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Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest #1
The Quest for Screen Time
Giant Afro. Even Bigger Brain.
Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does.
This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time.
_____________________________
Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is the first in a series of entry-level chapter books children ages 5-10 and the adults who will read with them. The main character is a 5 year-old boy who is smart and confident almost to the point of being overly confident. He tackles his very ordinary problems with a scientific gusto that is both informative and humorous.
Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. The only problem is that grown-ups keep trying to convince him that, even though he’s really smart, he doesn't know EVERYTHING. The thing is…he kind of does.
This time our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to convince the grown-ups that he needs more screen time.
_____________________________
Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is the first in a series of entry-level chapter books children ages 5-10 and the adults who will read with them. The main character is a 5 year-old boy who is smart and confident almost to the point of being overly confident. He tackles his very ordinary problems with a scientific gusto that is both informative and humorous.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
523 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Marti Dumas
27 books196 followersWriter:
Marti Dumas is a native New Orleanian with a passion for storytelling. When she is not teaching or parenting, she is reading or writing. She prefers to do some combination of the above within view of ancient oak trees or the banks of the river. Or both.
Narrator:
For over a decade Marti has narrated and produced audio books for use in educational settings, using her melodic voice to captivate audiences of children and adolescents. More recently, her honeyed tones have been featured in radio plays and television spots, and her first commercially available audio books were released in December of 2012.
Marti is a bel canto trained mezzo soprano and a versatile vocal performer, with a wide dramatic range and more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts. She speaks English and French, and works in a variety of accents and dialects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
June 14, 2015
I Absolutely Loved This Audiobook!
Some thoughts. As a grandma of three grandchildren ranging in age from 5,7, and 8, this audiobook has A LOT of appeal. It's cuteness scale for me is off the chart awesomeness. Knowing what my grandkids like and sort of how their little selves think, this hits the mark perfectly. My kids are in the military so I don't get a chance to see my grandkids as often as I'd like, but this is definitely a book and audiobook I'd send them.
J.T. EPISODE 1: THE QUEST for SCREENTIME is a wonderful children's audiobook that I highly recommend. I thought the three-minute dance party was smart. The entire book was smart. J.T. was so excited when he was assigned screen time homework until he's told it can be done without the computer. Loved it. Plus the epilogue where he has thoughts on when to have TV and screen time.
MARTI DUMAS is a terrific author of children's stories. Even I enjoyed it, with my 'I'm a kid at heart' thing. I think many of us are. I would love to hear more stories written by her and especially more with JADEN TOUSSAINT.
DICK HILL did an Amazing job narrating this audiobook. I was fascinated by his vocal range. He was so good and well, I'm just really impressed with this book and this collaboration. Wonderful job.
Last but certainly not least, the cover art by MARIE MURAVSKI is incredibly good. This is the total package. A no-brainer. One can't go wrong with this audiobook. It's also, in my opinion, educational.
Some thoughts. As a grandma of three grandchildren ranging in age from 5,7, and 8, this audiobook has A LOT of appeal. It's cuteness scale for me is off the chart awesomeness. Knowing what my grandkids like and sort of how their little selves think, this hits the mark perfectly. My kids are in the military so I don't get a chance to see my grandkids as often as I'd like, but this is definitely a book and audiobook I'd send them.
J.T. EPISODE 1: THE QUEST for SCREENTIME is a wonderful children's audiobook that I highly recommend. I thought the three-minute dance party was smart. The entire book was smart. J.T. was so excited when he was assigned screen time homework until he's told it can be done without the computer. Loved it. Plus the epilogue where he has thoughts on when to have TV and screen time.
MARTI DUMAS is a terrific author of children's stories. Even I enjoyed it, with my 'I'm a kid at heart' thing. I think many of us are. I would love to hear more stories written by her and especially more with JADEN TOUSSAINT.
DICK HILL did an Amazing job narrating this audiobook. I was fascinated by his vocal range. He was so good and well, I'm just really impressed with this book and this collaboration. Wonderful job.
Last but certainly not least, the cover art by MARIE MURAVSKI is incredibly good. This is the total package. A no-brainer. One can't go wrong with this audiobook. It's also, in my opinion, educational.
February 15, 2020
This was adorable
My grandkids loved it!
We'll definitely be reading the other books in the series.
The illustrations were very much appreciated.
My grandkids loved it!
We'll definitely be reading the other books in the series.
The illustrations were very much appreciated.
