The Offenders( Saving the World While Serving Detention!)[OFFENDERS][Paperback]

by Jerry Craft

The Offenders( Saving the World While Serving Detention!) <> Paperback <> JerryCraft <> Mama'sBoyz,Incorporated

Genres: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Childrens

Paperback

First published September 17, 2013

About the author

JERRY CRAFT is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid and Class Act. New Kid is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020); the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020). Jerry was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City.

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDING!! This was one of the best children's books I've read in a long time. The characters was funny and touched on so many serious points. Such a wonderful and refreshing read. I really enjoyed it.

[David Freiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to find good books for middle schoolers that both endorse good values AND hold their attention. Even harder to find, books that reflect the pluralistic world we live in, here in the Western world. This book has principal characters the reflect many ethnic backgrounds.

I think all kids like superheroes, and all kids like superpowers. This book offers a new twist on how those powers may be used to teach sensitivity and compassion.

This book is a must read. I have purchased it for several middle schoolers who report they loved it and come back again and again to reread it, and I can't wait until my superhero loving grade schoolers are old enough to appreciate it (though I hope they don't encounter bullying ever.)

It is no surprise that kids connect to it, because not only are Jerry Craft's teenage sons co-authors, but Mr. Craft has not forgotten what middle school was like and how we thought at that age. By all reports from the middle schoolers themselves, the Crafts "get it."

It is a shame that this book needs to be promoted to non-whites because it has universal appeal and all middle schoolers will identify with the characters.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so maybe I had a bit of PSTD at the beginning of this book with all the bullying going on. Especially with four square! Ugh!! The summer recreation I went to in elementary school had this big family of bullies. And they dominated the four-square court! Especially the high school kids. I haven’t thought about that in years!

Anyway, this was quite a different take on the superhero story. Jerry Craft likes to write about issues that kids deal with on a day to day basis. As an adult, it feels like it almost hits you over the head with the lessons - but because his writing is so enjoyable, you almost don’t notice. I am curious what the reception is like among younger kids, though. I think maybe it’s for a younger crowd, so maybe the lessons wouldn’t be so blatantly obvious to them?

Either way, I thought it was worth reading. And it does have a great anti-bullying message.

[Rochon Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. Jerry Craft and his teenage sons have come together to take on the world of bullying. This book shows how mean kids can be, especially if they don't realize it, but it's bullying with a twist! Despite the fact of getting super powers, these bullies get a taste of 'what goes around, comes around' when theyre forced to take on the aspects of the kids they bully instead becoming super cool kids with powers. So now they're the ones being teased.
There's lots of action, video games, evil sisters (YES!) and is totally hilarious. Boys will have fun with this book (and so will girls).

Known for his Mama's Boyz series, The Offenders: Saving the World, While Serving Dentention is a great entrance to the world of the Middle Grader.

Can you tell I loved this book?

[WKPL Children's/YA Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Lori read The Offenders and found the story very creative! It took me a little while to "get into" the way the story was written (each chapter written in pov of different character) but after getting the characters straight, I enjoyed their humor and their growth.

Bullying is such a terrible thing that has persisted over time. I felt that the instances of "bullying" were real and believable. I liked that statistics about bullying were given throughout the story, showing that it is an issue that needs attention.

It is my hope that kids who read this will see that even though the story is "funny" the instances of bullying are not--they may even be familiar to the kids. The subtle and constant telling that "bullying is wrong" may sink in.

This book is very readable for middle school readers.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen this book on Amazon quite a few times when I have been searching for books to buy my nieces and nephews. I hadn't picked it up because I like to read a book before I give it out as a gift which is why I was excited to be chosen to receive a copy in the Goodreads First Reads program. This book is great for children and still fun for an adult. I love the way the author puts the bullies into the bullied children's shoes. With bullying becoming such a rampant problem this book managed to find a way to be serious about bullying while injecting excitement and humor which will keep kids wanting more.

[Tracy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I should say, I won this through a Goodreads giveaway. What a fun book!!! I just love stories that both adults and kids can enjoy. Full of pep, humor, colorful characters, and a great lesson to share with the whole family. This book is a fantastic way to teach kids about bullying. In fact, The Offenders was such a joy that I immediately gave it to my best friends son to read. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[Breena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay -- ths may not be a book aimed at me. But I know Jerry Craft's work. And I was thrilled to read that Jerry's teenaged sons, Jaylen and Aren are co-authors. Jerry's "Mama's Boyz" comic strip and books have been award-winners. I just got a copy as a Christmas present for a young friend.

[Tyler Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book and it tells life lessons about bulling. I really like this book because it funny and it also has a great plot in the story. It's also has a diverse culture. In all, this book is great and I recommend this book.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked all the information for DoSomething.org and bullying stats. I wasn't a fan of the alien twist. That's my own eew at sci-fi. Otherwise, kids really get bullied for the same reasons. I did like it being the misfit kids.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a fan. I liked the concept of a bunch of "bullies" coming together in detention, but I was hoping for a more realistic story. The story is kind of predictable, but the fantasy aspect of it made it quite disappointing.