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Amelia's Notebooks #5
Amelia's Boredom Survival Guide
With Amelia's great ideas, advice, and just plain fun doodles, you'll never be bored again. 100% Ameliea guaranteed.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1999
5 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Moss
118 books264 followersMarissa Moss has written more than seventy books, from picture books to middle-grade and young adult novels. Best known for the Amelia's Notebook series, her books are popular with teachers and children alike. Her picture book Barbed Wire Baseball won the California Book Award gold medal. Moss is also the founder of Creston Books, an independent children's publishing house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
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June 1, 2022I noticed something strange about gorillas in their native habitat. I was amazed by the uniformity of their life, and their vast idleness. They could do anything, adjust their vocal cords, or decide in plenary to choose a leader, or something.But no, in monkeys is not like in humans, they don't choose their leader, but the leader imposes himself. Anyway , we humans have taken over this habit as well.. I know, they can't read, but still...Hours and hours without doing anything. Was boredom unknown to them ?
This is indeed a question raised by a human, a busy ape. Far from fleeing monotony, animals crave it, and what they most dread is to see it end. For it ends, only to be replaced by fear, the cause of all activity. Inaction is divine, yet it is against inaction that man has rebelled. Man alone, in nature, is incapable of enduring monotony, man alone wants something to happen, at all costs, something, anything... Thereby he shows himself unworthy of his ancestor. I think the need for novelty is the characteristic of an alienated gorilla.
This is indeed a question raised by a human, a busy ape. Far from fleeing monotony, animals crave it, and what they most dread is to see it end. For it ends, only to be replaced by fear, the cause of all activity. Inaction is divine, yet it is against inaction that man has rebelled. Man alone, in nature, is incapable of enduring monotony, man alone wants something to happen, at all costs, something, anything... Thereby he shows himself unworthy of his ancestor. I think the need for novelty is the characteristic of an alienated gorilla.
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November 23, 2015Title: Dr. Amelia's Boredom Survival Guide
Author: Marissa Moss
Genre: How-to book
Theme(s): Journal, advice
Opening line/sentence:
"I didn't have to go to the doctor, Cleo
did (probably for an ingrown pimple -- yucch!),
but Mom dragged me along anyway, so here I
am, stuck in this waiting room, with nothing to do."
Brief Book Summary:
Amelia is left in a doctor's office waiting room as her mother and sister are taken back for routine check-ups. In her self-pitying stages of boredom, Amelia journals creative ways to combat boredom and explains them with pictures, notes, and anecdotes.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Sheree Van Vreede
Moss brings another addition to her collection of Amelia's notebooks. This time, Amelia is providing us with 50 fail-proof tips on how to survive boredom, such as #1, "See if you can touch the tip of your nose with your tongue" and #7, "Think up comic book sound effects for real life," Not all of her ideas are silly, however, some are even educational, such as #25, "Think up all the figures of speech you can," and #38, "Think of great first sentences for a story." As before, text and pictures are woven together on lined paper with humorous quips in the margins. Not only is this a great children's book, but it also provides lots of creative ideas for young readers.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
School Library Journal
Amelia is back with another black-and-white marbleized notebook, this one filled with 51 things to do when bored. Making up jump-rope songs, listing good and gross foods, eye tricks, and creating certificates for family and friends are just a few of the activities suggested. Like the other "Amelia" titles (Tricycle), every lined, hand-written page is illustrated with full-color childlike drawings. The result is lots of humor, both visual and verbal, that will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. But best of all, this young writer encourages others to create their own notebooks filled with suggestions for fighting the doldrums. Not a bad idea at all.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
In concurrence with the above reviews, Marissa Moss's piece creatively orchestrates fun and easy tricks to cure boredom. Moreover, the informal language adds a humorous flair to the piece, as readers can explore the perspective of Amelia's character through her side-comments and amusing margin notes. Moreover, the attitude which Marissa Moss presents writing (through Amelia's voice) provides readers with fresh, exciting, and encouraging perspectives -- they will see writing to be an enjoyable experience rather than just an assignment.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The colorful format, real-life typography, and informal and conversational text proves this series to be enjoyable for all ages. Moreover, the journal-style of the piece allows readers to easily read the book at their own pace, leisurely making their way through the piece. Finally, because the piece is written in the perspective of a young girl, and the book is targeted for a young audience, readers could connect with the experiences portrayed through the text, proving further intrigue. However, because of the illustrations and book colors, I would assume girls to be drawn to this piece even though the plot, text, and characters would be appealing to all audiences.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
The journal-like format of this text provides students with an interesting example for how to incorporate informational and instructional text in an interesting writing format. Specifically, students could explore a variety of how-to books and identify the different writing styles that are common in such (teachers should emphasize that how-to books are something lists, instructions, or manuals; it is important to notice how instructional literature can be expressed in a variety of genres). Finally, students will transcribe a set of normal instructions or a manual from a build-it-yourself piece, toy, etc. into a story. For example, using directions for how to make a dinner recipe into a story about buying groceries; this experience will give students opportunity to explore the craft of embellishing textual details.
Author: Marissa Moss
Genre: How-to book
Theme(s): Journal, advice
Opening line/sentence:
"I didn't have to go to the doctor, Cleo
did (probably for an ingrown pimple -- yucch!),
but Mom dragged me along anyway, so here I
am, stuck in this waiting room, with nothing to do."
Brief Book Summary:
Amelia is left in a doctor's office waiting room as her mother and sister are taken back for routine check-ups. In her self-pitying stages of boredom, Amelia journals creative ways to combat boredom and explains them with pictures, notes, and anecdotes.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Sheree Van Vreede
Moss brings another addition to her collection of Amelia's notebooks. This time, Amelia is providing us with 50 fail-proof tips on how to survive boredom, such as #1, "See if you can touch the tip of your nose with your tongue" and #7, "Think up comic book sound effects for real life," Not all of her ideas are silly, however, some are even educational, such as #25, "Think up all the figures of speech you can," and #38, "Think of great first sentences for a story." As before, text and pictures are woven together on lined paper with humorous quips in the margins. Not only is this a great children's book, but it also provides lots of creative ideas for young readers.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
School Library Journal
Amelia is back with another black-and-white marbleized notebook, this one filled with 51 things to do when bored. Making up jump-rope songs, listing good and gross foods, eye tricks, and creating certificates for family and friends are just a few of the activities suggested. Like the other "Amelia" titles (Tricycle), every lined, hand-written page is illustrated with full-color childlike drawings. The result is lots of humor, both visual and verbal, that will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers. But best of all, this young writer encourages others to create their own notebooks filled with suggestions for fighting the doldrums. Not a bad idea at all.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
In concurrence with the above reviews, Marissa Moss's piece creatively orchestrates fun and easy tricks to cure boredom. Moreover, the informal language adds a humorous flair to the piece, as readers can explore the perspective of Amelia's character through her side-comments and amusing margin notes. Moreover, the attitude which Marissa Moss presents writing (through Amelia's voice) provides readers with fresh, exciting, and encouraging perspectives -- they will see writing to be an enjoyable experience rather than just an assignment.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The colorful format, real-life typography, and informal and conversational text proves this series to be enjoyable for all ages. Moreover, the journal-style of the piece allows readers to easily read the book at their own pace, leisurely making their way through the piece. Finally, because the piece is written in the perspective of a young girl, and the book is targeted for a young audience, readers could connect with the experiences portrayed through the text, proving further intrigue. However, because of the illustrations and book colors, I would assume girls to be drawn to this piece even though the plot, text, and characters would be appealing to all audiences.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
The journal-like format of this text provides students with an interesting example for how to incorporate informational and instructional text in an interesting writing format. Specifically, students could explore a variety of how-to books and identify the different writing styles that are common in such (teachers should emphasize that how-to books are something lists, instructions, or manuals; it is important to notice how instructional literature can be expressed in a variety of genres). Finally, students will transcribe a set of normal instructions or a manual from a build-it-yourself piece, toy, etc. into a story. For example, using directions for how to make a dinner recipe into a story about buying groceries; this experience will give students opportunity to explore the craft of embellishing textual details.
January 15, 2013
Този гид срещу скука накрая отегчи самата мен :-)
Когато познаваш Кери Смит, е трудно да бъдеш впечатлен :-)
Когато познаваш Кери Смит, е трудно да бъдеш впечатлен :-)
December 31, 2022
This book kinda sucks. I know I’m not the target audience, but the only idea that really even sounded interesting was the “create your own deck of cards.”
I used to love the Amelia notebooks as a kid (gateway to graphic novels, I guess?) and probably still would. I didn’t realize that this one was literally a list of 50 (well, 51) things to do if you were bored, which was.. not very appealing. I also didn’t love that it intentionally called out a bunch of characters from the original notebooks as inspiration for the ideas. They’re fine in context, but it felt a little too try-hard here.
Overall, no thanks. The other notebooks are probably still good though! This just feels.. gimmicky.
Also as I said in my update, I only read this today to hit 70 books this year, which is totally cheating but I don’t care since it’s the most books I will probably read in a year for a whiiiiiile. And 69 is funny, but 70 feels like it’s more impressive, so here we are. 🤓
I used to love the Amelia notebooks as a kid (gateway to graphic novels, I guess?) and probably still would. I didn’t realize that this one was literally a list of 50 (well, 51) things to do if you were bored, which was.. not very appealing. I also didn’t love that it intentionally called out a bunch of characters from the original notebooks as inspiration for the ideas. They’re fine in context, but it felt a little too try-hard here.
Overall, no thanks. The other notebooks are probably still good though! This just feels.. gimmicky.
Also as I said in my update, I only read this today to hit 70 books this year, which is totally cheating but I don’t care since it’s the most books I will probably read in a year for a whiiiiiile. And 69 is funny, but 70 feels like it’s more impressive, so here we are. 🤓
February 13, 2025
One of the books I remember reading in my childhood and its like I remembered. I always seem to remember the good foods/bad foods list in this book, even though I haven't read it in quite sometime. But still, enjoyable book nonetheless!
June 23, 2017
I think it's a great book to read when you are in a boring room.
May 9, 2023
Didn't quite live up to it's name as I've never been so bored.
May 24, 2023
I loved Amelia as a preteen! This was a fun return to her awesome drawings and stories.
July 5, 2023
I remember loving this guide as a kid, especially the quizzes.
September 11, 2022
5/5 Because this was one of my most favorite books growing up. My copy is so worn because I read it over and over. Amelia just makes me so incredibly happy, and I loved these books (and this one in particular) so much when I was a kid!
October 8, 2010
Amelia knows how to make sure her readers don't get bored in all of her notebooks, especially through this one. It offers great activities that I can easily imagine my 10 year old self doing inside on a rainy day.
This is the first of the Amelia books that I have picked up in years and I totally fell right back in where I left her, when I was around the age of 12. Reading this gave me a good reminder of how kids think and also showed me part of the reason I like writing as much as I do now, as an adult.
This is the first of the Amelia books that I have picked up in years and I totally fell right back in where I left her, when I was around the age of 12. Reading this gave me a good reminder of how kids think and also showed me part of the reason I like writing as much as I do now, as an adult.
June 2, 2012
Well, I borrowed Amelia's books from my little sisters. Sure ther're not for adult but I enjoyed reading them until this one. It's great for kids but its not a children book I could enjoy. It's too shallow for me. I would give it 1 star except it won't be fare because it's not made for adult and should be rated from parent and child perspective.
If I were a parent I wouldn't like it very much for my kids. Yet if they would pick the book I won't say no.
If I were a parent I wouldn't like it very much for my kids. Yet if they would pick the book I won't say no.
January 25, 2015
Once again one of the few I owned in the series. I loved the creativeness of this series and honestly envied Amelia for her journals. I totally aspired to be here. These books made up my childhood and will definitely re purchase them for my collection. Filled with hilarious advice on what to do when bored and for an only child like myself who constantly visited the doctors this definitely came into great use.
July 11, 2016
1. I read these books when I was a kid and was obsessed with them.
2. This would be great for a kid to take along on trips!
3. I also love the suggestion of making your own.
4. I love the drawings that Amelia does.
5. I'm an English teacher and I have my kids draw and write in a notebook.
6. Perfect for elementary ages kids and reluctant readers.
2. This would be great for a kid to take along on trips!
3. I also love the suggestion of making your own.
4. I love the drawings that Amelia does.
5. I'm an English teacher and I have my kids draw and write in a notebook.
6. Perfect for elementary ages kids and reluctant readers.
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April 29, 2015when amelia gets stuck at the doctors office with nothing to do.so amelia makes a guide with 50 fun things to do so she'll never be bored again.this book is good for surviving boredom in waiting rooms, rainy days, whatever!
November 4, 2008
Amelia's bored! If you are bored, this book is full of fun (and weird) things to do! Try them all!
March 15, 2009
1 of my favorites
January 18, 2010
I probably did half of these thngs, pretty funny
Want to Read
January 18, 2010I love AMELIA BOOKS!!!
October 29, 2010
Too cute!
December 4, 2010
it's so helpfull
July 15, 2011
It was really funny and cool-Another great Amelia book!
June 29, 2016
A cute little companion book to the Amelia series.
October 19, 2014
OK, for little kids, but it's kinda gross and its not even little kid cute.
June 24, 2013
first one i read, great book
May 23, 2025
Adorably imaginative! I wish I'd had a friend like Amelia growing up!
December 29, 2015
The sarcasm and snark in this one was far too overdone. Had it not been so thick, this probably would have been a fun read. As it was, it was a terrible struggle to finish.
December 12, 2021
I grabbed this book in a pile of free books because I used to read Dr Amelia books growing up. I can see how this one would be fun to read when you’re a kid.
April 16, 2013
this came in handy more than once ;)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews