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Adam Canfield #1
Adam Canfield of the Slash
Adam Canfield has to be the most overprogrammed middle-school student in America. So when super-organized Jennifer coaxes him to be coeditor of their school newspaper, THE SLASH, he wonders if he’s made a big mistake. But when a third-grader’s article leads to a big scoop, Adam and his fellow junior journalists rise to the challenge of receiving their principal’s wrath to uncover some scandalous secrets.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
33 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Michael Winerip
11 books9 followers"When Michael Winerip leaves a phone message, no one worries too much about calling him back. But when Michael Winerip of the New York Times leaves a phone message, the call gets returned fast.
"Those are the special powers I wanted to give Adam Canfield and the whole Slash staff at Harris Elementary/Middle School. Adam, Jennifer and Phoebe have the power to correct serious wrongs-- based not on their popularity or connections but their ability to write a true news story that gets to the bottom of things.
"Words give them super powers."
Besides being a children's book author, Mike Winerip is a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter for the New York Times. In his 25 years with the Times, he has done a number of assignments, including investigative reporter, magazine staff writer, national political correspondent based in Ohio, national education columnist, deputy metro editor, suburban columnist and he is currently the parenting columnist for the paper. Before the Times, he worked at three smaller papers, The Miami Herald, Rochester Times-Union and Louisville Courier-Journal, where he covered Appalachia out of a one-man bureau in Hazard, Ky. His work as a reporter has taken him into some of the poorest housing projects in America, the worst mental institution in Mexico, major corporate board rooms and the White House. He is a product of the Quincy, Mass public schools, a graduate of Harvard and lives in Lido Beach, NY with his wife and four children.
--from the author's website
"Those are the special powers I wanted to give Adam Canfield and the whole Slash staff at Harris Elementary/Middle School. Adam, Jennifer and Phoebe have the power to correct serious wrongs-- based not on their popularity or connections but their ability to write a true news story that gets to the bottom of things.
"Words give them super powers."
Besides being a children's book author, Mike Winerip is a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter for the New York Times. In his 25 years with the Times, he has done a number of assignments, including investigative reporter, magazine staff writer, national political correspondent based in Ohio, national education columnist, deputy metro editor, suburban columnist and he is currently the parenting columnist for the paper. Before the Times, he worked at three smaller papers, The Miami Herald, Rochester Times-Union and Louisville Courier-Journal, where he covered Appalachia out of a one-man bureau in Hazard, Ky. His work as a reporter has taken him into some of the poorest housing projects in America, the worst mental institution in Mexico, major corporate board rooms and the White House. He is a product of the Quincy, Mass public schools, a graduate of Harvard and lives in Lido Beach, NY with his wife and four children.
--from the author's website
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March 13, 2009
Adam Canfield, star reporter, is now a co-editor of the Slash – the Harris Elementary/Middle School newspaper – along with his friend Jennifer. He’s having a hard time making the adjustment from reporter to editor. Not only is he way over-programmed with too many classes and activities at school, but now he’s also responsible for what gets printed as well as what gets written. He’s exhausted. Jennifer has big plans for the paper, however. They’re going to be investigating real issues and printing stories that people will want to read.
Their first issue includes breaking news about illegal accessory structures (referring to the unsightly basketball hoops that people all over town have out in their driveways), an article about hypocrisy in the smile contest that’s endorsed by area dentists (it turns out to be an excuse for kids to chug soda and candy to ‘keep up their energy’), and a piece on Eddie the Janitor (who is often overlooked by students and faculty alike at Harris). The reporters dig up all sorts of unexpected information with each new story, and the Slash becomes the most popular newspaper in town.
Things come to a head when what appears to be a normal, boring story about a donation to the school uncovers a misappropriation scheme by none other than Harris’ formidable principal, Mrs. Marris. Adam and Jennifer and the other Slash reporters have to decide whether and how to blow the whistle on her illegal activities.
This was an excellent introduction to investigative reporting and journalism. The kids involved with the Slash are spunky characters – all looking beyond the mere scoop for the truth. Reading about their internal moral struggles as they decide what they should write, what they should print, what they can print, and what their responsibilities are to their sources will make you really think about what proper reporting involves. They’re also dealing with parents and other authority figures who are accustomed to prompt and immediate obedience. It’s stressful for elementary and middle schoolers to stand up to that kind of pressure, but these kids are empowered. Winerop also makes a satisfying argument against standardized testing – showing what an empty thing it can be to teach to a test and not to further your students’ passion for the subject.
Some of the characters were a bit annoying – Phoebe the third grade prodigy, for instance – and that made it a bit difficult to get into the story initially. But once they got into the reporting and the investigation of Mrs. Marris, things became much more interesting, and the reporters were able to put their petty differences aside.
Their first issue includes breaking news about illegal accessory structures (referring to the unsightly basketball hoops that people all over town have out in their driveways), an article about hypocrisy in the smile contest that’s endorsed by area dentists (it turns out to be an excuse for kids to chug soda and candy to ‘keep up their energy’), and a piece on Eddie the Janitor (who is often overlooked by students and faculty alike at Harris). The reporters dig up all sorts of unexpected information with each new story, and the Slash becomes the most popular newspaper in town.
Things come to a head when what appears to be a normal, boring story about a donation to the school uncovers a misappropriation scheme by none other than Harris’ formidable principal, Mrs. Marris. Adam and Jennifer and the other Slash reporters have to decide whether and how to blow the whistle on her illegal activities.
This was an excellent introduction to investigative reporting and journalism. The kids involved with the Slash are spunky characters – all looking beyond the mere scoop for the truth. Reading about their internal moral struggles as they decide what they should write, what they should print, what they can print, and what their responsibilities are to their sources will make you really think about what proper reporting involves. They’re also dealing with parents and other authority figures who are accustomed to prompt and immediate obedience. It’s stressful for elementary and middle schoolers to stand up to that kind of pressure, but these kids are empowered. Winerop also makes a satisfying argument against standardized testing – showing what an empty thing it can be to teach to a test and not to further your students’ passion for the subject.
Some of the characters were a bit annoying – Phoebe the third grade prodigy, for instance – and that made it a bit difficult to get into the story initially. But once they got into the reporting and the investigation of Mrs. Marris, things became much more interesting, and the reporters were able to put their petty differences aside.
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May 16, 2021as I said earlier to sriya, sometimes when I reread stuff I was obsessed with at age 13 it's extremely cringe but sometimes it's like oh wherever you go there you are. anyway this is obviously the latter
It sounds insane to call a book this obscure "formative" but I truly think it was. I don't know what it is about my brain that I read this objectively insanely bizarre book about child investigative reporters and absolutely imprinted on it and its weird dry humor but I did! I did. Not that I'm a journalist lmfao but y'know....I do love a weirdo devoted to The Truth and some Woodward and Bernstein puns for good measure. I seriously think I read this and the entire Ender series four times in 07-08 good lord what was I GOING through (I mean besides puberty)
(If you're considering reading this for the first time and you AREN'T twelve years old I can't say I genuinely recommend it but if you watch the school newspaper sections of Riverdale and are like wow I love Jughead but I wish he was 40% shriller, 60% babier, and 15% more evocative of American Vandal might I suggest this weird-ass middle grade novel written by an actual Pulitzer winner)
It sounds insane to call a book this obscure "formative" but I truly think it was. I don't know what it is about my brain that I read this objectively insanely bizarre book about child investigative reporters and absolutely imprinted on it and its weird dry humor but I did! I did. Not that I'm a journalist lmfao but y'know....I do love a weirdo devoted to The Truth and some Woodward and Bernstein puns for good measure. I seriously think I read this and the entire Ender series four times in 07-08 good lord what was I GOING through (I mean besides puberty)
(If you're considering reading this for the first time and you AREN'T twelve years old I can't say I genuinely recommend it but if you watch the school newspaper sections of Riverdale and are like wow I love Jughead but I wish he was 40% shriller, 60% babier, and 15% more evocative of American Vandal might I suggest this weird-ass middle grade novel written by an actual Pulitzer winner)
June 25, 2009
A good book for Elementary or Middle School students, the investigative and journalistic aspects of the story serve as a great introduction for kids who might be interested in those fields in the future. When I first read it I thought it was a bit boring, to be honest, and some of the characters (particularly the third-grader) came off as one-sided. Still, a great read for younger ages.
July 2, 2020
The town newspaper is owned by the Boland family. The local cable channel is owned by the Boland family. Every news story that’s printed or broadcast in this town has been pre-approved by Mr. or Mrs. Boland. Every news story, that is, except the news that’s printed in The Slash, the Harris Elementary/Middle School newspaper, written, edited and printed by the third through eighth graders at Harris school . . . as long as they can get the story past their principal, Mrs. Marris.
Some of these stories Adam, Phoebe and Jennifer are writing are going to be pretty tough to get past her. They’re not just going to tell the happy news; they’re getting to the bottom of the stories and printing the facts. Like the story on the new Zoning Code, which Bolandvision Cable Action News 12 had said would tidy up Tremble County. Luckily, Marris let that story slide through, because The Slash reporters found out that the new zoning code actually outlawed basketball hoops. The public caught wind of the story, and people went nuts!