July 30, 2015
I read this book with my six-year old son, Olsen. We received an advanced reader copy from the author of the book in the form of audiobook and PDF. The audiobook was narrated by Dick Hill. Here is my son's review of this book.
"I really liked this book. It was so good. I thought . I want to read Episode 2 because I am sure it will be so good!"
I personally thought this book was super cute. I really liked the illustrations and the narrator was fantastic. Dick Hill really did surprise me on his narration - especially with the voices. I only have one minor complaint - the narrator did not read all of the words in all of the illustrated captions. This book is a good read for Kindergartners and First Graders and I look forward to future books in the series. Thanks for the advanced copy, Marti!
"I really liked this book. It was so good. I thought . I want to read Episode 2 because I am sure it will be so good!"
I personally thought this book was super cute. I really liked the illustrations and the narrator was fantastic. Dick Hill really did surprise me on his narration - especially with the voices. I only have one minor complaint - the narrator did not read all of the words in all of the illustrated captions. This book is a good read for Kindergartners and First Graders and I look forward to future books in the series. Thanks for the advanced copy, Marti!
August 5, 2016
Loved it!
I don't usually read these books, let alone review, but this was really a good way to teach a kid to go out and work for what you believe in/want.
The fact that it is 'screen time', is something I imagine some parents won't be very fond of, but I believe it is completely normal and the right way to go about it.
I love the diversity and the illustrations are beautiful!
So going to follow JT's adventures!
I don't usually read these books, let alone review, but this was really a good way to teach a kid to go out and work for what you believe in/want.
The fact that it is 'screen time', is something I imagine some parents won't be very fond of, but I believe it is completely normal and the right way to go about it.
I love the diversity and the illustrations are beautiful!
So going to follow JT's adventures!
December 17, 2015
So it's 3am and I couldn't get back to sleep. I began to read this ebook that I got from bookbub and I'm so happy I did. What a charming little story and gorgeous illustrations. If your child loves the Junie B. Jones series, they will definitely enjoy this book, which I'm happy to hear is the first in a series. I'll have to buy the book because it's one that I want to hold in my hand.
February 22, 2019
Great read
My 7year old boys told me "great book". So, I say it's a great book. We read a chapter each night at bedtime. They are looking forward to mire Jaden adventures.
My 7year old boys told me "great book". So, I say it's a great book. We read a chapter each night at bedtime. They are looking forward to mire Jaden adventures.
January 30, 2018
A sweet choice for kids new to chapter books, with an African American protagonist. However, a few disconnects: he is a kindergartener, and I think the audience for this book is more grades 1-3; also the reading level is a bit high for the target audience. With a few tweaks this could be a great addition to chapter book series collections.
August 7, 2017
I love it!!!
An Excellent new children's book to inspire my son to read books about little boys who look like him. 😊
An Excellent new children's book to inspire my son to read books about little boys who look like him. 😊
May 29, 2017
Jaden is a smart, kindergarten, future scientist who is growing up in a house of readers. Jaden hates to read. One day, when his dad is trying to finish his latest book on coaching, he gives Jaden his cell phone to occupy him. Those ten minutes gets him hooked. He wants more screen time. All his experiments fail and he is denied what he wants most...the knowledge that comes from surfing the web. Jaden finally sees a glimmer of hope in aquiring what he wants most when his teacher finally assigns homework.
Read
September 10, 2016This book was hilarious and it was humor I think both kids and adults will enjoy. Dumas has really captured the inner thoughts of a young kid in a way that is both funny and serious. Even as an adult I throughly enjoyed reading this.
The chapter breaks are perfect. Just as Jaden has an idea or something new needs to be introduced the current chapter ends and the next chapter begins, complete with chapter title that repeats the introduction. So for example Jaden is talking about wanting to get more screen time to play games online and look up facts on the internet. He’s tried begging and asking various people in his family, but nothing has worked. All that changes with Miss Bates, the text says. Cut to the next chapter entitled “Miss Bates Class”. Most of the chapters are like this and, to me, it reads like good comic timing.
The story itself is probably pretty relatable to kids. Jaden has had a taste of screen time and is trying to finagle some more when his teacher assigns homework. One task they can choose for homework is time on the computer, but Jaden’s parents still say no screen time. Jaden decides to create a petition for all the Kindergarteners to sign asking for more screen time on the homework sheet in order to force his parents to give him some. Also, there is a ninja dance break.
The illustrations are fine. There are little nods to some great African Americans and blacks on the wall of Jaden’s room. The beginning also starts out a little graphic-novelish with sparse text scattered around the illustrations as Jaden’s family is introduced. They provide good breaks for the beginning reader. Also a bonus, the trim size is more like a big-kid chapter book (it’s still a little large). Despite the easy language and format it looks less like an easy reader and more like what older kids would want to pick up.
Since our public library didn’t have this one I bought the first book, but I will be purchasing the next couple “episodes” this year. I highly recommend this to collections that need some easy, easy chapter books that look more grown up. I can’t emphasize enough how kid-like the logic is in the story and how that makes it so appealing for a child audience with a good sense of humor and an adult audience who is familiar with dealing with that logic. Kids love humorous books and this fits the bill perfectly.
The chapter breaks are perfect. Just as Jaden has an idea or something new needs to be introduced the current chapter ends and the next chapter begins, complete with chapter title that repeats the introduction. So for example Jaden is talking about wanting to get more screen time to play games online and look up facts on the internet. He’s tried begging and asking various people in his family, but nothing has worked. All that changes with Miss Bates, the text says. Cut to the next chapter entitled “Miss Bates Class”. Most of the chapters are like this and, to me, it reads like good comic timing.
The story itself is probably pretty relatable to kids. Jaden has had a taste of screen time and is trying to finagle some more when his teacher assigns homework. One task they can choose for homework is time on the computer, but Jaden’s parents still say no screen time. Jaden decides to create a petition for all the Kindergarteners to sign asking for more screen time on the homework sheet in order to force his parents to give him some. Also, there is a ninja dance break.
The illustrations are fine. There are little nods to some great African Americans and blacks on the wall of Jaden’s room. The beginning also starts out a little graphic-novelish with sparse text scattered around the illustrations as Jaden’s family is introduced. They provide good breaks for the beginning reader. Also a bonus, the trim size is more like a big-kid chapter book (it’s still a little large). Despite the easy language and format it looks less like an easy reader and more like what older kids would want to pick up.
Since our public library didn’t have this one I bought the first book, but I will be purchasing the next couple “episodes” this year. I highly recommend this to collections that need some easy, easy chapter books that look more grown up. I can’t emphasize enough how kid-like the logic is in the story and how that makes it so appealing for a child audience with a good sense of humor and an adult audience who is familiar with dealing with that logic. Kids love humorous books and this fits the bill perfectly.
June 15, 2015
I received this ARC for free from First Reads.
This book follows kindergartener Jaden Toussaint, who is confident and very knowledgeable... But he feels as if he could be even more knowledgeable if he was allowed to learn things from the internet. In this short chapter book, Jaden tries to convince his family to allow him some extra screen time, but when things don't work out he needs to put his mind to work and get creative!
This entry-level book was truly delightful, filled with lots of humour (I LOVED Jaden's 3 minute dance party!). I enjoyed it so, so much and I think 5-10 year olds would absolutely fall in love with Jaden and his story. This book teaches kids about the scientific method, as well as creative ways to get people to take notice of what you want. The illustrations are beautiful and add a lot to the story and to the humour.
I look forward to the next episode of Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest!
This book follows kindergartener Jaden Toussaint, who is confident and very knowledgeable... But he feels as if he could be even more knowledgeable if he was allowed to learn things from the internet. In this short chapter book, Jaden tries to convince his family to allow him some extra screen time, but when things don't work out he needs to put his mind to work and get creative!
This entry-level book was truly delightful, filled with lots of humour (I LOVED Jaden's 3 minute dance party!). I enjoyed it so, so much and I think 5-10 year olds would absolutely fall in love with Jaden and his story. This book teaches kids about the scientific method, as well as creative ways to get people to take notice of what you want. The illustrations are beautiful and add a lot to the story and to the humour.
I look forward to the next episode of Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest!
July 7, 2015
Jaden Toussaint is clever, sharp, and has a scientific, witty mind. His character is such fun to read about and to see how he will problem solve to reach the goal he has. I enjoyed this book and felt that it was eloquently written and had a style of illustrations that really matched the attitude and feel of the writing. The story had me smiling and laughing in many parts (love the prologue!) and on several occasions it also made me think of how great the overall story would be as an example to children on taking the initiative to seek their goals and get things done the way Jaden did. Jaden was a character after my own heart and reminded me a lot of myself as a child in the things he liked to do, and I think for that reason I also enjoyed the book so much as I read. I think this would be perfect for kids to read with parents, for independent reading, or for teachers of young children to use in class. What a fun and great book with characters that truly come alive!
May 29, 2015
I won a free copy of this book in a goodreads contest. I found both the story and the way it was presented quite charming and endearing. You have Jaden Toussaint, a kindergartner, discovering his love for technology and wanting to have more time using devices. Problem is his family are not to understanding of his need for more screen time. Instead of using negative tactics such as throwing a tantrum, hitting, or any of that sort to get his way, he instead channels his frustration in a positive and productive matter where no one gets hurt. He succeeds and is glad at the outcome. I love the message it delivers; proving that there are other ways of solving issues instead of resorting to acting out ones feelings which isn't always helpful. There are a bit of extra content on the pages which were delightful and in the end is a great book for both child and adult.
May 27, 2015
I won this book through a first reads giveaway and I really loved it! We will definitely be looking for the next one as soon as it comes out.
I loved this book because the lead character, Jaden Toussaint, was quirky, funny and persistent but not in an annoying manner. He showed the reader that with perseverance and experimenting, they can reach the goal they set up. I loved how the story moved and the little funny antics that were on the pages. The illustrations were incredible and added a lot to the story. My sons will love this book and I'm sure it will be reread at least a handful of times this week.
I loved this book because the lead character, Jaden Toussaint, was quirky, funny and persistent but not in an annoying manner. He showed the reader that with perseverance and experimenting, they can reach the goal they set up. I loved how the story moved and the little funny antics that were on the pages. The illustrations were incredible and added a lot to the story. My sons will love this book and I'm sure it will be reread at least a handful of times this week.
December 11, 2015
A Wonderful Leadership Story for Kids
We need more diverse books like Marti Dumas' Jaden Toussaint series. This book teaches kids (especially African American boys) that when you want something changed in their environment sometimes you have to make it happen yourself. This kindergarten shows amazing leadership-a skill set we as parents desperately need to teach our kids.
The story is well written and the illustrations are amazing.
Bravo Marti Dumas!
We need more diverse books like Marti Dumas' Jaden Toussaint series. This book teaches kids (especially African American boys) that when you want something changed in their environment sometimes you have to make it happen yourself. This kindergarten shows amazing leadership-a skill set we as parents desperately need to teach our kids.
The story is well written and the illustrations are amazing.
Bravo Marti Dumas!
August 12, 2017
Jaden Toussaint is quite the savvy 5 year old! He uses his imagination, spectacular vocabulary, and persuasion to bring about changes in his weekly kindergarten homework tic-tac-toe grid. Though the protagonist is young, I think this book will appeal to reads through the 2nd and 3rd grades because of the language, the quick pace of the story, and Jaden's familiar antics. I can't wait to read more in this series.
November 17, 2016
Love love this cute little book. It is full of humor, the illustrations are fun and eye catching without being overbearing on the page, and the characters are great.
I chuckled at so many things on the first few pages, and it never really stopped. This would be a great book to read aloud to your young pre reader, and a great first novel for a budding bibliophile.
I chuckled at so many things on the first few pages, and it never really stopped. This would be a great book to read aloud to your young pre reader, and a great first novel for a budding bibliophile.
June 7, 2015
I won this book through goodreads. It is a cute story of a five year-old who wants more screen time and all the creative ways he tries to get it. It teaches children to work hard, be creative, and never give up.
February 7, 2016
I loved this book! I love the characters. I am going to suggest it to the "Reading to Kids" program out here in L.A. I think it is a great one for the young ones to read and also a great book to have read to them.
December 8, 2016
I want to buy 10 copies to just have to give to kids. Jaden Toussaint is charming and his family is so delightful. This is a book about desire, data gathering, and self advocacy...for kids. I could not love this book more.
June 30, 2016
Very funny book about a persistent kindergartner who wants more screen time. Clever writing, fun illustrations...this book has it all!
January 16, 2018
This book was adorable and smart on so many levels.
November 11, 2017
1. Jaden Toussaint does NOT like reading. But he LOVES watching tv and playing on the computer. Since his screen time is limited, he is willing to do almost anything to get more time in front of the screen. He is a scientist and knows everything, so he beings by using the scientific method to act out his plan, "The repetition test". Each day he asks his mom, dad, and sister if he can use their phone, tablet, or tv in different ways. He continued this test for 23 days until kindergarten started. He has computer time.... for HOMEWORK?! He's so excited he cannot handle it. Too bad he read the instructions wrong. Not the quest for more screen time is back in action. Will he find a way to get more screen time?
2. Activity
- What other scientific methods would you test out to get more screen time?
-What changes would you make to Jaden's first scientific method experiment?
-do you think having a three minute dance party would assist in problem solving? why or why not
-Is there a topic you feel strongly about that a petition would be useful? if so, what is it?
-Do you think Jaden deserved screen time? why or why not
3. Dumas, M., & Muravski, M. (2015). Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: Episode 1: The Quest for Screen Time. New Orleans, LA: Plum Street Press.
2. Activity
- What other scientific methods would you test out to get more screen time?
-What changes would you make to Jaden's first scientific method experiment?
-do you think having a three minute dance party would assist in problem solving? why or why not
-Is there a topic you feel strongly about that a petition would be useful? if so, what is it?
-Do you think Jaden deserved screen time? why or why not
3. Dumas, M., & Muravski, M. (2015). Jaden Toussaint, The Greatest: Episode 1: The Quest for Screen Time. New Orleans, LA: Plum Street Press.
October 21, 2024
4.5 stars rounded to 5. This was such an adorable, fun book to read with my 7 year old, who absolutely related to Jaden Toussaint. Both in that he always wants more screen time, and he also thinks he is a genius. (He is pretty smart, if I do say so.)
I loved that there was an explanation given as to why more screen time was not necessarily a good idea for Jaden, and how a compromise was reached. My son loved the book and was eager to read another, so we’ve ordered the second book. Even though Jaden is a kindergartener, the author, Marti Dumas, does not write this on a kindergarten level, but includes some higher vocabulary with context clues that slightly older children should be able to guess at the meaning, which I love! (As a former teacher, I love when kids can learn vocabulary organically like this. They remember it so much better!)
My only small detraction would be that I wish the father sometimes called Jaden something other than “bruh”, because the four of them over two pages was a bit repetitive to read.
I bought a second copy of this book to donate to my son’s classroom so his teacher can read it to all the students. I bet she has several “Jaden Toussaint”’s in her classroom.
I loved that there was an explanation given as to why more screen time was not necessarily a good idea for Jaden, and how a compromise was reached. My son loved the book and was eager to read another, so we’ve ordered the second book. Even though Jaden is a kindergartener, the author, Marti Dumas, does not write this on a kindergarten level, but includes some higher vocabulary with context clues that slightly older children should be able to guess at the meaning, which I love! (As a former teacher, I love when kids can learn vocabulary organically like this. They remember it so much better!)
My only small detraction would be that I wish the father sometimes called Jaden something other than “bruh”, because the four of them over two pages was a bit repetitive to read.
I bought a second copy of this book to donate to my son’s classroom so his teacher can read it to all the students. I bet she has several “Jaden Toussaint”’s in her classroom.
November 3, 2021
I'm really glad authors are bringing back the graphic novel to the younger readers with clever and simple illustration to their amazing stories.
My favorite part of the book. How the little ones who don't know how to write yet, sign their name. It was really adorable.
I have to confess I disliked the first chapter.
What I felt about the first chapter: a lovely family who ignores their beloveds, because books are evil and make people antisocial. I thought social media did that. But that's how Jaden perceives his world. If so, he understands that his father decided to give him his phone so Jaden would shut up and let his father read the book in peace... So nagging parents works. He tries again, but fails.
I guess Jaden really can be taught to love books and we have to accept who he is, and that's OK.
Jaden discovers how fun playing with a phone is... We follow his quest to have more screen time. His plan is clever. The book shows his point of view of his family which and teacher. It's a very short book also.
My favorite part of the book. How the little ones who don't know how to write yet, sign their name. It was really adorable.
I have to confess I disliked the first chapter.
What I felt about the first chapter: a lovely family who ignores their beloveds, because books are evil and make people antisocial. I thought social media did that. But that's how Jaden perceives his world. If so, he understands that his father decided to give him his phone so Jaden would shut up and let his father read the book in peace... So nagging parents works. He tries again, but fails.
I guess Jaden really can be taught to love books and we have to accept who he is, and that's OK.
Jaden discovers how fun playing with a phone is... We follow his quest to have more screen time. His plan is clever. The book shows his point of view of his family which and teacher. It's a very short book also.
June 27, 2017
I liked the modern feel of this book. The integration of pictures/infographics with the story line was well done. And how many books incorporate screen time into them? Honestly I think that a lot of recent books have been set in historical settings, even recent historical settings because they don't want to figure out how to incorporate technology into their storyline.
So some pluses: This is a chapter book for younger kids. Modern feel. Actual characters instead of animals. The character of Jaden T. is very realistic.
Minus: The storyline was wrapped up a little too tidy and didn't feel entirely authentic. The title name of episode 1 seemed accurate, this read a bit like a tv episode. The flow of the story was also a bit disjointed, I think that with a bit more experience and editing that Marti Dumas will be an author to keep track of in the future.
So some pluses: This is a chapter book for younger kids. Modern feel. Actual characters instead of animals. The character of Jaden T. is very realistic.
Minus: The storyline was wrapped up a little too tidy and didn't feel entirely authentic. The title name of episode 1 seemed accurate, this read a bit like a tv episode. The flow of the story was also a bit disjointed, I think that with a bit more experience and editing that Marti Dumas will be an author to keep track of in the future.
January 13, 2017
My 9 year old daughter read this book and my 7yr old & 5 year old son looked at the pages while I played the audiobook. The synopsis of the book is pretty spot on.
All 3 kids LOVED the character, plot and narration of the story. They commented that Jaden was smart and they loved the petition. It's probably more appropriate for the 4-8 range as it is only about 64 pages (32 minutes on audible). It was easy for my 7 year old to read and understand. It was harder for my 5 y old, so the audiobook was perfect for him. He was thought it was funny and enjoyable. the writing was so entertaining that they insisted we read book 2.
This book is FREE ON AMAZON
All 3 kids LOVED the character, plot and narration of the story. They commented that Jaden was smart and they loved the petition. It's probably more appropriate for the 4-8 range as it is only about 64 pages (32 minutes on audible). It was easy for my 7 year old to read and understand. It was harder for my 5 y old, so the audiobook was perfect for him. He was thought it was funny and enjoyable. the writing was so entertaining that they insisted we read book 2.
This book is FREE ON AMAZON
February 10, 2017
Jaden Toussaint is a determined, clever, and creative kid. In this episode he bends his big brain to the goal of getting some screen time. While that's probably not something most parents enjoy hearing, Jaden's approach is scientific and then community oriented. As an adult I had quite a few chuckles while reading and I'm sure any young ones in your life will love it.
PS Jaden has posters of Alexander Dumas, Toussaint L'ouverture, Neil Degrasse Tyson, and Einstein on his walls. I've been meaning to read The Black Count (about Alexander Dumas father, the inspiration for the The Count of Monte Cristo) and to watch a documentary about Toussaint L'ouverture (the most well-known leader of the Haitian Revolution). I love that Jaden is inspired by science and resistance.
PS Jaden has posters of Alexander Dumas, Toussaint L'ouverture, Neil Degrasse Tyson, and Einstein on his walls. I've been meaning to read The Black Count (about Alexander Dumas father, the inspiration for the The Count of Monte Cristo) and to watch a documentary about Toussaint L'ouverture (the most well-known leader of the Haitian Revolution). I love that Jaden is inspired by science and resistance.
February 11, 2020
Thank you Marti Dumas for this great new series! As a mom with children of diverse descent, it is heart-warming to me to have characters that resemble our family. My 7 year old son and 3 year old daughter loved Jaden's witty charm and I loved the message of working hard to achieve your goals. Also, not central to the actual novel were these little illustrations and notes about historical figures--Toussaint L'Oveture and Alexandre Dumas, that allowed us to venture a bit off the topic of the book into more meaty black-history topics. It was a great intro into our black history month reading without being too "heavy" for the younger kids.
We can't wait to pick up the next chapter!
We can't wait to pick up the next chapter!
October 31, 2018
This reminded me of an old fave: Julian Rodriguez by Alexander Stadler. Both are heavily illustrated, super fun, and feature a very confident kid.
Jaden charmed me from page one. "He's really, really good at ninja dancing." I think most kids will understand his quest for more screen time, but most kids would not think to use scientific methods and a dance party to achieve their goals.
This also reminded me of another fave: Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon. Five-year-olds are full of creative energy and few authors can capture that spirit on the page so well.
Jaden charmed me from page one. "He's really, really good at ninja dancing." I think most kids will understand his quest for more screen time, but most kids would not think to use scientific methods and a dance party to achieve their goals.
This also reminded me of another fave: Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon. Five-year-olds are full of creative energy and few authors can capture that spirit on the page so well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews