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My Weird School Special #2
Deck the Halls, We're Off the Walls!
A.J. and the gang from My Weird School star in this series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring brand-new hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more. It's Christmas, and you know what that means! Santa Claus is coming to town! Or at least to the local mall. But what happens when kid rapper Cray-Z gives a Christmas concert at the same mall and all his fans go bananas? One thing's for sure-if A.J. and his friends from Ella Mentry School want to save the day, they will need a Christmas miracle. Bestselling author Dan Gutman brings his wacky, kid-friendly sense of humor to this all-new series of holiday adventures. With My Weird School trivia and Christmas-themed facts and puzzles, this is one weird Christmas special you don't want to miss!
2 pages, Audiobook
First published September 24, 2013
386 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Dan Gutman
358 books1,033 followersThe author of over 80 books in a little over a decade of writing, Dan Gutman has written on topics from computers to baseball. Beginning his freelance career as a nonfiction author dealing mostly with sports for adults and young readers, Gutman has concentrated on juvenile fiction since 1995. His most popular titles include the time-travel sports book Honus and Me and its sequels, and a clutch of baseball books, including The Green Monster from Left Field. From hopeful and very youthful presidential candidates to stunt men, nothing is off limits in Gutman's fertile imagination. As he noted on his author Web site, since writing his first novel, They Came from Centerfield, in 1994, he has been hooked on fiction. "It was fun to write, kids loved it, and I discovered how incredibly rewarding it is to take a blank page and turn it into a WORLD."
Gutman was born in New York City in 1955, but moved to Newark, New Jersey the following year and spent his youth there.
Gutman was born in New York City in 1955, but moved to Newark, New Jersey the following year and spent his youth there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 22, 2021
This is a middle grade book. My daughter's school has monthly family reading projects, and this was a book I read with my daughter for one of those projects. I really enjoyed this book, and I found it very cute and funny. If you read middle grade books then you may like this one.
June 15, 2024
lol…these books are absolutely wild and hilarious. I don’t know if I’ll ever read the entire series but they are good palette cleansers. These are perfect for younger readers who love humor and want to read more independently.
January 6, 2014
A book my 6 yr old loved, a little old for my preschoolers. A solid reading level 4 book, this reader has a good amount of advanced vocabulary words, but not so long that it discourages a new reader. Used it for his read out loud book, which was perfect. It took about 15 mins for him to read and had just enough new vocabulary words to make it challenging. Also, it was a fun and interesting story he could get into. He liked it so much, he asked for more by this author. Great reading book!
May 18, 2025
A crazy Christmas vacation, that still manages to slip in the reason for the season.
December 12, 2013
I reviewed this book for www.luxuryreading.com.
Having recently read and enjoyed It’s Halloween, I’m Turning Green, my son was ecstatic when Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls! came in the mail. Knowing that the back of the book would have weird facts, puzzles, trivia and more, he instantly went to the back of the book so we could do all the fun activities first. These Christmas-themed activities were exciting for him as well as good practice for spelling and reading so I was happy to start with what he sees as the best part of the book. They didn’t take long to go through and we were soon on to the story.
Deck the Halls, We’re off the Walls! once again follows A.J. and his group of friends as they go on an adventure with unexpected twists and turns. This time they are going to the mall to try and speak to Santa and let him know what they want for Christmas. Things go awry when A.J. leaves the long line to try and find a present for his sister and unexpectedly must come to the aid of a young rapper, Cray-Z, being chased through the mall by young girls. Things are further complicated when A.J. is chased through the mall by angry parents after announcing to the waiting children that the Santa they are visiting is not who they expected to meet. This time Cray-Z will have to come to A.J.s rescue and A.J. learns the value of giving to others and what Christmas should really be all about.
This story had many of the same aspects my son enjoyed from the last book by Dan Gutman we read – over exaggeration, mild teasing and jokes that are perfect for young readers – and we were once again laughing along with A.J. and the gang. This book also has a funny Christmas rap as part of the story and my son had the best time learning the words and rapping it for anyone who would listen. I value anything that will get my son reading more and Dan Gutman’s books definitely do that!
I would recommend Deck the Halls, We’re off the Walls! for any elementary students looking for a funny, not too serious story that incorporates a snarky protagonist with lite life lessons that most kids can relate to. I know my son will be looking to see where A.J. and his friends go next.
Having recently read and enjoyed It’s Halloween, I’m Turning Green, my son was ecstatic when Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls! came in the mail. Knowing that the back of the book would have weird facts, puzzles, trivia and more, he instantly went to the back of the book so we could do all the fun activities first. These Christmas-themed activities were exciting for him as well as good practice for spelling and reading so I was happy to start with what he sees as the best part of the book. They didn’t take long to go through and we were soon on to the story.
Deck the Halls, We’re off the Walls! once again follows A.J. and his group of friends as they go on an adventure with unexpected twists and turns. This time they are going to the mall to try and speak to Santa and let him know what they want for Christmas. Things go awry when A.J. leaves the long line to try and find a present for his sister and unexpectedly must come to the aid of a young rapper, Cray-Z, being chased through the mall by young girls. Things are further complicated when A.J. is chased through the mall by angry parents after announcing to the waiting children that the Santa they are visiting is not who they expected to meet. This time Cray-Z will have to come to A.J.s rescue and A.J. learns the value of giving to others and what Christmas should really be all about.
This story had many of the same aspects my son enjoyed from the last book by Dan Gutman we read – over exaggeration, mild teasing and jokes that are perfect for young readers – and we were once again laughing along with A.J. and the gang. This book also has a funny Christmas rap as part of the story and my son had the best time learning the words and rapping it for anyone who would listen. I value anything that will get my son reading more and Dan Gutman’s books definitely do that!
I would recommend Deck the Halls, We’re off the Walls! for any elementary students looking for a funny, not too serious story that incorporates a snarky protagonist with lite life lessons that most kids can relate to. I know my son will be looking to see where A.J. and his friends go next.
October 28, 2016
Good book A.J goes to the mall to see Santa but cray-Z is there and the girls NUTS
So what will A.J do? Read the book to find out!?!?!
So what will A.J do? Read the book to find out!?!?!
January 21, 2018
It’s Christmas vacation and A.J. couldn’t be happier - no school for nine days and now Santa is going to be at the mall on the Saturday before Christmas, and friend Ryan’s mom said she would drive them there - so the word was quickly spread to friends Michael, Neil, and Alexia. No sooner did they get to the mall, when they learned that no only Santa, but Cray-Z, the kid rapper with the hit song “The Christmas Klepto,” would also be there. The line to see Santa is very long and A.J. and friends decide to go get a present for A.J.’s younger sister, but on the way, they run into Craz-Z in the bathroom, A.J. and Craz-Z switch clothes, so Craz-Z can rest and hide from his adoring fans, and A.J. goes out a performs as the rapper. Dressed as himself again, A.J. heads to the Santa line, and when his turn comes, he asks for what he wants, and begins giving Santa the third degree. When he leaves, Santa’s beard accidentally comes off and his real identity is exposed - Mr. Klutz, the school principal. Running away from all the angry parents and upset kids, A.J. is chased to the food court, but runs into Cray-Z instead. Can Cray-Z repay A.J.’s favor and help save him? My kids loved this story, and why not, it’s pretty zany and had them laughing from start to finish. At the end of the book, there are a few pages with some interesting facts about Christmas, followed by some Fun Games and Weird-Word Puzzles, and a pretty funny section called My Weird School Trivia Questions (which my kids really loved).
December 6, 2022
What a cute book for kids! Everyone is going to the mall to meet Santa! 🎅🏻 When the boys get antsy the girls save their spots and the boys go off shopping. They end up running into a new special friend!
December 18, 2023
My kids loved this one. They laugh through all of Dan Gutman's books and this was no different.
January 1, 2024
FINISHED MY READING CHALLENGE!!!
Oh and the book was cute too
Oh and the book was cute too
October 16, 2024
Quick little read. Oh the nostalgia🥹🥹I read all of these books when I was a kid, this series made me fall in love with reading!!
December 13, 2020
A fun Christmas story about the quest to meet Santa, realizing that teachers all work at the mall for the holidays because they don't get paid enough, and realizing that all it takes to be famous is sunglasses, a hoodie, and a song about a klepto Santa.
October 24, 2017
I liked this book because I was just imaging if that was the mall in Fargo and how people would interact with that happening. I recommend who ever wants to read about Christmas getting ruined. It is different from other Christmas books because it is a bad ending not a exiting ending. Will Crazy Z. Sing or be scared of the girls and not sing?
January 1, 2014
Deck the Halls, We're Off the Walls a Weird School holiday special. The kids are on Christmas vacation and what do you do on Christmas vacation? Go see Santa of course! A.J. and his friends load up to go to the mall, but with these kids you know it's not going to be an easy trip. A.J. gets in all sorts of mischief as the day goes on.
Fans of My Weird School will love this holiday edition. They'll enjoy going on another adventure with A.J. and laugh at all his shenanigans. There is also a section at the end of the book full of quizzes, games, puzzles and more. This book is sure to keep kids entertained this Christmas season!
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/1...
Fans of My Weird School will love this holiday edition. They'll enjoy going on another adventure with A.J. and laugh at all his shenanigans. There is also a section at the end of the book full of quizzes, games, puzzles and more. This book is sure to keep kids entertained this Christmas season!
Read more at http://www.2readornot2read.com/2013/1...
April 7, 2014
Book #2 of #3 in my WEIRD SCHOOL SPECIALS FLASHBACKS!
I have one more to go! Then My Weird School reviews will be here!
This book was slow at first, then built up to being the book it was mean to be by the wonderful author- Dan Gutman. I enjoyed reading all of his books as a child, and I am glad that I could come back, read them , and then read all of the new books since I have stopped reading them! This was a really good special edition of the stories, and I really enjoyed it!
I have one more to go! Then My Weird School reviews will be here!
This book was slow at first, then built up to being the book it was mean to be by the wonderful author- Dan Gutman. I enjoyed reading all of his books as a child, and I am glad that I could come back, read them , and then read all of the new books since I have stopped reading them! This was a really good special edition of the stories, and I really enjoyed it!
July 30, 2014
gr8 book can't wait for more
February 17, 2015
It was a funny book.
Read
December 6, 2015Matthew: I really enjoyed this book.I like how the characters felt real to me.Dan Gutman and Jim Pialot did a good job.
December 28, 2019
Wow ("which is mom upsidedown")! A fun holiday romp with A.J. and the crew! Love the humor by repetition in each book!
May 6, 2020
Only one star because it was kind of weird, the Santa isn't real, his beard comes off.
December 30, 2017
It’s Christmas vacation and A.J. couldn’t be happier - no school for nine days and now Santa is going to be at the mall on the Saturday before Christmas, and friend Ryan’s mom said she would drive them there - so the word was quickly spread to friends Michael, Neil, and Alexia. No sooner did they get to the mall, when they learned that no only Santa, but Cray-Z, the kid rapper with the hit song “The Christmas Klepto,” would also be there. The line to see Santa is very long and A.J. and friends decide to go get a present for A.J.’s younger sister, but on the way, they run into Craz-Z in the bathroom, A.J. and Craz-Z switch clothes, so Craz-Z can rest and hide from his adoring fans, and A.J. goes out a performs as the rapper. Dressed as himself again, A.J. heads to the Santa line, and when his turn comes, he asks for what he wants, and begins giving Santa the third degree. When he leaves, Santa’s beard accidentally comes off and his real identity is exposed - Mr. Klutz, the school principal. Running away from all the angry parents and upset kids, A.J. is chased to the food court, but runs into Cray-Z instead. Can Cray-Z repay A.J.’s favor and help save him? My kids loved this story, and why not, it’s pretty zany and had them laughing from start to finish. At the end of the book, there are a few pages with some interesting facts about Christmas, followed by some Fun Games and Weird-Word Puzzles, and a pretty funny section called My Weird School Trivia Questions (which my kids really loved).
October 20, 2021
In this Christmas Special Edition story, the kids are all excited that they’re off from school for Christmas break. When A.J. reads in the newspaper that Santa is going to be at the local mall, he can’t stop driving his mom crazy with reasons why he wants to go visit Santa. Unfortunately, his parents have to clean the garage together Saturday, so driving him to go see Santa is out of the question. That is until his friend Ryan calls to tell him that his mom is going to drive him to the mall and asks if A.J. wants to tag along with them to go see Santa. Luckily, A.J.’s parents allow him to go and when they finally arrive at the mall on Saturday, it turns out to be quite an experience for A.J. after all. What happens to A.J. while he’s waiting to go visit Santa? With everything else going on around him, does he ever get the chance to speak with Santa that day?
November 24, 2022
Simple, quick and to the point Christmas story that is funny and entertaining.
Some people are put off with how rude the kids could be sometimes but that is how kids speak to each other all the time, especially teenagers.
The book starts with A.J telling us he hates it when a song gets stuck in his head. Does that ever happen to you?
Begging usually works for me. I would have to try something else. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's what my parents always say. You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.
Find out what happens at the mall and how the kid ruined Christmas?
Some people are put off with how rude the kids could be sometimes but that is how kids speak to each other all the time, especially teenagers.
The book starts with A.J telling us he hates it when a song gets stuck in his head. Does that ever happen to you?
Begging usually works for me. I would have to try something else. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's what my parents always say. You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.
Find out what happens at the mall and how the kid ruined Christmas?
January 4, 2018
First time reading a My Weird School book. I was not impressed at all with the content of the book. I imagined that these books were fluff books that were silly but I was not prepared for the Neil the Nude Kid references or the rude way the friends spoke to one another. I had hoped that they would be silly like Louis Sachar's Wayside School series and was disappointed.
My class seemed to like the story overall and there were some funny parts. I however will probably not bother to buy any new Weird School books in the future.
My class seemed to like the story overall and there were some funny parts. I however will probably not bother to buy any new Weird School books in the future.
June 24, 2020
DescriptionA.J. and the gang from My Weird School star in this series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring brand-new hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more.It's Christmas, and you know what that means! Santa Claus is coming to town! Or at least to the local mall.
October 21, 2021
School's out for the Christmas Holidays, and A.J. has plans to enjoy all nine days of it. He and his friends spend one Saturday at the mall to see Santa. While there A.J. finds himself in a zany mixed-up adventure that give him more insight to the meaning of Christmas. A holiday treat for everyone.
Read
December 24, 2021Trying to familiarize myself with more of the series’ that we have in the school library. I read the first chapter or two aloud to my 3rd and 4th graders. It’s a fluffy little story, that hooked me in enough to finish the book. Both copies were checked out by kids that heard the beginning, so I’m considering that a win.
January 2, 2025
This series, which my 8 year old son and I are reading, is sort of painful. The jokes are just bad. This was one of the better books in the series though, IMO. The lyrics of the song throughout the book are clever and fun.
December 17, 2017
Lots of nice games and riddles and a fun story about kids meeting Santa
January 17, 2018
I loved this book so much and I read it with my Nana! It is a fun and cray-z story! Hehe,see what I did there, Cray-z? Anyway, this book is so fun! Please Read It!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews