Izzy Barr, Running Star

Franklin School Friends #3

by Claudia Mills, Rob Shepperson (Illustrator)

Izzy Barr is the star athlete of the third grade: she hits homeruns on her softball team and is one of the fastest runners in her class. But at home, her half-brother, Dustin, seems to be her father's favorite athlete--why else would her dad go to all of his games and miss so many of hers? Izzy pretends that she doesn't care, but as she, her friends Annika Riz and Kelsey Green, and the rest of their class are gearing up for class field day, she can't help but hope her dad will be there to cheer her on in the big race against her rival, Skipper Tipton. Dad doesn't make it to field day, but when he realizes how important it is to Izzy, he and all of her friends and family are there to watch her participate in the citywide 10K run.

Genres: Sports, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, School, Friendship, Family, Middle Grade

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

Claudia Mills is the author of Nixie Ness, Cooking Star, 7 x 9 = Trouble!, Zero Tolerance, Write This Down, and many other books for children. She was born in New York City in 1954. She received her bachelor's degree from Wellesley College, her master's degree from Princeton University, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University. She also received an M.L.S. degree from the University of Maryland, with a concentration in children's literature. She had a second career as a professor of philosophy at the Colorado at Boulder, until leaving that career in 2014 to write full time. She now teaches in the graduate program in children's literature at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. All of her books have been written between 5 and 7 in the morning while drinking Swiss Miss hot chocolate.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/claudi...

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series so far. Izzy's story includes perseverance in athletics, a rivalry with a classmate, dealing with a blended family, and her friendship with the two girls who starred in the earlier books -- Annika and Kelsey. The book also delivers facts about running and inserted in the story is biographical info on famous Olympic medalist Wilma Rudolph. A winning combination!

[Noor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely light read that makes me want to read the other books in this series

[Abby Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Izzy Barr loves to run and stay active and with Field Day and a 10k Memorial Day race coming up, she is determined to be the fastest girl in her class and beat her rival Skipper. When Skipper shows up with fancy new running shoes, Izzy thinks the key to winning is to have fancy shoes just like Skipper's. But even though her dad agrees to buy her fancy new shoes, what she really needs is for her dad to show up and cheer her on, a tall order since her dad works a lot and spends most weekends with Izzy's older half-brother whom he doesn't get to see during the week. Can Izzy buckle down and win or will distractions prove her downfall?

This is a heartfelt story that will appeal to kids involved in sports. Izzy's facing a lot of the same problems that young readers face from time to time: dealing with family, facing down a rival at school. The Franklin School Friends series is a great one for kids who enjoy realistic, contemporary stories.

[Mariarosa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is one of my second-grade sister's favorites, however, we found this one to be a little disappointing. In the story, it is revealed that the little girl, Izzy, has divorced and remarried parents with children from different marriages and this causes the usual difficulties with the children. I understand how horrible and traumatic this is for the children that have to live with the consequences of their parents' choices in these situations, but we do not feel that children should be introduced to this (if we can help it) at such a young age. Marriage and family are sacred, and unity should be the example set for children to imitate.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these books! This one is tied for my favorite with Kelsey Green, Reading Queen. Izzy loves to run and she is competing against a girl named Skipper in the field day race as well as the city 10k thats coming up. Skipper's dad is a running coach and their PE teacher so she has a definite leg up, but Izzy has a lot of heart. The book talks about needing the new shiny "stuff" to run faster, some sibling jealousy when her dad goes to her brother's game and the necessity of open communication to get what you want/need. Loved this book!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book. it is a great book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a real good book for my 2 second grade granddaughters. They read it together.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, easy level book with positive message about family and voicing your own opinion. I don't know why the teacher always has to be "strict."

[Robert]

Izzy works through some complicated feelings about her Dad, her older half-brother who spends weekends with them, and her competitive instincts. Good instalment of the series!

[Pamela Jouan-Goldman]

A fun and heartwarming read that reminds us all that coming first is only half of winning, the other half is having friends and family at the finish line no matter what.

[Melissa (hereforthebooklove) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud with my students

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
2017 Reading Challenge: a book with pictures

[Victoria Fontaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the author!

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.

The third book in the Franklin School Friends series focuses on Izzy Barr. While her friends Kelsey Green and Annika Riz love reading and math, respectively, Izzy lives for sports - mostly baseball and track. Though she is the only athlete in her circle of friends, she is not the only one at home. She and her half-brother, Dustin, frequently compete for their dad's attention, and to Izzy, it always seems like Dustin's games take precedence over hers. Rather than expressing her feelings, however, Izzy tells her dad that his presence makes her nervous, discouraging him from even attempting to attend her games. It is not until she faces the possibility of running an important race without her dad there to see her that she realizes it might be best to speak the truth.

When it comes to school stories for younger kids, there is no better author than Claudia Mills. As Andrew Clements does for the upper elementary audience, Mills demonstrates a true understanding of the concerns of her readers, and of the seemingly mundane things that matter deeply to third graders. The characters in this series are wonderfully normal kids who have their flaws and make their mistakes, but at their hearts, they are good friends who strive to do the right thing. Izzy's struggle to communicate with her dad, and her rocky relationship with Dustin are problems that any child her age could have, and the missteps she makes on the way to improving the situation are very true to life as well.

There is only one thread of the story that doesn't really work. Izzy begs for new sneakers, then discards them, only to want them back again later. It seems like this is being set up as a lesson on materialism or selfishness, but instead the sneakers almost become a symbol of Izzy's relationship with her dad in a way that doesn't quite match the message of the rest of the book. This is probably a blip on the radar for most readers, but it was distracting from the central themes of the story.

Izzy Barr, Running Star is a great read-alike for the new Sylvie Scruggs series, which also focuses on family and friendship from the point of view of a sporty girl. While it initially seemed that this third book was the conclusion of a trilogy, it turns out that a fourth Franklin School Friends book will be published this Fall: Simon Ellis, Spelling Bee Champ.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third grader Izzy Barr is a talented athlete. While her best friends have their own niches--Kelsey Green is a bibliophile and Annika Riz is a math whiz, Izzy is fleet-footed and good at softball too. The youngsters all attend Franklin School and are students of Mrs. Molina, who is strict but also has a kind heart. When Izzy's father fails to show up for an important game because he was at her stepbrother's soccer match, she puts on a brave front and tells him it's no big deal. After all, she feels nervous when he watches her play. Of course, that isn't the truth, and Izzy feels worse and worse as the big field day approaches. Will he figure out what she really wants? As with all the books in this series, things work out just fine in the end, but the characters experience disappointment and upheaval as well as support from their friends and family. Elementary schoolers will find someone or something with which to relate in the book, even the competition between Izzy and Skipper's bad sportsmanship, or Cody, their classmate who can't find anyone famous whose footprints he wants to follow and ends up completing the assignment his way. These characters are irresistible as are the illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the text.

[Molly]

Izzy is a the star athlete at her school. Throughout the book, she faces competition with Skipper, the PE teacher's daughter and fastest runner in school. She yearns for the attention and support from her father, who seems to be more interested in her older brother's sporting events. As she prepares for the big 10k race, she hopes that her father will show up and give her the extra strength to beat Skipper. This book is relatable to children of all ages, especially those with an older sibling and who may sometimes feel that they are being overlooked.

1. What support did Izzy's friends Kelsey and Annika provide throughout the book?
2. What could Izzy's dad have done to show more support for Izzy and her athletics?
3. Izzy's teacher seems less than enthusiastic towards Cody throughout the book and even overlooked. If you were Mrs. Molina, what would you do to further help Cody? Specifically for the footprints project?
4. Compare and contrast Izzy and her idol Wilma Rudolph. Why do you think Izzy looked up to Wilma?
5. What do Izzy's old running shoes symbolize? What do her new shoes symbolize?

Mills, C., & Shepperson, R. (2015). Izzy Barr, Running Star. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

[Ashleigh Tiemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Izzy Barr is very athletic for her grade. She can run pretty well, and she even has a talent in softball. She even admires Wilma Rudolph, a runner that became the subject of one of Izzy's reports. Her sportsmanship, trust, and determination is tested when her father fails to show up to her events, opting to watch games for her half brother Dustin, instead. At one point of the story, she grows frustrated without realizing it, and tells her dad to not show up for the upcoming Field Day and 10k run. After a struggle from Field Day, she immediately regrets her decision, re-inviting her father to the 10k run before it is too late.

1.What is your proudest accomplishment, and why?
2. Why did Izzy decide to not invite her father to Field Day and the 10k race?
3. What made Izzy fall into second place at Field Day?
4. Why does Izzy think that her father finds Dustin as the"better athlete?"
5. When Izzy's father doesn't show up to her events, why is she not honest with him and says that it's not a big deal when in reality, she really wants a chance to make him proud?

Mills, C., & Shepperson, R. (2015). Izzy Barr, running star. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Izzy Barr was the fastest girl in her class, but when her closest rival (and daughter of the PE teacher at school) gets new running shoes, Izzy begs her parents for the same pair. Her parents agree to buy a new pair of shoes, even though her old shoes are only a couple of months old. Now Izzy is sure she has everything she needs to win the Field Day Race and the 10K Race. But Izzy didn’t count on losing her biggest fan… her dad. Izzy’s dad has to split his time between Izzy and her half-brother Dustin. Izzy feels that her dad doesn’t really care about her, so she tells him not to come to her races. On Field Day, Izzy realizes her mistake, but is too proud to ask him to come. She gets distracted and comes in second. When she finally swallows her pride, Izzy leaves her dad a note on the day of the big 10K race. She’s not even sure if he’ll get the note in time. But she runs her best and wins the race. At the finish line, she sees her best friends, her mom, her brother, and her dad!
http://julianaleewriter.com/the-cybil...

[Cecelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy Barr really loves to run. Her friends Kelsey Green and Annika Riz like to do reading and math (Kelsey likes reading, Annika likes math). Izzy is in the Fitness Club and she is going to do the 10k race. 10k means 10 kilometers. Field Day is also coming up. There is going to be all kinds of races. Izzy asked her father for new running shoes and she got them to run in the race. They were blue with silver arrows along the edges. Izzy said that she did not want her father there to watch her in the race because when he wasn't at the softball game Izzy scored the home run that made them win with her new running shoes. She thought she ran better because her dad wasn't there. Izzy won the 10 kilometer race. She also did very well in Field Day. Izzy won a blue ribbon and a red ribbon, and the yellow one that everyone got for participating. I didn't like this book as much as the other ones in the series. I liked Kelsey Green, Reading Queen the best.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy: Final copy via publisher

Izzy Barr and her friends are fun and supportive. I love how enthusiastic they are about their activities. Izzy Barr is the runner of the crew. There aren't really that many books about running for the elementary level. Since I'm a runner, this one was appealing. Some students will enjoy it because of the running and others may get interested in running because of the book.

Izzy isn't only about the running though. There are family situations that are weighing on Izzy's mind. She is jealous of the time that her father spends with her brother. He only lives with them on the weekends so he becomes her father's focus. Izzy feels slighted even though she understands why this happens.

This series is an upbeat and positive one that will work well with beginning chapter book readers.

[Ro Menendez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The friendship between the three main characters, Kelsey, Izzy and Annika, is a model of what true friendship should be, but the characters lack scope because they are pigeonholed by certain expertise (reading, sports, or math). Izzy's situation, sharing her dad with her half brother who stays at her house on the weekends, will appeal to children in a similar situation. A lesson in letting your parents know how you truly feel is learned through Izzy's troubles with her dad, in a way that has the reader rooting for Izzy to just put herself out there and hope her dad listens and understands. Black and white pencil illustrations offer readers visuals which might lead them to identify with some of the characters and conflicts.

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of today's families are blended, and those family members all have extra challenges.

Love the Famous Footprints as a teaching technique.

The Franklin School Friends is an engaging chapter book series that offers something for everyone. Each book features a different child with a distinct passion, and that talent is woven as a theme into the book. So no matter what their thing is, kids can find a Franklin School Friends book to enjoy. The inclusion of family and friendship dynamics elevates the books, while insuring their relevance to kids today. High-quality writing makes this a series to be sure not to miss.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Franklin School Friends series and is probably the best in plot and character development. Izzy is the runner in the group and is struggling with her disappointment at not having her father at her games and races. This reminded me of the old Smothers Brothers "Mom always liked you best" comedy routine -- an emotion that resonates for readers no matter the age or circumstances. Young readers who appreciate school stories like those written by Andrew Clements will enjoy this series as well.

[Yapha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book in the Franklin School Friends series focuses on Izzy Barr. She loves to run and is hoping to beat her rival both at the third grade field day and the community 10K. She is upset that her father always picks her brother's sporting events to attend, and it causes her to have a hard time focussing. She also is writing a report on Wilma Rudolph, so the reader gets a chance to learn about her life as well. A strong addition to the series. It does not have to be read in order. Recommended for grades 1-3.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

bookaday #28. Lots of heart and sole, pun intended, in this beginner chapter book, of the series, I think my students would relate to this one the most. Running, mean girl, dad/family issues all handled realistically, predictable but fitting ending. running facts included at the end. fave line on pg 72: "definitely would run her best on a full heart."

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about a 3rd grader who loves to run. She's challenged by another girl in her class who makes fun of her old running shoes. Realistic fiction at it's finest! Great storyline with school and home situations that all kids could relate to. Highly recommended for grades 3-4. I would buy the whole series.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there can always be more short chapter books for the 2-3 Grade age range! But something about Rob Shepperson's pictures seemed murky and muddled. Also, a book about a black girl who's good at running is a bit cliched. But in this era of needing More Diverse Books, I shouldn't quibble.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid title in the Franklin School Friends series. Izzy is determined to win a couple of races all the while vying for her dad's attention. This earlier chapter book will appeal to readers in grades 2-4.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the real kids in this series. I know students in my class will find themselves and I appreciate that each one has a different interest and passion, but they are friends. They are friends who recognize and respect what makes each special.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Franklin School series is such a great series for 2nd-4th graders. The characters are so human and such good friends. Izzy shows great sportsmanship with her running rival, too.