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Don't Wear Polka-Dot Underwear with White Pants:
Eight-year-old Mandy Berr learns life lessons with patriotic pizazz in the first adventure of a new chapter book series.
Eight-year-old Mandy Berr has a lot going on. She has to share her parents’ attention with her newborn twin siblings, who are always crying, and her little brother, Timmy, who is constantly in her way. And she also has to find a way to deal with her nemesis, Dennis, who has a knack for getting under her skin.
At least Mandy has the upcoming Presidential Pageant to look forward to at school. She is determined to be President George Washington—she is perfect for the lead part, after all. But when Mandy’s teacher makes a surprising choice, it looks like Mandy will have to keep sharing the spotlight. Can she find her own way to shine?
Mandy has some valuable life lessons to learns in this adorable chapter book—including the fact that white pants and polka dot underwear are never a good combination.
Eight-year-old Mandy Berr has a lot going on. She has to share her parents’ attention with her newborn twin siblings, who are always crying, and her little brother, Timmy, who is constantly in her way. And she also has to find a way to deal with her nemesis, Dennis, who has a knack for getting under her skin.
At least Mandy has the upcoming Presidential Pageant to look forward to at school. She is determined to be President George Washington—she is perfect for the lead part, after all. But when Mandy’s teacher makes a surprising choice, it looks like Mandy will have to keep sharing the spotlight. Can she find her own way to shine?
Mandy has some valuable life lessons to learns in this adorable chapter book—including the fact that white pants and polka dot underwear are never a good combination.
- GenresChildrensMiddle Grade
160 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2013
6 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews
May 20, 2018
I read this to my 5.5 yr old and we both loved it. I cannot wait for her to read all of Allison’s books as she learns to read. The author really captures the inner workings of a smart and sassy elementary school age girl. As a parent, it was helpful to be reminded of her perspective.
April 21, 2013
About the Book:
Eight-year-old Mandy Berr has a lot going on. She has to share her parents’ attention with her newborn twin siblings, who are always crying, and her little brother, Timmy, who is constantly in her way. And she also has to find a way to deal with her nemesis, Dennis, who has a knack for getting under her skin.
At least Mandy has the upcoming Presidential Pageant to look forward to at school. She is determined to be President George Washington—she is perfect for the lead part, after all. But when Mandy’s teacher makes a surprising choice, it looks like Mandy will have to keep sharing the spotlight. Can she find her own way to shine?
Mandy has some valuable life lessons to learns in this adorable chapter book—including the fact that white pants and polka dot underwear are never a good combination.
My Review:
This was a really cute book that was a fast and enjoyable read for both my daughter and myself. The paragraphs were in small chunks that helped hold my daughters attention. The characters were challenged and pushed to help them in forward development. I appreciated the moral examples in the book: be polite, don't name call, respect, appreciation, acts of kindness, unselfishness and the like. My daughter and I got a real giggle out of glimpsing into the young 8 year old mind of Mandy. For anyone with kids, or if you are a kid yourself, you will appreciate how accurate the internal thought process is for this character. The author did a good job of embracing the inner drama queen in all children this age. The pages flowed naturally and you felt like the story came from a child's perspective-bad grammar and all :)
I would recommend this book to children for kids 7-14. There was no foul language, sexual or sensual scenes. The book was filled with humor and an overall positive theme with good character development.
About the Author/Illustrator:
Allison Gutknecht grew up in Voorhees, New Jersey, with three fewer siblings than Mandy Berr. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Master’s degree in Children’s Media and Literature from NYU. Allison lives in New York City with her rambunctious toy poodle, Gypsy, and her literate cat, Folly. She is a massive fan of polka dots.
Stevie Lewis grew up in Southern California and works in the animation industry as a visual development artist. She studied computer animation at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, rock climbing, baking cookies, browsing thrift shops, and drinking delicious coffee! She lives in San Francisco with her two little dogs.
Eight-year-old Mandy Berr has a lot going on. She has to share her parents’ attention with her newborn twin siblings, who are always crying, and her little brother, Timmy, who is constantly in her way. And she also has to find a way to deal with her nemesis, Dennis, who has a knack for getting under her skin.
At least Mandy has the upcoming Presidential Pageant to look forward to at school. She is determined to be President George Washington—she is perfect for the lead part, after all. But when Mandy’s teacher makes a surprising choice, it looks like Mandy will have to keep sharing the spotlight. Can she find her own way to shine?
Mandy has some valuable life lessons to learns in this adorable chapter book—including the fact that white pants and polka dot underwear are never a good combination.
My Review:
This was a really cute book that was a fast and enjoyable read for both my daughter and myself. The paragraphs were in small chunks that helped hold my daughters attention. The characters were challenged and pushed to help them in forward development. I appreciated the moral examples in the book: be polite, don't name call, respect, appreciation, acts of kindness, unselfishness and the like. My daughter and I got a real giggle out of glimpsing into the young 8 year old mind of Mandy. For anyone with kids, or if you are a kid yourself, you will appreciate how accurate the internal thought process is for this character. The author did a good job of embracing the inner drama queen in all children this age. The pages flowed naturally and you felt like the story came from a child's perspective-bad grammar and all :)
I would recommend this book to children for kids 7-14. There was no foul language, sexual or sensual scenes. The book was filled with humor and an overall positive theme with good character development.
About the Author/Illustrator:
Allison Gutknecht grew up in Voorhees, New Jersey, with three fewer siblings than Mandy Berr. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Master’s degree in Children’s Media and Literature from NYU. Allison lives in New York City with her rambunctious toy poodle, Gypsy, and her literate cat, Folly. She is a massive fan of polka dots.
Stevie Lewis grew up in Southern California and works in the animation industry as a visual development artist. She studied computer animation at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, rock climbing, baking cookies, browsing thrift shops, and drinking delicious coffee! She lives in San Francisco with her two little dogs.
May 27, 2013
This book has a really slow start, but quickly reaches the incident from which the title is derived. It's funny, but not funny enough to keep you reading. But, don't drop this book, as it does get better.
Once you get to chapter 3 or so, the book takes on a real Junie B. Jones feel. If you read the rest of the book, imagining Amanda as an older Junie B. Jones, you will love the book. The book is written quite alot like the JBJ books, and Amanda makes alot of the same kind of mistakes as JBJ as well.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around someone being in second grade, while being 8 years old. When you're 8, you should be in third grade. So, I kept wondering why Amanda had failed a grade or been held back, but they never told why.
But, that is all quickly forgotten when the Presidental Pageant takes place. That's really just a fancy way of saying that the class put on a play to honor the Presidents. Mandy wants to be George Washington, but is chosen as Narrator. It's for the best, since she gets an amazing periwinkle dress.
And, afterward, Natalie invites her over to her place for the weekend. Seems like Natalie isn't really that bad, after all, and they may even become friends.
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Personally, I hope this becomes a series. I want to see what happens if Natalie and Amanda try to become friends, which they implied at this end of book will happen.
------------------
This eBook was provided to me by the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Once you get to chapter 3 or so, the book takes on a real Junie B. Jones feel. If you read the rest of the book, imagining Amanda as an older Junie B. Jones, you will love the book. The book is written quite alot like the JBJ books, and Amanda makes alot of the same kind of mistakes as JBJ as well.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around someone being in second grade, while being 8 years old. When you're 8, you should be in third grade. So, I kept wondering why Amanda had failed a grade or been held back, but they never told why.
But, that is all quickly forgotten when the Presidental Pageant takes place. That's really just a fancy way of saying that the class put on a play to honor the Presidents. Mandy wants to be George Washington, but is chosen as Narrator. It's for the best, since she gets an amazing periwinkle dress.
And, afterward, Natalie invites her over to her place for the weekend. Seems like Natalie isn't really that bad, after all, and they may even become friends.
------------------
Personally, I hope this becomes a series. I want to see what happens if Natalie and Amanda try to become friends, which they implied at this end of book will happen.
------------------
This eBook was provided to me by the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
May 24, 2013
Mandy is a cleverly voiced and strong-willed young girl who is going through every first-born’s issues both in school and at home. The lunch recess monitors don’t let them play the “best” games ever, she can’t do a cartwheel, and she can’t find out if she gets to be George Washington for her school pageant. Most importantly, she has to wear white pants, which she just knows will get dirty, or something spilled on them.
When direct sunlight reveals a new mishap that she hadn’t thought of, and the worst boy in school sees she is wearing polka dot underwear, she just knows her mother knows nothing.
Cleverly penned, Mandy’s point of view is clear and typically eight years old. Mixing some humor with self-pity and necessary lessons in proper behaviour, patience and even friendship, this was a cleverly written story. Vaguely reminiscent of the Ramona Quimby stories, the language and scenes are completely age appropriate and easy to learn from, with Mandy as both entertainment and teacher. A good story for children who are experiencing their own struggles with expanding families, classroom structure and friends.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review as part of Children Read week at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
When direct sunlight reveals a new mishap that she hadn’t thought of, and the worst boy in school sees she is wearing polka dot underwear, she just knows her mother knows nothing.
Cleverly penned, Mandy’s point of view is clear and typically eight years old. Mixing some humor with self-pity and necessary lessons in proper behaviour, patience and even friendship, this was a cleverly written story. Vaguely reminiscent of the Ramona Quimby stories, the language and scenes are completely age appropriate and easy to learn from, with Mandy as both entertainment and teacher. A good story for children who are experiencing their own struggles with expanding families, classroom structure and friends.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review as part of Children Read week at I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 2, 2014
Mandy is a spunky young girl who definitely has her own voice and is not afraid use it, but it has a tendency to get her into trouble both at school and at home. She loves Rainbow Sparkle (her favorite TV show cat) and gummy bears (who doesn't?). Her favorite color is Periwinkle and she hates white pants (especially when wearing polka-dot underwear)! When her teacher, Mrs. Spangle, gives the role of George Washington to another student and she has to be the Narrator you can imagine how mad she was. And to make things worse she has nobody to practice her lines for!
As a book for an elementary audience this book is full of fun and a spunky main character that makes you smile and giggle at the same time. It's a light easy read that young girls will love, even if they don't like gummy bears or the color Periwinkle. Definitely 2 thumbs up! Oh, and don't forget "Don't wear polka-dot underwear with white pants!"
As a book for an elementary audience this book is full of fun and a spunky main character that makes you smile and giggle at the same time. It's a light easy read that young girls will love, even if they don't like gummy bears or the color Periwinkle. Definitely 2 thumbs up! Oh, and don't forget "Don't wear polka-dot underwear with white pants!"
August 20, 2014
I may have said this before, but this time I really mean it. Move over Junie B. Jones, there's a new girl on the bookshelf! Mandy Berr is in second grade. She is a very energetic child that knows exactly what she wants. Thank goodness for gummy bears that comfort here when others don't see things her way! Mandy tends to feel a little ignored at home due to her parents constantly paying attention to her preschool aged brother and the ever damp twins that are newly arrived in their home. Luckily for Mandy she has a teacher that knows the little girl's strengths and helps her shine in a way that gets positive attention from all, especially her parents. If you know any young girls (even boys can enjoy this) in 1st-3rd grades, give them this book. It is slightly higher reading level and much less obnoxious than good ol' Junie B.!
November 13, 2013
I have to admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of this series opener. Mandy is simply so unlikeable a protagonist, I couldn't muster up a care for her "problems". It's okay to be rambunctious, loud and out of line some of the time, but Mandy is plain obnoxious, and that's no fun to be around. Maybe she'll show some growth in further installments. We'll see.
July 30, 2014
This is definitely on the younger end of "middle grade;" the main character is 8 and in second grade, but I think you could give this cute book about not always getting what you want to a variety of ages, depending on their reading level.
September 3, 2013
Review to come.
January 22, 2016
It was very good and funny.
April 15, 2016
This book is great! Allison is an awesome author and I enjoy reading her books all the time! I can definitely relate to situations like Mandy Berr's.
August 26, 2016
I bought this book for my 7.5 year old daughter and we both loved it. Molly thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mandy and she can't wait to read more!
August 16, 2017
Move over Junie B you've got modern savvy competition! Fun story with a young girl who is feeling totally neglected due to the arrival of twin siblings who are "damp" - delightful language and descriptions
October 6, 2019
It was funny.
February 13, 2020
This book is really good. one time, when I was wearing white pants with black underwear at home, my sister saw my underpants.Geez me
December 11, 2015
Like most preteen girls Mandy Berr believes that she knows better than everyone, including her mom, she is bothered by everything around her like her school, her neighbors and specially her newborn twin siblings. After her mother makes her wear white pants to school and her polka dot underwear shines through, earning her a new nickname, she knows that her mom knows nothing about being cool. This book is great for young kids ho are learning about who they are and fitting in to the crowd. Mandy is a very easy character to relate to as she tries to navigate her way through school. I highly recommend this book for transition aged students, going from elementary school to middle school.
July 6, 2015
I gave this book to my daughter to kick off her summer reading. She's 7 years old and will be started in 2nd grade in the fall. She breezed through it so fast because she didn't want to put it down! She would sit and giggle and stop every other page to tell me what was going in. She's anxious for the next book to get here to add to her reading log!
July 22, 2016
This is a very cute story! I loved how it goes into a mind of an 8 year old and how they view things. My niece is 8 and I was talking to her about this book. She seemed to look at me a little odd when I told her about polka dot undies and white pants, but it sounds like she may enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews