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The Odd Squad #2
The Odd Squad: Zero Tolerance
After taming the school's biggest bully, Nick, Molly and Karl expect to bask in Safety Patrol glory. But without a bully to set straight, all they're left with is helping sixth graders cross the hall and reminding everyone that Jell-o meat stains.
Enter new kid Simone, who becomes fast friends with Molly but gets on Nick's nerves when she makes light of his quest to find Emily, the mysterious middle school protector who may or may not be real. In an effort to prove he's right, Nick tries to flush Emily out, only to bring the wrath of a new Zero Tolerance policy down on Emily Dickinson Middle School.
Nick's in way over his head (he's not that tall in the first place) and risks expulsion if he can't restore his good name. Since Nick is an expert at making wrong moves, he could be in big trouble. Because if there's one thing worse than being the shortest seventh grader in the history of the world, it'shaving to go through it twice.
Praise for The Odd Squad: Bully Bait
"Funny and sweet with a steely centre."--Neil Gaiman, New York Times best-selling author of Coraline and the Newbery Award-winning The Graveyard Book
"An important message, humorously delivered, that will appeal to Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans." --Kirkus Reviews
224 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2013
24 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 18, 2022
With no bully problem, The Safety Patrol is bored…until the new girl comes to school. She is French and is instantly friendly with everyone. Yet, Nick just has a gut feeling.
May 8, 2016
This book is hilarious i loved it
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December 11, 2019The "Odd Squad, Zero Tolerance" is a very goofy book. I think it was funny at the beggining when they were talking about what they want to be when they grow up and one kid said a bunch of crazy stuff like, "A rodeo clown, or a fortune cookie writer, or a hand model, etc..." and they got interrupted by a strange voice. Everybody turned and was surprised to see someone they have not seen in their neighborhood nor their school. The unfamiliar person across from them introduced herself as a girl named Simone, who was new to the district. Once they stopped hesitating, Karl was alreading greeting the strange girl to the neighborhood. She said she spoke French and Karl was amused. After a few weeks, Nick was concerned that Simone was planning something, something evil. He tried to get her to rat herself out, but she would't budge to tell the truth. Then he spied on her and got caught, then got suspended, but that didn't stop him. He used someone on the inside to see what's going on, but then they got caught too. After spending a day suspended, he realized his class was going on the field trip. that's when he went to tell Simone that the solution to why she was here was nothing. They soon went on a huge ride and almost got teared by crocodiles. I recommend this book to anybody who loves or likes funny, humorous books. There is also a series of these books so you won't have to stop reading them once you're done. These books are great for reading at 5th or 6th grade.
December 16, 2019
The Odd Squad by Michael Fry is a really funny book. This book made laugh over 1000 times. I really recommend this book to people who are having a bad day. If I would have lived in this book I would not know what to do. But do really recommend this book not only to people who are having a bad day but to people are just trying to get a good laugh out of something. But if I could rate this book more than a 5 star I would rate it a 6 star book!
March 2, 2016
I hated this book.When I got this book, I thought it was gonna be a funny kind of kiddish book like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.But no, it was the opposite.It was terrible.I didn't understand the plot at all.Also throughout the story I kept getting confused.I wouldn't know what was happening or why.I never really understood what the Safety Patrol had against Simione.Why did this all start and why are they mad at her.Even though I was confused at the end I still figured out what had happened but still really understand why.I recommend no one to read this book as you will most likely not enjoy it.
November 8, 2020
Book two continues the absurdity as the three, Nick, Karl and Molly, figure out what to do on Safety Patrol now that the bullying problem is taken care of. Two events happen as they face their boredom - weird chalk drawings appear on the sidewalk and a new girl from France introduces herself to them. Simone quickly bonds with Molly but Nick is suspicious. He sets himself up as a bullying victim to root out what's happening with Simone and to lure out his Emily with far reaching consequences.
Middle grade readers will love the humor and the wild antics. Looking forward to the third book alluded to at the end.
Middle grade readers will love the humor and the wild antics. Looking forward to the third book alluded to at the end.
June 11, 2025
The Odd Squad: Zero Tolerance is a fun junior high book. In a nutshell, "We all just want to be normal. Except for Karl." Nick, Molly, and Karl are on the Safety Patrol at Emily Dickinson Middle School. They navigate, parents, grandparents, schoolwork, teachers, etc. I think young adults will be able to relate to the characters and like the book's humor and the wonderful artwork that is on most pages.
June 26, 2017
Characters Nick, Simone, Mr. Durpee, Molly, and Becky get involved in a school problem. Simone wants to take over the world, but people try to stop her. But Simone is tricky. So, she goes to the school's making money until she gets caught. I recommend this book to readers that like silly books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
Great book
This was a really great book. Love reading this series. Will try to find more books by this author soon.
This was a really great book. Love reading this series. Will try to find more books by this author soon.
November 21, 2019
what i think about this book is it is very interesting if you are into funny books. it starts of with a funny beginning and a truthful end. so i encourage you to read this amazing book.
December 19, 2016
In this second book about the Odd Squad, Nick becomes suspicious when his friend, Molly, who once saved him from choking, begins spending time with the new girl, Simone, who has just moved to their school from France. Though Simone seems to want to spend time with the safety patrol members, Nick is concerned that she hasn’t been bullied enough to really be one of them. Nick is also obsessed with proving the existence of Emily, the ghostly presence who provides supposed help to students at his school. Unfortunately, in his efforts to prove Emily is real and to out Simone as a phony he comes up against the school’s new zero tolerance bullying policy, and finds that he might just be expelled and forced to repeat the seventh grade.
As in the first Odd Squad book, this book uses a combination of straight text and comic strips to relate tales of life on the margins of middle school. Though most of the events of the story are not particularly likely to happen in real life, they work well in this type of fast-paced and humorous novel. I didn’t necessarily connect as strongly with the characters as I might have liked, but I think the target audience will be pleased to follow up with Nick and his buddies and to learn how they are faring now they have taken down their school’s number one bully. Kids who are themselves quirky will be pleased to see kids like them represented in a book, and even if readers haven’t yet entered middle school themselves, they will understand Nick’s desire to keep Molly as a friend, and his constant curiosity about whether Emily is real.
I enjoyed the adult characters this time around. Mr. Dupree’s Shakespeare quotations fit right into the story and might spark a bit of interest in reading Shakespeare, and Nick’s grandmother’s wacky sayings only rival those of Vince’s grandmother in the Fourth Stall books. This entire story actually put me in mind of The Fourth Stall, as both books deal with dishonest middle school students and the differences between what kids know about school and what adults notice about what is going on. I also enjoyed Nick’s side commentary about his mother’s various boyfriends, and the fact that her latest boyfriend is the one responsible for bringing the zero tolerance policy to the school.
Zero Tolerance is a great follow-up to Bully Bait, and it will be a hit with fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and other hybrid books told in words and pictures. Kids will laugh out loud and also take away an important lesson about the importance of being oneself, rather than worrying about being normal.
As in the first Odd Squad book, this book uses a combination of straight text and comic strips to relate tales of life on the margins of middle school. Though most of the events of the story are not particularly likely to happen in real life, they work well in this type of fast-paced and humorous novel. I didn’t necessarily connect as strongly with the characters as I might have liked, but I think the target audience will be pleased to follow up with Nick and his buddies and to learn how they are faring now they have taken down their school’s number one bully. Kids who are themselves quirky will be pleased to see kids like them represented in a book, and even if readers haven’t yet entered middle school themselves, they will understand Nick’s desire to keep Molly as a friend, and his constant curiosity about whether Emily is real.
I enjoyed the adult characters this time around. Mr. Dupree’s Shakespeare quotations fit right into the story and might spark a bit of interest in reading Shakespeare, and Nick’s grandmother’s wacky sayings only rival those of Vince’s grandmother in the Fourth Stall books. This entire story actually put me in mind of The Fourth Stall, as both books deal with dishonest middle school students and the differences between what kids know about school and what adults notice about what is going on. I also enjoyed Nick’s side commentary about his mother’s various boyfriends, and the fact that her latest boyfriend is the one responsible for bringing the zero tolerance policy to the school.
Zero Tolerance is a great follow-up to Bully Bait, and it will be a hit with fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and other hybrid books told in words and pictures. Kids will laugh out loud and also take away an important lesson about the importance of being oneself, rather than worrying about being normal.
September 9, 2016
Edgy But Cheerful Middle Grade Hijinks
Nick, Molly and Karl, the heroes of this book, are bright, engaging and observant characters. Nick's running commentary on all things elementary schoolish and the dialogue among and between these kids is priceless. There are some sharply observed moments and there is occasionally a real edge to the goings on, but that just elevates the book beyond the usual diary/hijinks fare that's aimed at a slightly younger reading crowd.
On top of that we have a number of adult characters, Nick's Mom, her boyfriend, the school principal, and especially Memaw, (Nick's grandmother), and Mr. Dupree, (the mellow burned-out school janitor), who could probably carry a book on their own without any kid characters.
The upshot is that there is a riot of inventive dialogue, funny business, wry and cutting asides, and sharp humor all rolled up into a school days adventure that delivers something interesting or arresting on almost every page.
If there is any problem it is that the book is almost exhaustingly frantic. The plot involves a possibly imaginary legendary student, (Emily), a mysterious student who unbalances the trio of heroes, (Simone), a budding love interest, (Becky), and a convoluted plot that turns on Nick having faked being bullied, which brings on a new "Zero Tolerance Policy" that is mocked mercilessly throughout the book. Each of these could carry a normal book, and when they are all blended together the action can sometimes be a bit hard to keep straight.
That said, I'd rather have a book that's a bit demanding rather than bland or predictable, and this volume certainly scores on that account. Especially given all of the small and subtle pleasures that are sprinkled about, this is certainly a cut above and well worth a serious look if you have an adventurous and confident reader.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
Nick, Molly and Karl, the heroes of this book, are bright, engaging and observant characters. Nick's running commentary on all things elementary schoolish and the dialogue among and between these kids is priceless. There are some sharply observed moments and there is occasionally a real edge to the goings on, but that just elevates the book beyond the usual diary/hijinks fare that's aimed at a slightly younger reading crowd.
On top of that we have a number of adult characters, Nick's Mom, her boyfriend, the school principal, and especially Memaw, (Nick's grandmother), and Mr. Dupree, (the mellow burned-out school janitor), who could probably carry a book on their own without any kid characters.
The upshot is that there is a riot of inventive dialogue, funny business, wry and cutting asides, and sharp humor all rolled up into a school days adventure that delivers something interesting or arresting on almost every page.
If there is any problem it is that the book is almost exhaustingly frantic. The plot involves a possibly imaginary legendary student, (Emily), a mysterious student who unbalances the trio of heroes, (Simone), a budding love interest, (Becky), and a convoluted plot that turns on Nick having faked being bullied, which brings on a new "Zero Tolerance Policy" that is mocked mercilessly throughout the book. Each of these could carry a normal book, and when they are all blended together the action can sometimes be a bit hard to keep straight.
That said, I'd rather have a book that's a bit demanding rather than bland or predictable, and this volume certainly scores on that account. Especially given all of the small and subtle pleasures that are sprinkled about, this is certainly a cut above and well worth a serious look if you have an adventurous and confident reader.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
February 7, 2017
Nick has bad things going on with Molly and Karl when Simone comes up and hypnotizes his friend Molly to be able to get rid of Nick. Nick suspected something about Simon because she got so popular in one day so Nick was investigating what Simon's plan is, but Nick is not alone someone also suspects something which is Becky, Nick's crush. Becky and Nick saw some drawings on the side walk which meant something. Simone herd that nick was getting bullied so she took advantage to do a fund raiser to find out who the bully was , but it was not Roy, which is known to be the biggest bully. After Nick told Karl he was into to it they found out that Simon isn't who everyone in the school thinks she is.........you got to read this book to find out what do Nick,Becky,and Karl do to stop Simone.
ADILENE AGUIRRE
ADILENE AGUIRRE
September 29, 2013
Readers of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, and other heavily-illustrated journal type stories will enjoy The Odd Squad. Nick, Molly, and Karl became friends in their first book as they tried to deal with a bully at school and became the school's Safety Patrol. Nick is positive this year will be great with no bully picking on him, his two friends, and his status as a member of the Patrol. But a new girl named Simone shows up and soon has everyone under her dark power, including Molly. Nick decides the only thing to do is wrap himself in toilet paper and stuff himself in a trash can in the boys' restroom so it seems that he has been bullied again. Things just get more and more out of control until he finds himself riding a zip-line in his underwear and a stack of extra safety helmets in front of the entire seventh grade. I'm not sure what will make you laugh more - Simone's French accent, Becky's chewing gum, Karl's list of phobias, or Nick's insane plans to catch Simone in an evil plot - but you will be laughing when you read this.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
November 24, 2016
This book is about a squad of odd people named Nick, Karl, and Molly and they’re all together because they all were chosen for a Safety Patrol and first when they started in Safety Patrol Nick said that people still (seemed to be going on for a while) call them Loser Patrol even though they saved the school from a bully named Roy. And three weeks ago the school was giving hearty cheers, two weeks ago they gave a polite applause, one week they gave total indifference (booing), and then finally real time they gave outright hostility (which was nothing). Then there are a whole lot more characters but you’ll find out yourself! My favorite part in this book is when Nick goes into a suit that is a hippo and looks for Simon and you’ll find out why later. I recommend this book to people who like “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Big Nate”.
November 13, 2014
Nick, Molly and Karl, are the protagonists of this book, the Odd squad by Micheal fry. It is apart of the comedy book genre of books. The Style of writing is bright, engaging and observant. Nick and the other characters deliver wacky and weird lines that are most of time funny, or just make you think huh? . There are some sharp moments and there is sometimes an edge to the goings on. This book is fun and has its good moments. It has a story of a rumor of a girl named Emily that is a ghost and is saving everyone in times of need. Its not the usual diary/journal book that's for a younger reading crowd. Its a good book that has a stronger story than those others.
October 6, 2013
* I won a copy of this book on Goodreads Giveaways.*
This was a cute Middle School level book about a group of kids that don't quite fit in for one reason or another. They're the type of youngsters that would enjoy reading a book of this type. Amusing and intriguing at times. The numerous comic strip style illustrations probably appeal to kids, though I found them a little tiresome constantly "interrupting" the story. I was not familiar with the series. I think my grandchildren will enjoy it.
This was a cute Middle School level book about a group of kids that don't quite fit in for one reason or another. They're the type of youngsters that would enjoy reading a book of this type. Amusing and intriguing at times. The numerous comic strip style illustrations probably appeal to kids, though I found them a little tiresome constantly "interrupting" the story. I was not familiar with the series. I think my grandchildren will enjoy it.
August 9, 2013
Quick review - not quite as amusing as "Bully Bait", but still has plenty of fun. Our trio of main characters get fluffed out a little more, and even the grandmother gets in on the action. I would have liked a little more involvement from "Emily", but I'm sure she'll continue to be a presence in future installments. "Bully Bait" has been a hit in my children's department, so I know this volume will please as well.
June 2, 2014
I have this weird feeling I read the first one, but I don't think I did? I don't have a record of reading it. And I've been keeping track since about 2009. So... I'm confused. However! Putting that aside!
I love this kind of format of book, where it's partial comic partial text. I loved the story, the characters, the mayhem. It was enjoyable. It was fun. I'm so excited that I own this book. Huzzah!
If you enjoyed books like the Dork Diaries or Timmy Failure, I think you'll like this book.
I love this kind of format of book, where it's partial comic partial text. I loved the story, the characters, the mayhem. It was enjoyable. It was fun. I'm so excited that I own this book. Huzzah!
If you enjoyed books like the Dork Diaries or Timmy Failure, I think you'll like this book.
November 5, 2013
Nick, molly and Karl (friends) become the school's Safety Patrol after they deal with a bully at school. The book will have you laughing as the story unfolds. This book will be enjoyed more by the younger students because of the creative pictures and the humor of the plots in the story. An enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.
October 8, 2013
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads. My 10 year old son who is also a big fan of the Wimpy Kid books LOVED this second book in the series as well as the first. We had a few laugh out loud moments. We both loved the illustrations throughout the book, I feel they encourage busy boys like my son to read more.
April 5, 2017
The book The odd squad Zero Tolerance by Michael Fry was okay. I liked it but not to much. The only thing I wish is if it had a more interesting problem. I always read The odd Squad books but they never click. Most of the odd squad books are about bullies or at least from what I can tell. I recommend this like a little bit of humor.
August 23, 2013
Nick and the other members of the Safety Patrol are back! Another great book in this series that is sure to appeal to young readers.
Requested and received digital ARC of this book from publisher though Net Galley.
Requested and received digital ARC of this book from publisher though Net Galley.
July 18, 2013
The odd squad and their budding friendship is set on shaky ground when a new girl from France decides that Molly is bff material. I found myself laughing out loud at their antics. Outrageous and possibly over the top, but hilarious. Give this one to fans of the wimp.
May 1, 2014
My 10 year old son loved this book. He is not much of a reader but this one kept his attention. Any book that can keep a 10 yr old boy reading is a good book in my opinion. This book gets 5 stars from this mom and librarian!
July 18, 2015
I think my sixth grade boys would like this in my classroom, but a bit too random and scattered for my tastes. It was a blend of narrative and graphic components, which I liked better than just a pure graphic novel. It was a fast read.
March 8, 2016
Asher (9yo) read. "Very good. Nick is trying to get his friends back from the new kid named Simone. It goes wrong and he gets suspended from going to a water park which he hopes he will finally be tall enough to ride a zip line."
August 14, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I think students in grades 3-5 will like it. With a nice combination of text and cartoonish illustrations, it will appeal to many who are developing readers.
January 6, 2014
Doesn't over do the bullying issues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews