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Zeke Meeks
Zeke Meeks vs the Big Blah-rific Birthday
When Zeke's birthday party falls near Grace Chang's and Owen Leech's big bashes, he decides to cancel his party. After all, even he would rather go to their over-the-top parties than his simple celebration. But Zeke and his classmates are in for a surprise. Bigger doesn't always mean better.
- GenresHumor
128 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2013
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83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 19, 2016
Zeke’s birthday is coming up, and he wants to have a really exciting party. The problem is, if he wants to invite lots of people, his parents say he has to have his party at home, and not at the Thrillsville amusement park. This wouldn’t be so bad, except that two other kids in Zeke’s class are having parties the same weekend. Owen, the most popular boy, is taking the entire class to Thrillsville, and evil Grace Chang’s party will have a magician, games, and lots of great food. Defeated, Zeke decides to cancel his party, only to learn later on that sometimes a simple party is a lot more fun.
I really like the way author DL Green takes on realistic childhood problems in her Zeke Meeks books. Birthday parties, for example, are such a big deal in elementary school, and the worst thing that can happen to the birthday boy is that another child’s party steals his guests away. In this book, Green taps into the anxieties kids feel about that situation and weaves a believable and satisfying story surrounding them.
Zeke’s thoughts throughout the story really sound like those of a real eight-year-old. I love his exasperation with his little sister’s favorite TV character, Princess Sing-Along, who sings about everything from personal hygiene to flatulence. I’m sure Zeke’s feelings about Princess Sing-Along mirror many brothers’ real life objections to Dora the Explorer and Disney Princesses. I also like the way Zeke interacts with Grace Chang, worrying that she will scratch him to death with her fingernails. Good and evil are so black and white for third graders, and Green takes a comic approach to characterization that really drives that idea home.
In addition to great characterization, this book also has a strong, well-charted plot. Every detail in the first half of the story comes around again to tie up the ending, That’s not to say that things are wrapped up too neatly, but that there is a reason for many of the events of the story, and a satisfying culmination of those events. The message - that simple is sometimes better - is also handed down from a child’s point of view. Parents will have no problem getting behind that message, but it’s not preachy. Zeke comes to his realization on his own, based on his own experiences, and explains his new point of view on his own terms.
This chapter book provides plenty of support for newer readers. Each supporting character has a particular trait that is mentioned each time the character appears in a new scene. This helps readers keep track of the characters and remember who is who, especially if a character is not in every chapter. There is also a great glossary at the back of the book, which in a style similar to the Aldo Zelnick series, defines unfamiliar words in kid-friendly terms. And of course, the design of the book is very visually appealing, filled with cartoonish drawings, big, bold fonts, and representations of each of the characters.
I recommend Zeke Meeks Vs. the Big Blah-Rific Birthday to third graders - both boys and girls, and both reluctant and enthusiastic readers.
I really like the way author DL Green takes on realistic childhood problems in her Zeke Meeks books. Birthday parties, for example, are such a big deal in elementary school, and the worst thing that can happen to the birthday boy is that another child’s party steals his guests away. In this book, Green taps into the anxieties kids feel about that situation and weaves a believable and satisfying story surrounding them.
Zeke’s thoughts throughout the story really sound like those of a real eight-year-old. I love his exasperation with his little sister’s favorite TV character, Princess Sing-Along, who sings about everything from personal hygiene to flatulence. I’m sure Zeke’s feelings about Princess Sing-Along mirror many brothers’ real life objections to Dora the Explorer and Disney Princesses. I also like the way Zeke interacts with Grace Chang, worrying that she will scratch him to death with her fingernails. Good and evil are so black and white for third graders, and Green takes a comic approach to characterization that really drives that idea home.
In addition to great characterization, this book also has a strong, well-charted plot. Every detail in the first half of the story comes around again to tie up the ending, That’s not to say that things are wrapped up too neatly, but that there is a reason for many of the events of the story, and a satisfying culmination of those events. The message - that simple is sometimes better - is also handed down from a child’s point of view. Parents will have no problem getting behind that message, but it’s not preachy. Zeke comes to his realization on his own, based on his own experiences, and explains his new point of view on his own terms.
This chapter book provides plenty of support for newer readers. Each supporting character has a particular trait that is mentioned each time the character appears in a new scene. This helps readers keep track of the characters and remember who is who, especially if a character is not in every chapter. There is also a great glossary at the back of the book, which in a style similar to the Aldo Zelnick series, defines unfamiliar words in kid-friendly terms. And of course, the design of the book is very visually appealing, filled with cartoonish drawings, big, bold fonts, and representations of each of the characters.
I recommend Zeke Meeks Vs. the Big Blah-Rific Birthday to third graders - both boys and girls, and both reluctant and enthusiastic readers.
February 23, 2013
When I was sent a copy of ZEKE MEEKS VS THE BIG BLAH-RIFIC BIRTHDAY, I really didn't know what to expect. Although I read a lot of Young Adult and now, I guess, New Adult fiction, I don't have as much experience with books for younger readers and Middle Grade novels. But, I saw the quirky illustrations scattered throughout this story, and that was reason enough for me to go ahead and review it.
So, Zeke is about to turn nine and his mother has told him he can have a birthday party to celebrate. At first he wants to have his party at the amusement park, but his mother advises him that he can only take a few best friends if they do something so expensive. Zeke wants to make sure he can invite most of the kids in his class, so his mom says they should have a nice, simple party at home instead.
Nice and simple aren't Zeke's ideas of fun, but he complies, writing out his invitations to mail to all of his friends. He soon learns, though, that one of his classmates has invited EVERYONE to the amusement park at the exact same time as his birthday party. Zeke moves his party, but then the meanest girl in school announces she is having a super extravagant party at her house on that same day -- full of snacks, magicians, singers, and more fun than anyone can handle.
Now, Zeke is turning nine and he's not even getting a raise in his allowance or a later bedtime or even a party that anyone will want to attend. So, Zeke just decides to cancel his birthday party and go to the other parties instead. What's so fun about turning nine if it all turns into a big blah-rific birthday mess?
The illustrations were fun and I think the story would especially appeal to little boys who like reading about bugs, barf, and messes. It was definitely a nice touch that the author included a little guide on how to make a birthday party at home loads of fun, along with a cute glossary and a few other birthday party facts and ideas. Adorable!
This was a fun book and I would definitely read the others if I came across them conveniently. :)
So, Zeke is about to turn nine and his mother has told him he can have a birthday party to celebrate. At first he wants to have his party at the amusement park, but his mother advises him that he can only take a few best friends if they do something so expensive. Zeke wants to make sure he can invite most of the kids in his class, so his mom says they should have a nice, simple party at home instead.
Nice and simple aren't Zeke's ideas of fun, but he complies, writing out his invitations to mail to all of his friends. He soon learns, though, that one of his classmates has invited EVERYONE to the amusement park at the exact same time as his birthday party. Zeke moves his party, but then the meanest girl in school announces she is having a super extravagant party at her house on that same day -- full of snacks, magicians, singers, and more fun than anyone can handle.
Now, Zeke is turning nine and he's not even getting a raise in his allowance or a later bedtime or even a party that anyone will want to attend. So, Zeke just decides to cancel his birthday party and go to the other parties instead. What's so fun about turning nine if it all turns into a big blah-rific birthday mess?
The illustrations were fun and I think the story would especially appeal to little boys who like reading about bugs, barf, and messes. It was definitely a nice touch that the author included a little guide on how to make a birthday party at home loads of fun, along with a cute glossary and a few other birthday party facts and ideas. Adorable!
This was a fun book and I would definitely read the others if I came across them conveniently. :)
March 28, 2013
Zeke Meeks hates bugs, loves bloody, gory video games, and is terrified of Grace Chang and her fingernails. Luckily for him he has some great friends, Hector and Charlie, and a quick mind. In this particular book Zeke has a birthday coming up and he wants a big party at a local amusement park. When his mother puts a stop to that and he discovers that Owen and Grace are having much bigger parties he decides to cancel his own. But when things go wrong at Grace's party, can Zeke save the day? I have to admit Zeke's solution of taking the kids to his house for a impromptu party I felt sympathy for his mother, but the way he turns it around really made me laugh. The humor throughout the book was delightful, if gross at times (seriously eating snails and caviar together?!) and bound to appeal to kids. I am definitely planning on sharing this series with my students and listening to them laugh. One of my favorite laugh out loud moments came when Zeke is outside lying in a hammock while his mother rakes leaves and says, "My life is so hard." I laughed so hard I snorted. The part where Zeke runs away from a fly just as he is about to set a personal record of 7 basketball shots made in a row is pretty funny as well. I highly recommend this series for reluctant readers or any reader who enjoys a quick funny read.
March 11, 2013
This was a fun story of Zeke and his classmates, 3 of which turned 9 in the same weekend. So, all 3 were having a party that same weekend.
Grace promises everyone hers will be the best, but it ends up being a total bore, and everyone goes to Zeke's house instead. Zeke's mother says he cannot have a party after he had said he did not want to.
Zeke's mother tells him that all there is to do at the house is chores. So, he makes the best of that by turning them into fun party games for his classmates to compete in. Grace shows up late, but he lets her in on it by having her clean the kitchen. Everyone loves Zeke's so-called "party".
But, Owen is sure his Thrillsville party will be the Party of the Century. But, the next day, when Zeke gets up, he realizes it is raining. So, Owen's party is cancelled, and everyone comes to Zeke's house again. They end up helping Zeke fold the laundry.
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Such a wonderful story of making the best of what is handing to you, even when you feel like you can't. I'd gladly read more of this series.
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This volume was presented to me via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Grace promises everyone hers will be the best, but it ends up being a total bore, and everyone goes to Zeke's house instead. Zeke's mother says he cannot have a party after he had said he did not want to.
Zeke's mother tells him that all there is to do at the house is chores. So, he makes the best of that by turning them into fun party games for his classmates to compete in. Grace shows up late, but he lets her in on it by having her clean the kitchen. Everyone loves Zeke's so-called "party".
But, Owen is sure his Thrillsville party will be the Party of the Century. But, the next day, when Zeke gets up, he realizes it is raining. So, Owen's party is cancelled, and everyone comes to Zeke's house again. They end up helping Zeke fold the laundry.
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Such a wonderful story of making the best of what is handing to you, even when you feel like you can't. I'd gladly read more of this series.
---------------------
This volume was presented to me via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
March 15, 2014
Zeke is not thrilled with his mom's idea of a birthday party at home. He wants to take everyone to the amusement park but that's too expensive. Then his second choice is to have lots of entertainment like a musician and magician and balloon guy at his party. Alas, his mother says that is too expensive as well. Then two of his classmates plan parties for the same weekend! Instead of having his own boring party he decides to attend the other ones. Things don't go quite as planned and Zeke's mom gets a surprise party of her own. A funny story that will entertain kids 1st-3rd grades.
April 18, 2013
Unexpectedly fun. I loved Zeke's solution to his problems.
April 14, 2015
I loved it. It was really, really funny. It was interesting, too.
May 11, 2015
Excellent book series for kids who are not quite ready for the Wimpy Kid books, but want a funny "boy" book to read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews