer first day back to a new school wasn't bad at all she made a lot more friends. And she also got closer to Glenda. She went to another friends house first day of school. However she does not like the lunch line. Because by the time lunch is over she is still getting her lunch. So she made a bunch of signs and Stickers and even shirts! She really wanted to spread the word about getting shorter lines... Did she get the lines shorter or not? You just have to read the book to find out! I really like this book because I can relate I used to go to Crownpoint in first grade and I didn't want to move back to Boone.
However she is in 0 sports. But she seems like she is in good shape. Do you really want to know more about Ellie then you will just have to read the book. To be honest with you this is one of the greatest books ever. We all take a journey into the story of her life. She loves to draw, and write. And maybe you can relate also. I really did not like to read until I read this book. There is also a series of these books and I recamend them to you also. I have just finished this book and planing on reading another from this series. She goes on awesome trips and we get to go with and see what she does and sees. She draws a lot that's why people call her Mcdoodle.t she is anamazing artists. And she is very clever with her art. You have to read the book to see how she defeated her mean art teacher.
If you couldn't tell all ready I really love this book. And I promise you will also. Remember don't judge a book by it's cover because I did but you see how i ended up being in love with the boo. Remember check this book out and the series. I'm not liking it's the best book ever. I really really love this book and I thought I would hate it but I'm in love with it and it's the best book in my opinion. And hopefully you will love as much as I do. Please try this book . Rate 10
New Kid in school
Ellie Mcdoodle moved 2 hour away from her original house. At first she was very sad but now she's happy and let me tell you why. She dreaded the thought of moving but finally they actually did. She grew up with 3 siblings. 2 brothers named Josh and Ben (Ben Ben) 1 sister named Risa. She has to go to a different School. There is this town hind and seek back to school game. Ellie really wants to go! But her dad and mom can't take her. So her brother says him and his friend can take her. And now Ellie already met a friend named, Glena
QHer first day back to a new school wasn't bad at all she made a lot more friends. And she also got closer to Glenda. She went to another friends house first day of school. However she does not like the lunch line. Because by the time lunch is over she is still getting her lunch. So she made a bunch of signs and Stickers and even shirts! She really wanted to spread the word about getting shorter lines... Did she get the lines shorter or not? You just have to read the book to find out! I really like this book because I can relate I used to go to Crownpoint in first grade and I didn't want to move back to Boone.
However she is in 0 sports. But she seems like she is in good shape. Do you really want to know more about Ellie then you will just have to read the book. To be honest with you this is one of the greatest books ever. We all take a journey into the story of her life. She loves to draw, and write. And maybe you can relate also. I really did not like to read until I read this book. There is also a series of these books and I recamend them to you also. I have just finished this book and planing on reading another from this series. She goes on awesome trips and we get to go with and see what she does and sees. She draws a lot that's why people call her Mcdoodle.t she is anamazing artists. And she is very clever with her art. You have to read the book to see how she defeated her mean art teacher.
If you couldn't tell all ready I really love this book. And I promise you will also. Remember don't judge a book by it's cover because I did but you see how i ended up being in love with the boo. Remember check this book out and the series. I'm not liking it's the best book ever. I really really love this book and I thought I would hate it but I'm in love with it and it's the best book in my opinion. And hopefully you will love as much as I do. Please try this book . Rate 10
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Marie Robinson for TeensReadToo.com
Ellie McDougal is the new kid in school. She had to leave her happy life behind when her family moved to a new town, and she is sure that her new home cannot possibly measure up. Little by little she begins to adjust, first by settling in at home with her new room, and then by spending time at the local library, where she finds books comforting and familiar.
She is especially nervous about fitting in at school. The other kids tease her, and no one can get her name right. But spunky Ellie does not stay down for long. Her classmates need an advocate to stand up to the principal, and it turns out that Ellie is just the kid for the job. In fact, she meets a number of challenges throughout this story and handles each one head-on, coming up with passionate yet reasoned solutions, and enacting positive change.
Author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw has created something special with this character and with this format. Part novel, part journal, part comic book, Barshaw's unique style of sketch-journaling is a treat. The illustrations tell the story as much as the words, creating a lively, interactive narrative. You won't just read about Ellie's first day at school; you'll go to school with her and see everything through her eyes.
What's best about Ellie is her sense of humor. Occasionally she will pause in her narrative to share a joke, or to let us in on dinner at the McDougal house and all of the warm-hearted shenanigans her family participates in together.
Ellie may struggle with the common problem of starting over, but what sets her apart from other heroines is how she handles her problems. When she isn't happy with her new bedroom situation, she doesn't just complain to her parents or mope about it in her journal; instead she proposes a solution that will make every member of her family happy. Best of all, her parents allow her to take responsibility for herself, in ways that are loving and supportive, but also non-intrusive, so that Ellie can learn from her own experiences.
The book includes bonus features, such as an interview with Barshaw that she conducted in her signature sketch-journal style. There are even instructions on how to make a sketch-journal of your own, and there are tips on how to sketch, and how to draw comics.
Ellie McDougal is the new kid in school. She had to leave her happy life behind when her family moved to a new town, and she is sure that her new home cannot possibly measure up. Little by little she begins to adjust, first by settling in at home with her new room, and then by spending time at the local library, where she finds books comforting and familiar.
She is especially nervous about fitting in at school. The other kids tease her, and no one can get her name right. But spunky Ellie does not stay down for long. Her classmates need an advocate to stand up to the principal, and it turns out that Ellie is just the kid for the job. In fact, she meets a number of challenges throughout this story and handles each one head-on, coming up with passionate yet reasoned solutions, and enacting positive change.
Author/illustrator Ruth McNally Barshaw has created something special with this character and with this format. Part novel, part journal, part comic book, Barshaw's unique style of sketch-journaling is a treat. The illustrations tell the story as much as the words, creating a lively, interactive narrative. You won't just read about Ellie's first day at school; you'll go to school with her and see everything through her eyes.
What's best about Ellie is her sense of humor. Occasionally she will pause in her narrative to share a joke, or to let us in on dinner at the McDougal house and all of the warm-hearted shenanigans her family participates in together.
Ellie may struggle with the common problem of starting over, but what sets her apart from other heroines is how she handles her problems. When she isn't happy with her new bedroom situation, she doesn't just complain to her parents or mope about it in her journal; instead she proposes a solution that will make every member of her family happy. Best of all, her parents allow her to take responsibility for herself, in ways that are loving and supportive, but also non-intrusive, so that Ellie can learn from her own experiences.
The book includes bonus features, such as an interview with Barshaw that she conducted in her signature sketch-journal style. There are even instructions on how to make a sketch-journal of your own, and there are tips on how to sketch, and how to draw comics.
November 8, 2008
Barshaw, Ruth McNally. 2008. Ellie McDoodle: New Kid In School.
I enjoyed this one. I think I enjoyed it even more than the first Ellie McDoodle adventure. In the second book, our little heroine, Ellie, is getting ready to move. And she is not happy one little bit. New home. New neighborhood. New school. Here's how the book begins,
The End.
Seriously. This is the end. I'm doing this new journal to keep track of my family's move to a new house (new city, new schools, new everything.) There won't be much to keep track of, though, because this is the END of everything good.
But of course this is just the beginning. The transition may not be completely smooth--nor painless for that matter--but Ellie does eventually come around to the move.
Ellie is as lovable as ever. And I definitely recommend this to fans of the first. But I hope as well that this one brings new readers. Ellie McDoodle relies heavily on drawings or sketches. Ellie is an artist you see. And these sketches make the novel fun--they're a charming asset to the whole. It's a quick read with a lot of heart.
One of my favorite parts? Soon after the move--I think the very day of the move unless time has clouded things up--Ellie goes off on her own exploring the neighborhood. She's not liking anything she sees...until she spots the library. "Finally! Signs of life. It's a library. This place is humongous! The kids' books are upstairs. So far, so good...I find the books I like and get cozy. It's not too quiet, not too noisy. Lots to look at. And MILLIONS of books. Icould live here." (19-20). She even makes her first friend, the librarian Miss Claire.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
I enjoyed this one. I think I enjoyed it even more than the first Ellie McDoodle adventure. In the second book, our little heroine, Ellie, is getting ready to move. And she is not happy one little bit. New home. New neighborhood. New school. Here's how the book begins,
The End.
Seriously. This is the end. I'm doing this new journal to keep track of my family's move to a new house (new city, new schools, new everything.) There won't be much to keep track of, though, because this is the END of everything good.
But of course this is just the beginning. The transition may not be completely smooth--nor painless for that matter--but Ellie does eventually come around to the move.
Ellie is as lovable as ever. And I definitely recommend this to fans of the first. But I hope as well that this one brings new readers. Ellie McDoodle relies heavily on drawings or sketches. Ellie is an artist you see. And these sketches make the novel fun--they're a charming asset to the whole. It's a quick read with a lot of heart.
One of my favorite parts? Soon after the move--I think the very day of the move unless time has clouded things up--Ellie goes off on her own exploring the neighborhood. She's not liking anything she sees...until she spots the library. "Finally! Signs of life. It's a library. This place is humongous! The kids' books are upstairs. So far, so good...I find the books I like and get cozy. It's not too quiet, not too noisy. Lots to look at. And MILLIONS of books. Icould live here." (19-20). She even makes her first friend, the librarian Miss Claire.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
September 29, 2012
Ellie McDoodle is a hit with my fourth grade girls and I have to admit that I'm the librarian that recommends the book without having read it. So when New Kid in School arrived with my latest book order, I made sure to snag it and give it a go.
And it's easy to see why my girls gobble this up. Like Wimpy Kid, Ellie's illustrations and doodles make this for a fun, fast read. Ellie is a sweet worrier and in this installment, her family moves to a new town. She meets a wonderful librarian, ends up with an art teacher with whom she does not connect, and struggles to make friends with her new classmates.
The only thing that really bugged me is that Ellie explains that she is going to write in the book and then pass it off to her old friends for them to write in too. And we never hear from the old friends! An unnecessary and confusing plot point for me (or maybe I missed something?).
Recommended for students in grades 3 - 5, especially girls who are interested in creative or diary format books. I did find, however, that Ellie lives in a pretty privileged world and that this book probably won't have the same appeal to some of my students who lead tougher lives.
And it's easy to see why my girls gobble this up. Like Wimpy Kid, Ellie's illustrations and doodles make this for a fun, fast read. Ellie is a sweet worrier and in this installment, her family moves to a new town. She meets a wonderful librarian, ends up with an art teacher with whom she does not connect, and struggles to make friends with her new classmates.
The only thing that really bugged me is that Ellie explains that she is going to write in the book and then pass it off to her old friends for them to write in too. And we never hear from the old friends! An unnecessary and confusing plot point for me (or maybe I missed something?).
Recommended for students in grades 3 - 5, especially girls who are interested in creative or diary format books. I did find, however, that Ellie lives in a pretty privileged world and that this book probably won't have the same appeal to some of my students who lead tougher lives.
April 30, 2011
4/29/11 ** Twelve of my 25 fourth graders read the requisite 5 books needed to vote in the Young Hoosiers Book Award Contest; four of them chose this as the best book. After reading it for myself, I have to agree that it's worth an award. The poignancy of moving, the joy of finding friends who share your interests, and the passion of a non-violent protest all contribute to a fast-paced, enjoyable middle-grades chapter book.
Ellie (not Ella or Eleanor!) is new in town. She finds refuge first in the local library in a scene sure to endear the book to the hearts of teachers and librarians. She then struggles with feeling left out in a town where everyone knows everyone else. Ellie shares her struggles through a journal replete with comic-type sketches and narrative commentary that catch the foibles and assets of her new school-mates.
The climax of the book focuses on a student-organized, King-inspired sit-in to protest the long lunch line and short lunch period of the sixth graders at King Elementary.
Ellie (not Ella or Eleanor!) is new in town. She finds refuge first in the local library in a scene sure to endear the book to the hearts of teachers and librarians. She then struggles with feeling left out in a town where everyone knows everyone else. Ellie shares her struggles through a journal replete with comic-type sketches and narrative commentary that catch the foibles and assets of her new school-mates.
The climax of the book focuses on a student-organized, King-inspired sit-in to protest the long lunch line and short lunch period of the sixth graders at King Elementary.
Read
November 29, 2014Ellie McDoodle:New Kid In School by Ruth Barshaw is about Ellie McDougal(AKA Ellie McDoodle because she always doodles) and her family moving to a new house, new school, new everything. She isn't happy about it. She has to move away from all of her friends and childhood memories. In this new town, she has so little friends(for now). Her life turns upside down. She has to share her room with her only sister and her siblings(especially her older brother). Soon after she moves in, she starts meeting new people like the librarian at the local library. This takes place right before school starts so she knows very few people at school. She soon learns to like her new life. I love this book. It really shows the emotion of being new. I would recommend this book from intermediate to middle school level. I would recommend it for these levels because it is an easier read.
December 6, 2008
Ellie is an empathetic character - I have never moved to a new school, but I've been in new situations and I think Ellie's reactions and responses to being the new girl are right on. Also humorous and adventurous -- drawing the backs of people's heads as a way to learn their names, playing great games with new neighbors.
This is a sketch book -- and the sketches remind me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
This is a sketch book -- and the sketches remind me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
June 11, 2010
Ellie McDoodle is an easy to read chapter book. Instead of forcing children to read a standard chapter book, Barshaw has created a book that takes shape in the form of a journal. Ellie’s thoughts are written down on every page with a doodle that corresponds with her thoughts. This form of chapter book makes for a great transition from picture books to chapter books. Second and third grades will enjoy this book for years to come. Not only is Ellie relatable, she’s likeable as well.
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