Non-Random Acts of Kindness

The Life of Ty #2

by Lauren Myracle, Jed Henry (Illustrations)

Ty Perry’s second-grade life is crazier than ever.

He’s trying hard not to worry too much, but that’s not easy when his brain is filled with so many thoughts, like finally finding a pet for Baby Maggie, his sometimes-crazy classmates, and the dreaded neck-pinch-of-death. And then there’s his upcoming recitation about doing an act of kindness in front of the whole class!

Ty remains his wacky, curious self in this bighearted second installment of the Life of Ty series. Practicing kindness, random or not, doesn’t take that much worrying after all. Being kind is part of being Ty.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Friendship, Family, Juvenile, Humor

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 3, 2014

About the author

Lauren Myracle is the author of numerous young adult novels. She was born in 1969 in North Carolina. Lauren Myracle holds an MA in English from Colorado State University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. she has written many novels, including the famous IM books, ttyl, ttfn, and l8r, g8r.

Her first novel, Kissing Kate, was selected as one of ALA's "Best Books for Young Adults" for the year 2004. It was named by Booklist as one of the "Top Ten Youth Romances" of the year, as well as one of the "Top Ten Books by New Writers." Her middle-grade novel, Eleven, came out 2004, followed by its YA sequels (Twelve, Thirteen, Thirteen Plus One) .

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute early chapter book that I wouldn't mind recommending. Seven-year-old Ty is mostly sweet and well-meaning, and the family relationships presented are believable. Every so often Ty says something that does not seem like something a 7-year-old would say (like mentioning that his 1-month-old baby sister Maggie is in her "cute houseplant stage"), but overall the characters and situations were fine. This is the second of three in the series so far.

[Joellen Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great voice in this early ch book series. I am excited to share this series w boys and fans of Junie B Jones. This title would be great for class read aloud 1-3G to connect character ed and random acts of kindness.

[Carol Moore Kollar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice theme. This may appeal to young readers but it seemed to be lacking in plot and character development.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good second, low third grader read. I was doing an anti-bulling program last month with my after school crowd book club and this one was on my display. I picked it up and read it. It was okay. About a second grade class who is doing an Act of Kindness project and how Ty, the main character goes about doing his acts of kindness without even knowing he is.

[Angelika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book about 2nd grade Ty whose class assignment is to report on a random act of kindness he did. Ty, his friends and family, the teacher and even the kid who is a bit of a bully are understandable, lovable characters. Positive sibling relationships and conflict resolution. Sometimes I wondered if the voice is of a 7 year old or more of an adult view.

[Susie McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lessons about friendship were learned in this book and it was funny in places.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, I was reading through and through. And one thing is, I my worry about some words because I have problem with English words. However, I did enjoy reading about "Ty" story and he's friends at school and home. "Ty" tell about crazy his life, in a way. With other friends like "Taylor", "Lexie's" and other, They really get serious or little crazy to be Kindness around but it's not same way with "Ty". I guest that "Ty", has allot spinning around his head.

Also most of time, "Ty" was talking to his baby sister "Maggie" to buy him for something for her and He like to speed time with her because his family. "Ty" has big sister "Winnie" but not too much talk about her because "Ty" know Girls Stuff. However Winnie, can ask answer or Question with "Ty" most of time. So this book, it like journey daily with his own life. And that why my rating is 4 1/2 stars this book I did enjoy it and it make good silly.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ty's second grade teacher has challenged them to each do a Random Act of Kindness, and then present to the class about it at the end of the week. Ty is worried that he won't be able to find one to do. Meanwhile, he spends the week being kind and helpful as usual -- to his mom, to his sisters, to his friends. He gets in his share of scrapes, but none are too serious. A sweet book about a good-hearted boy, perfect for K-2 readers who are reading well above grade level.

[Dolores]

I made it through the end of chapter 2. Maybe the author simplified the wording too much??? The fact that it was written in first person, present tense bothered me. I get that Ty is a kid with lots of things going on in his head, but some of the paragraphs were just all over the place.

After reading the title and synopsis, I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't finish it.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ty is earnest and engaging in trying to navigate his 7-year-old world. While his efforts to be kind and change his behavior are endearing, they seem to be a bit beyond what most second-graders I know could articulate. That being said, I'll stick with the series as a realistic new option for my newly independent readers.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The second in a series about a boy named Ty who is in second grade and he is given a homework assignment to do one act of kindness and then give speech about it in class by the end of the week. Ty spends the rest of his week trying to think of what he can do to be kind. This book has illustrations throughout it.

Recommended age 8-9
Reading Level 2nd- 3rd grade

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still thrilled that Lauren Myracle is writing books for early chapter book readers. I really like this series. Ty speaks how a kid would speak. I chuckled out loud at some of his phrases and the expressions the author had him use. Great addition for a 2nd grade + classroom.

[Ms. B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Life of Ty series. I have enjoyed Lauren Myracle's books for tweens and teens. When I saw she had written a book for younger readers, I was excited to read it.
Not bad, but I will probably stick with her edgier titles.

[Barb Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a story that my soon to be 2nd grade boy relates to. Ty is a 2nd grader having a very very bad week. Loved the kids view of what makes a "bad" week :) Fun read aloud. Ty is a worrier, which my son can relate to.

[Joellen Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great voice in this early ch book series. I am excited to share this series w boys and fans of Junie B Jones. This title would be great for class read aloud 1-3G to connect character ed and random acts of kindness.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might just be the best chapter book geared for 1st-3rd graders I've ever read. It's even better than the first Life of Ty. It's so nice to read about a boy with real feelings and thoughts!

[Carrie Gelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilled to have found this young chapter book series! Can't wait to introduce it in my room

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ty's dedication to his baby sister, Maggie, is wonderful. Especially his desire to be true to his word and get her a pet.

[Connor Francois · Rating 1 out of 5]

My mother forced me to read it

[Carolina]

I think is nice because it have a lot of stuff that kids of his age would like it. He always was trying to get a pet for his little sister. At the end he finally go it. He promised his little sister he would get a pet and he did it. His classmates are little crazy, but I mean everyone can take that because they could be your friends. But I really recommend this book. There would be some part that are funny or serious.