But getting the facts on the story was tough. Adam Canfield is a great reporter, but sometimes even he runs out of ideas—especially after he’s been hung up on, transferred to endless hold, argued with, misunderstood, and been misled for a week by the shifty code enforcement officials at the city hall. Jennifer, his co-editor, though, isn’t beaten yet. She still has lots of ideas, even if it means a two hour bus ride to an unfamiliar area of town to get the info they needed for the story. Catching those weasley slobs in person was worth it—and the story exploded through town!
When Principal Marris herself gets on Adam’s and Jennifer’s hot seat for her own shady behavior, they know they’re in real trouble if they keep writing. Can they find enough facts to make sure they’ve got the true story? How important is the truth? Is it worth getting expelled?
(REVIEW: A fast paced book written with humor and an exciting story line. An additional theme of racism runs through the book: the Principal is the most vocal, suggesting that Jennifer should object to a celebration for someone of her race who has a blue collar job—suggesting that only rich blacks should be held up as examples, and really, only during multicultural week in February. Marris is a nutcase. Very negative portrayal of a principal as well as politicians and government workers. A read alike for this would be The Landry News by Andrew Clements or Nothing but the Truth by Avi. In both, corrupt/incompetent school staff vs. kids who won't put up with it and vow to get the truth out. Lexile: 830L)
Some of these stories Adam, Phoebe and Jennifer are writing are going to be pretty tough to get past her. They’re not just going to tell the happy news; they’re getting to the bottom of the stories and printing the facts. Like the story on the new Zoning Code, which Bolandvision Cable Action News 12 had said would tidy up Tremble County. Luckily, Marris let that story slide through, because The Slash reporters found out that the new zoning code actually outlawed basketball hoops. The public caught wind of the story, and people went nuts!
But getting the facts on the story was tough. Adam Canfield is a great reporter, but sometimes even he runs out of ideas—especially after he’s been hung up on, transferred to endless hold, argued with, misunderstood, and been misled for a week by the shifty code enforcement officials at the city hall. Jennifer, his co-editor, though, isn’t beaten yet. She still has lots of ideas, even if it means a two hour bus ride to an unfamiliar area of town to get the info they needed for the story. Catching those weasley slobs in person was worth it—and the story exploded through town!
When Principal Marris herself gets on Adam’s and Jennifer’s hot seat for her own shady behavior, they know they’re in real trouble if they keep writing. Can they find enough facts to make sure they’ve got the true story? How important is the truth? Is it worth getting expelled?
(REVIEW: A fast paced book written with humor and an exciting story line. An additional theme of racism runs through the book: the Principal is the most vocal, suggesting that Jennifer should object to a celebration for someone of her race who has a blue collar job—suggesting that only rich blacks should be held up as examples, and really, only during multicultural week in February. Marris is a nutcase. Very negative portrayal of a principal as well as politicians and government workers. A read alike for this would be The Landry News by Andrew Clements or Nothing but the Truth by Avi. In both, corrupt/incompetent school staff vs. kids who won't put up with it and vow to get the truth out. Lexile: 830L)
March 22, 2025
I read this for the first time when I was about 9, and it inspired my career as a journalist. This is do date the most accurate account of being a journalist for a local newspaper. From the zoning board drama to the sugar-coated media events to the egotistical public figures. It is also one of the most accurate depictions of being an "over programed" kid. While I am not a kid anymore. I've reread this book countless time at all ages of my life. Each time I take away something new and something new hits closer to home.
I am not kidding when I say this book inspired my career. My first job was a city hall reporter for a small city in Connecticut. No college course prepared me as much as this book did. Its dead on. Who knew zoning could be so dramatic? Well it is as both Adam and I know.
The sly commentary throughout the book is so clever because the author never comes out and says we've created a toxic system for students and adults only care about test scores and public images and yada yada but its in every chapter. He addresses racism and implicit bias. The impact of generational wealth and how it relates to race. The thematic placement is artful, lighthearted but impactful. Something a 9-year-old and understand but a 24-year-old can feel.
Michael Winerip captures the human anxst of both journalist and 12-year-olds. Adam's struggles reflect our struggles. Wanting to be liked. Working hard to feel like it's never ending. Hopelessness that the truth and goodness prevail. Adam and the other characters face very real emotional and moral dilemmas. This time around I really needed to hear Adam in his dissonance because it was reflection of my own troubles. Why is telling the truth so hard and why does it feel wrong sometimes? Winerip captures that in this book.
I will revisit this book over and over again as I do with the stories I love. I also tell every reporter then need to read this though I have never met another who has. A Roman empire level book.
I am not kidding when I say this book inspired my career. My first job was a city hall reporter for a small city in Connecticut. No college course prepared me as much as this book did. Its dead on. Who knew zoning could be so dramatic? Well it is as both Adam and I know.
The sly commentary throughout the book is so clever because the author never comes out and says we've created a toxic system for students and adults only care about test scores and public images and yada yada but its in every chapter. He addresses racism and implicit bias. The impact of generational wealth and how it relates to race. The thematic placement is artful, lighthearted but impactful. Something a 9-year-old and understand but a 24-year-old can feel.
Michael Winerip captures the human anxst of both journalist and 12-year-olds. Adam's struggles reflect our struggles. Wanting to be liked. Working hard to feel like it's never ending. Hopelessness that the truth and goodness prevail. Adam and the other characters face very real emotional and moral dilemmas. This time around I really needed to hear Adam in his dissonance because it was reflection of my own troubles. Why is telling the truth so hard and why does it feel wrong sometimes? Winerip captures that in this book.
I will revisit this book over and over again as I do with the stories I love. I also tell every reporter then need to read this though I have never met another who has. A Roman empire level book.
October 1, 2021
3.75 stars
A great book that gives young people insight into the workings of journalism, being a reporter and the accolades and danger that is inherent within this often volatile career.
The story follows Adam, an young middle schooler, as he navigates the perils of investigating reporting for the school newspaper. He and the entire SLASH team uncover several illegal schemes within their school that could effect many high profile persons, mainly the school principal.
Problems abound while publishing the first two issues of the paper, placing a target on Adam's back!
With several important adults seeking to stop the paper from being published due to the stories contained therein, Adam and the SLASH crew face danger and walls of deceit shadowing their every move.
This book was extremely well written while teaching about the pitfalls and glory that exist within this profession. An easily read plot, enjoyable characters and the quirks of the protagonist all mesh well together to form a likeable book that this reader very much enjoyed.
A great book that gives young people insight into the workings of journalism, being a reporter and the accolades and danger that is inherent within this often volatile career.
The story follows Adam, an young middle schooler, as he navigates the perils of investigating reporting for the school newspaper. He and the entire SLASH team uncover several illegal schemes within their school that could effect many high profile persons, mainly the school principal.
Problems abound while publishing the first two issues of the paper, placing a target on Adam's back!
With several important adults seeking to stop the paper from being published due to the stories contained therein, Adam and the SLASH crew face danger and walls of deceit shadowing their every move.
This book was extremely well written while teaching about the pitfalls and glory that exist within this profession. An easily read plot, enjoyable characters and the quirks of the protagonist all mesh well together to form a likeable book that this reader very much enjoyed.
July 4, 2022
This was a nostalgic read - I first read the book in 6th grade and revisited it 7 years later, spurred by the memory of it being suspenseful, exciting, and a delightful mix of characters with actually interesting personalities. I stand true with my original perception of the book - it was still just as fun to read as 7 years ago. I genuinely like the main character, Adam, which is, of course, necessary to get through a book from his point of view. The weave of stories is interesting, the mystery in uncovering the truth keeps readers wanting more, and the budding romance between the two main characters is a nice (but subtle in this book) touch. I know this review probably wasn’t super informative, but I just wanted to express how much I enjoyed the book as an easy read!
May 4, 2022
While not a new book the title appeared on a list for “Us/Them” in CommonLit 360 and I liked the investigative reporter concept presented. Overall I liked it and I think kids will enjoy it especially through the lens of Us/Them and the topic of Othering. It does have a lot going on and at times some of the issues feel a tad forced, but it works and with the 3rd graders and 8th graders it has that sort of school drama that students will enjoy. It was written back in 2005, so there are some aspects that feel a tad dated but the bigger issues are solid.
July 25, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Adam Canfield is the ultimate overachiever, A student who is in every club, organization, sport, etc imaginable. This year he teams up with his best friend Jennifer to co-edit the school newspaper the Slash. The pair are more ethically sound in the journalistic endeavors than most journalists are today. It was a fun, quick read that would make a great read aloud in a classroom, especially if someone does "voices" for the characters!
April 27, 2018
A pointed and hilarious satire that supports the chapter of How to Read Literature Like a Professor entitled "It's All Political." Even this kids' book about the last bastion of free press left in one county somewhere in the United States: the middle school newspaper.
September 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this story about school reporters that take on school administration. The story is spiced with a great deal of humor. Will have appeal to both boys and girls. Adam, our protagonist, is dealing with many of the issues other children are dealing with--overbooked schedules, standardized testing pressure and such. It makes for a funny relateable tale.
October 31, 2017
See, I don't normally read books like this. But I quite literally stumbled on this book yesterday and decided to pick it up and begin reading it. I didn't expect it to be so interesting and such a good read! Most juvenile-oriented reads like this one seem to either be too short or drag on too long. This book was neither!
December 5, 2023
Didn’t finish. Quit after disc 1. I enjoyed the reporting terms sprinkled throughout the beginning but felt that the story talked down to its audience. With the exception of when Adam couldn’t figure out how not to be late, I couldn’t get in his head. And I didn’t care for the narrator.
November 20, 2024
Given the political climate, I was in the mood to re-read some of my favorite fiction from childhood. "Adam Canfield of the Slash" held up better than I thought. I would highly recommend this book to parents who want their kids to have a healthy respect for journalism.
July 15, 2017
this was a great series, couldn't put it down
January 5, 2019
I really like it😎 and I read all in the series!!!!!
January 13, 2021
I love this book. Part mystery, part good over evil and kids realizing they can make a difference.
January 13, 2016
Review by Karen, intended for young readers:
Are you on your school newspaper, or do you have friends who are? I worked on my school papers from middle school through college, so I was immediately absorbed by Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip — about Adam and his co-editor, Jennifer, and their reporters for The Slash.
I recognized a lot of what they experienced: hanging out in the newspaper office, working late into the night and on weekends, hunting down contacts to get interviews for stories, in some cases trying to figure out how to approach difficult topics or challenging sources. But I’ll tell you — I never covered a story as explosive as the expose at the heart of this book!
I don’t want to give away too much, because Adam and Jennifer unravel the mystery over time. But let’s just say their big story involves a principal who is up to no good — and also happens to be the person who approves or rejects all the articles the students want to print in The Slash.
There are other interesting stories too, like exposing the not-so-sweet underbelly of a smiling contest sponsored by local dentists and chasing down the truth about whether the city is planning to remove basketball hoops from the front of people’s houses. But the most intriguing part of the book is the behind-the-scenes drama involved in putting together The Slash each month.
There are two other Adam Canfield books (Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! and Adam Canfield: The Last Reporter), and I’m looking forward to reading them! I think you’ll also enjoy the adventures of Adam, Jennifer, and their team of dedicated and determined reporters, even if you don’t have the student paper background that I do. I’d especially recommend Adam Canfield of the Slash for fans of Andrew Clements’ books (The Landry News, Frindle, etc.) and Walter Dean Myers’ Cruisers series.
This review also appears on Kidsmomo.com.
Are you on your school newspaper, or do you have friends who are? I worked on my school papers from middle school through college, so I was immediately absorbed by Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip — about Adam and his co-editor, Jennifer, and their reporters for The Slash.
I recognized a lot of what they experienced: hanging out in the newspaper office, working late into the night and on weekends, hunting down contacts to get interviews for stories, in some cases trying to figure out how to approach difficult topics or challenging sources. But I’ll tell you — I never covered a story as explosive as the expose at the heart of this book!
I don’t want to give away too much, because Adam and Jennifer unravel the mystery over time. But let’s just say their big story involves a principal who is up to no good — and also happens to be the person who approves or rejects all the articles the students want to print in The Slash.
There are other interesting stories too, like exposing the not-so-sweet underbelly of a smiling contest sponsored by local dentists and chasing down the truth about whether the city is planning to remove basketball hoops from the front of people’s houses. But the most intriguing part of the book is the behind-the-scenes drama involved in putting together The Slash each month.
There are two other Adam Canfield books (Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! and Adam Canfield: The Last Reporter), and I’m looking forward to reading them! I think you’ll also enjoy the adventures of Adam, Jennifer, and their team of dedicated and determined reporters, even if you don’t have the student paper background that I do. I’d especially recommend Adam Canfield of the Slash for fans of Andrew Clements’ books (The Landry News, Frindle, etc.) and Walter Dean Myers’ Cruisers series.
This review also appears on Kidsmomo.com.
October 28, 2020
Adam Canfield of the Slash / written by Michael Winerip (2007, Hardback published in 2005) --
SUMMARY: While serving as coeditors of their school newspaper, middle-schoolers Adam and Jennifer are on the lookout for front-page news. But It's third-grade reporter Phoebe who delivers a major scoop to Adam -- leading to a investigation to uncover fraud and corruption in their school and in the city's government. Followed by sequel: ADAM CANFIELD WATCH YOUR BACK and ADAM CANFIELD THE LAST REPORTER.
COMMENT: I had seen this title on several reading lists and came across an audio version. I really enjoyed this book, the characters, and the storyline. After I finished listening to the book, I found a paper copy and ended up reading it again. My favorite character though was the tenacious Phoebe who wanted so much to be a journalist and write first-page news. In fact my favorite part of the book is when Phoebe has been assigned to write an article on the Smile Contest promoted by the local dentists and actual finds that the energy needed to win the contest comes for the mass-intake of sugary foods. I also like the ethics that Jennifer instills in the rest of the reporters to be responsible for their words, to get both sides of the issue, and to not be influenced by the subject of the story. Winerip is able to describe very accurately the life of middle-schoolers and actually left me somewhat exhausted as I tried to keep pace with Adam’s over-programmed days.
NOTE added (02/28/19): I reread this story (almost 10 years later) and still enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. A few added observations: there are some encounters of racism, there are at least two "damns" and one "piss" in the text, and there is some puppy dog love exhibited by Adam whenever Jennifer is around.
SUMMARY: While serving as coeditors of their school newspaper, middle-schoolers Adam and Jennifer are on the lookout for front-page news. But It's third-grade reporter Phoebe who delivers a major scoop to Adam -- leading to a investigation to uncover fraud and corruption in their school and in the city's government. Followed by sequel: ADAM CANFIELD WATCH YOUR BACK and ADAM CANFIELD THE LAST REPORTER.
COMMENT: I had seen this title on several reading lists and came across an audio version. I really enjoyed this book, the characters, and the storyline. After I finished listening to the book, I found a paper copy and ended up reading it again. My favorite character though was the tenacious Phoebe who wanted so much to be a journalist and write first-page news. In fact my favorite part of the book is when Phoebe has been assigned to write an article on the Smile Contest promoted by the local dentists and actual finds that the energy needed to win the contest comes for the mass-intake of sugary foods. I also like the ethics that Jennifer instills in the rest of the reporters to be responsible for their words, to get both sides of the issue, and to not be influenced by the subject of the story. Winerip is able to describe very accurately the life of middle-schoolers and actually left me somewhat exhausted as I tried to keep pace with Adam’s over-programmed days.
NOTE added (02/28/19): I reread this story (almost 10 years later) and still enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. A few added observations: there are some encounters of racism, there are at least two "damns" and one "piss" in the text, and there is some puppy dog love exhibited by Adam whenever Jennifer is around.
June 10, 2007
Adam Canfield, star reporter of his school newspaper The Slash, thinks he may have gotten himself in over his head this year by signing up to be a co-editor of the paper. With all the other things he's got going on - baritone practice, Odyssey of the Mind, test prep classes, etc. - he's just not sure he's up to the task. Then along comes a story he can't ignore. A story that will require the entire newspaper staff to work together to pull off. And Adam knows that this is his chance to be a leader... or to fail as a leader. Can they get the scoop? And even if they get it, will they be allowed to print it?
Adam Canfield is a great story with lots of action. Adam is a very likeable and genuine character and his maybe-someday-more-than-friends relationship with his co-editor Jennifer is intriguing. If I have any criticism it's just that it sometimes felt like too much detail was crammed into the story. The author makes a big deal out of how over-programmed all the kids are and how they spend all this time prepping for the state tests... but then that never really goes anywhere. I thought that it would have something to do with the story that eventually comes out, but... it didn't. It did make for a realistic school setting (and an unsubtle jab at NCLB and the like), but the story would have been fine (and might have been a bit tighter) without it.
Nevertheless, this is an action-packed story with plenty of humor thrown in.
Readalike suggestions: Although these might appeal to a slightly younger audience, The Landry News and The School Story, both by Andrew Clements, are about kids writing and dealing with grownups who might want to censor them. For another story about triumph over an evil principal, suggest Matilda by Roald Dahl.
Adam Canfield is a great story with lots of action. Adam is a very likeable and genuine character and his maybe-someday-more-than-friends relationship with his co-editor Jennifer is intriguing. If I have any criticism it's just that it sometimes felt like too much detail was crammed into the story. The author makes a big deal out of how over-programmed all the kids are and how they spend all this time prepping for the state tests... but then that never really goes anywhere. I thought that it would have something to do with the story that eventually comes out, but... it didn't. It did make for a realistic school setting (and an unsubtle jab at NCLB and the like), but the story would have been fine (and might have been a bit tighter) without it.
Nevertheless, this is an action-packed story with plenty of humor thrown in.
Readalike suggestions: Although these might appeal to a slightly younger audience, The Landry News and The School Story, both by Andrew Clements, are about kids writing and dealing with grownups who might want to censor them. For another story about triumph over an evil principal, suggest Matilda by Roald Dahl.
February 15, 2016
This book is called "Adam Canfield of the Slash" by Michael Winerip. The genre of this book is realistic and literary fiction and action/adventure because the whole point of this book was mainly how middle-school reporters had to interview people to include in their school newspaper issue. The setting of this book is mainly Harris Elementary School, along with all the places Adam Canfield (the main character) has to visit with his fellow reporters in order to be able to write in their school's newspaper. Also, the time set of this book is most likely present day because its realistic fiction. The main characters in this book are Adam Canfield, Jennifer (his best friend), Phoebe, Eddie the Janitor (topic of newspaper), and Mrs. Marris (the principle). "Adam Canfield of the Slash" is about how a sixth grader, Adam Canfield, is the biggest over-achiever. When his super-organized best friend, Jennifer, persuades him to be the co-editor of their school newspaper, "THE SLASH", he debates whether he made the right choice. Fortunately, when a third-grader’s idea for a topic leads to a big scoop, Adam and his fellow journalists have to receive their principal’s wrath, Mrs.Marris,in order to uncover some juicy secrets to include in their newspaper. I rated this book three out of five stars because even though this book was action-packed and full of twists and turns regarding his life problems, it dragged so much that I almost fell asleep at some points in the book.
May 4, 2012
Adam Canfield is something of a legend. He's a four-pluser and an all-star reporter for The Slash - the Harris Elementary/Middle School student newspaper. After being convinced by his friend, Jennifer, he finds himself as co-editor of the newspaper. Things start off rocky for Adam, but when third-grade reporter Phoebe accidentally reveals a scandal that will shake the Tremble community...things get interesting.
I've never read a book with so many subplots that tie up perfectly in the end. Not even in an adult novel. Michael Winerip managed to keep me glued - somewhat, actually, as it is rather hard to read anything with a newborn around. I wanted to devour this book after things started picking up for Adam. Those of you without newborns rest assured that this book is definitely a page turner.
The characters are beautifully crafted, and Winerip leaves the ending open for a sequel - which there is; two, actually. And while he possibly didn't intend to - but I'm an English major, so I'll draw my conclusions - I love how he carefully placed in the caricature of Fox News (Bolandvision!!!) in there.
I've never read a book with so many subplots that tie up perfectly in the end. Not even in an adult novel. Michael Winerip managed to keep me glued - somewhat, actually, as it is rather hard to read anything with a newborn around. I wanted to devour this book after things started picking up for Adam. Those of you without newborns rest assured that this book is definitely a page turner.
The characters are beautifully crafted, and Winerip leaves the ending open for a sequel - which there is; two, actually. And while he possibly didn't intend to - but I'm an English major, so I'll draw my conclusions - I love how he carefully placed in the caricature of Fox News (Bolandvision!!!) in there.
October 22, 2012
Adam Canfield is a middle schooler who is an over programmed kid who is involved in many clubs such as his school's newspaper. He is the star reporter of the newspaper. His best friend, Jennifer asks Adam to be the co-editor of the Slash(the schools newspaper. He reluctantly accepts. One day they are summoned by the school's principal, Mrs. Marris. She orders them to write a story about a nice women named Minnie Bloch who had recently died and made a donation to the school. When asked what the money would be used for Marris replies it will be used for "general improvements." Jennifer and Adam believe that the money is being used for her personal use such as fancy bathrooms in her office. While they dig up dirt on that story, the Slash enrages their town by informing them that everyones basketball hoops would be coming down because of the town's zoning committee. That is only two major plot points in the story. Will Mrs. Marris be held accountable for misuse of money? Will everybody's basketball hoop's be torn down? Find out the whole scoop in Adam Canfield of the Slash, by Michael Winerip.
June 22, 2014
The idea behind "Adam Canfield of the Slash" by Michael Winerip is excellent. Winerip's background as a reporter informs the story well and makes it more realistic. The story is full of rich complications. Winerip doesn't sugar coat things for his characters; they struggle with issues of racism, greed, and power struggles. The actual meat of the story is great. The characters semi-believable.
The point in which Winerip lost me was simply in the way he wrote. For such a specialized and in some ways unique storyline "Adam Canfield" is dumbed down. The language is simplistic and many of the actions feel canned. And yes this is a book written for middle grade and elementary students; however, other books written for the same level of student do not have these issues. It's a shame because there are so many great things about this book, but the get lost in the simplistic nature of the writing. I'd cautiously recommend people reading this book because as I said the details in the story line are unique.
The point in which Winerip lost me was simply in the way he wrote. For such a specialized and in some ways unique storyline "Adam Canfield" is dumbed down. The language is simplistic and many of the actions feel canned. And yes this is a book written for middle grade and elementary students; however, other books written for the same level of student do not have these issues. It's a shame because there are so many great things about this book, but the get lost in the simplistic nature of the writing. I'd cautiously recommend people reading this book because as I said the details in the story line are unique.
October 9, 2014
Adam Canfield is a student at Harris Middle School. Adam is an over-programmed kid that is co-editor of the schools newspaper The Slash. His life is rushing from one place to the next and oftentimes having to come up with excuses for tardiness. The Slash is no ordinary newspaper. The reporters are always looking for the most interesting stories they can find. A third grade reporter writes a story that eventually leads to a huge direction change in the story. The story is over the schools janitor and was at first turned away. The Principal is involved in this drastic story change. The gains a large donation form an elderly woman that passed away. The principal seems to misuse this donated money. Adam and the other co-editor, Jennifer, seek to find more information on what the principal did with the donated money.
I gave this book three stars. It was an interesting book on certain levels. This book didn't appeal to me as much as I hoped. I did like how the book was full of suspense. It kept me reading all the way through the story.
I gave this book three stars. It was an interesting book on certain levels. This book didn't appeal to me as much as I hoped. I did like how the book was full of suspense. It kept me reading all the way through the story.
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February 4, 2016Booktalk: Good newspaper reporters are always on the lookout for newsworthy happenings. They ask a lot of questions and report the who, where, when, how and why of a story. A super-reporter notices when important things have gone wrong and digs deep for answers the way a dog digs for her bone. Adam and Jennifer are super-reporters. They're the co-editors of their school newspaper, The Slash, and the prefer to print stories a little more interesting than say, Halloween safety tips or a student survey about the lunchroom food. On the other hand Mrs. Marris the principal has the last say on all stories running in the newspaper. So Adam and Jennifer have to figure out ways to include the kind of stories they want without getting the principal mad. Then they find out that the principal herself may be involved in a cover-up involving thousands of dollars of school money. Now that's a story! But how to get the story published without the principal finding out? That just might be the job for super-reporters like Jennifer and ADAM CANFIELD OF THE SLASH.
April 11, 2016
This book cracked me up. The underlying commentary about the education system, testing, racism, and the expectations put upon teenagers was just too funny for me. Let's tackle it all in one book!
Adam Canfield is an overworked middle school student. Oh, but he goes to a elementary/middle school. Something I've never heard of, but don't doubt that it exists. He and his best friend and potential girlfriend, are co-editors and need a big story. What they find is bigger and badder than any other edition in the history of The Slash. Of course.
A lot of what is going on in this story is obvious. "Let's do a story on the janitor! He has all of those keys! He knows a lot!" He sure does.
And I'm sure if an administrator spoke to a teacher the way the principal in the book spoke to Adam's favorite teacher, a law suit would be on her hands.
The stress of state testing is real in this book, though.
And the ending is never sewn up. There's not a real conclusion. Maybe that's why there is a sequel. The authors commentary wasn't finished.
Adam Canfield is an overworked middle school student. Oh, but he goes to a elementary/middle school. Something I've never heard of, but don't doubt that it exists. He and his best friend and potential girlfriend, are co-editors and need a big story. What they find is bigger and badder than any other edition in the history of The Slash. Of course.
A lot of what is going on in this story is obvious. "Let's do a story on the janitor! He has all of those keys! He knows a lot!" He sure does.
And I'm sure if an administrator spoke to a teacher the way the principal in the book spoke to Adam's favorite teacher, a law suit would be on her hands.
The stress of state testing is real in this book, though.
And the ending is never sewn up. There's not a real conclusion. Maybe that's why there is a sequel. The authors commentary wasn't finished.
August 4, 2013
Eh. It was a decent book. I'm now swapping preferences to the "deeper" sort of books, so this one didn't exactly wow me. For a juvenile fiction book, though, it was pretty good. I liked that it was about journalism, since I enjoy journalism--especially school newspapers, one of which I'm an editor for. I appreciated the guts the major characters had, and little Phoebe was just a bit too close to home. Meaning, er, she reminded me of...a younger me. *coughs* Moving on.
This was in third person, which I'm personally not fond of. It was a little difficult to tell whose "head" we were in at times, and the author appeared to do a bit of the horrid "head-hopping." Not enough that it drove me crazy, but enough to bug me a bit.
This is the first of a trilogy, and while I did enjoy the book, I'm not sure I'll read the other two. If, however, a somewhat younger kid (especially one interested in journalism) wanted to read this, he or she would probably thoroughly enjoy it.
This was in third person, which I'm personally not fond of. It was a little difficult to tell whose "head" we were in at times, and the author appeared to do a bit of the horrid "head-hopping." Not enough that it drove me crazy, but enough to bug me a bit.
This is the first of a trilogy, and while I did enjoy the book, I'm not sure I'll read the other two. If, however, a somewhat younger kid (especially one interested in journalism) wanted to read this, he or she would probably thoroughly enjoy it.
October 9, 2014
In the book Adam Canfield of the Slash, the main character Adam seams to never have free time. He is running from class to class and having to find time to edit his school’s newspaper which keeps him busy. While Jennifer, co-worker for the slash, and Adam are looking through articles to be put into The Slash, They toss aside an article about their school janitor, which a third grader wrote. Later they relies that this story about the janitor ties into a much bigger plot involving their school’s Principal, and a large donation from the will of a deceased elderly woman. Eventually these determined middle-school students came to the bottom of this story, and created one of the schools most wanted to read papers the school has ever had. Although the author, Michael Winerip, kept the suspense high, this was not one of my favorite books to read.
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