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Oh Susannah #1
Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag
From award-winning author Carole P. Roman comes a new chapter book featuring Susannah Logan, a young student having a very bad day. It all begins with homework trouble and an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn’t want to go to. Would you want to go to a sleepover in a creepy house? Rather than dealing with her problems, Susannah stuffs them into her backpack. But how much can a backpack take? Will she be able to confront her worries before the backpack bursts? Or will she just continue to hide them away? Join Susannah and her friends in this story sure to charm busy young readers everywhere.
46 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2017
12 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Carole P. Roman
69 books2,202 followersCarole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts a blog radio program called Indie Authors Roundtable and is one of the founders of the magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman. She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren and a new joke book called The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes!
She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.
Her series includes:
Captain No Beard
If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural
If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical
Nursery series
Oh Susannah- Early Reader and coloring book
Mindfulness for Kids with co-author J. Robin Albertson-Wren
The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids; 800 plus Jokes!
Navigating Indieworld- with co-author Julie A. Gerber
Marketing Indieworld- with co-authors Angela Hausman and Julie A. Gerber
Adult Fiction under the pen name Brit Lunden
Bulwark
The Knowing- A Bulwark Anthology
She writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and is currently helping to create an anthology with her mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors. She lives on Long Island near her children and grandchildren.
Her series includes:
Captain No Beard
If You Were Me and Lived in- Cultural
If You Were Me and Lived in- Historical
Nursery series
Oh Susannah- Early Reader and coloring book
Mindfulness for Kids with co-author J. Robin Albertson-Wren
The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids; 800 plus Jokes!
Navigating Indieworld- with co-author Julie A. Gerber
Marketing Indieworld- with co-authors Angela Hausman and Julie A. Gerber
Adult Fiction under the pen name Brit Lunden
Bulwark
The Knowing- A Bulwark Anthology
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 24, 2026
Susannah is a little girl with a big problem.
"Susannah felt sweat break out on her forehead. She couldn't make up her mind. A buzzer sounded, making her jump."
She thought she could handle everything but the more she tries, the worse it gets.
Her homework is constantly late, her best friend's house is haunted (and she wants Susannah to sleep over), and so much more.
Her friends notice that something is wrong but Susannah is at a loss.
"Third grade was proving to be a lot harder than she thought...using her toe, she pushed the homework under her book bag."
Susannah deals by putting everything in her backpack - out of sight, out of mind. But soon, even the biggest backpack in the world won't be enough to contain it all.
"Susannah looked at her friend. She didn't want Lola to clean up her mess. She didn't want to clean it up either."
I adore Carole Roman's books and this was no exception! The writing was sweet, the plot was fun and the book was all-around fabulous!
"I couldn't make up my mind." Susannah threw her hands into the air, lookling at the collection of papers on the floor. "My head feels too full."
I feel that so many people look back on elementary school as this idyllic time but it was stressful - really stressful - going through it.
There's so many changes happening so quickly - school starts becoming serious, friendships are strained and you are constantly being pulled in every direction.
Carole Roman depicts that really well - I felt the stress that Susannah (and her backpack!) were going through.
And the moral/overall message of the book was solid and subtle. SO many times, children's books are SO heavy-handed with the message. Very glad this wasn't the case.
Also, as an aside...I loved the illustrations. Susannah was absolutely adorable.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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July 24, 2017
This book is such a fun adventure. We had a blast reading it, me and my six-year old. This is a really charming tale.
November 2, 2017
We avoid handling a situation head on and it grows, weights us down as adults. Can you imagine what that does to a child? With OH SUSANNAH: IT’S IN THE BAGCarole P. Roman has captured a child’s undeveloped feelings of pressure and avoidance perfectly through her words, from the rotting squishy banana that begins to smell to the overbearing weight of a backpack overflowing with things young Susannah is unable to cope with. When it becomes too much, it is her parents who show her the value of breaking things down and tackling them one item at a time from homework to unwanted party invitations.
Told in a fun way for a child to read on their own or as a family read that invites discussion, Ms. Roman’s “growing backpack is the perfect representation of the weight of things one wants to avoid for whatever reasons.
Authors like Carole P. Roman have created stories short enough for a young child, real, but not frightening and sure to help create a lifelong reader in the process! Admit, adults, you know our backpacks get pretty heavy, too…and the rotten banana…ugh!
Publisher: Chelshire, INC. (April 19, 2017)
Publication Date: April 19, 2017
Genre: Young Readers | Social Learning
Print Length: 46 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Told in a fun way for a child to read on their own or as a family read that invites discussion, Ms. Roman’s “growing backpack is the perfect representation of the weight of things one wants to avoid for whatever reasons.
Authors like Carole P. Roman have created stories short enough for a young child, real, but not frightening and sure to help create a lifelong reader in the process! Admit, adults, you know our backpacks get pretty heavy, too…and the rotten banana…ugh!
Publisher: Chelshire, INC. (April 19, 2017)
Publication Date: April 19, 2017
Genre: Young Readers | Social Learning
Print Length: 46 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 3, 2017
A great story that gives a superb example. Everyone can let themselves be overwhelmed. Susanna’s beautifully described issues illustrate how problems can grow when they are ignored. In ideal fashion, the family finally came together and all was saved.
The message here for every child and parent is never give up, trust in yourself and deal with stuff.
Great writing and excellent illustrations.
Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
The message here for every child and parent is never give up, trust in yourself and deal with stuff.
Great writing and excellent illustrations.
Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy from the author in the hopes I’d review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
September 25, 2017
Carole P. Roman, immediately sweeps the reader off their feet in, "Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag". The characters, especially Susannah, are well delivered and each add glowing elements to the story. Witty humor splashes the pages at just the precise moments; it delivers humor that every child and parent can appreciate.
Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag, recites the day in the life of a fun, yet peculiar child, Susannah. This day, in particular, Susannah wakes up feeling rushed. Throughout her school day, life challenges keep piling up. It isn't until Susannah's sub conscious -through a roller coaster ride of a dream-does she finally expel her emotions to her parents.
Just as Susannah's emotions were in different directions, I either felt like laughing, crying, or said, "I know that feeling too well". Quotes resonated with me, three separate times. Just as I thought I found the one to summarize the book, I'd find another. The one that blew me away was when Susannah's father said, "Maybe we have to stop expecting too much from everybody in the family and remember what we wanted in the first place." After being prodded for the answer to that, he says, "A little girl...."
This book hit home with me, being a parent and someone who feels, "there is not enough time in the day for everything". I recommend this book for any child at a 2.8/third grade reading level+, and for any parent who might want to understand how a child feels. I'll be looking out for a Disney/T.V. show to be made from this book! That is how excellent of a book it is!
Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag, recites the day in the life of a fun, yet peculiar child, Susannah. This day, in particular, Susannah wakes up feeling rushed. Throughout her school day, life challenges keep piling up. It isn't until Susannah's sub conscious -through a roller coaster ride of a dream-does she finally expel her emotions to her parents.
Just as Susannah's emotions were in different directions, I either felt like laughing, crying, or said, "I know that feeling too well". Quotes resonated with me, three separate times. Just as I thought I found the one to summarize the book, I'd find another. The one that blew me away was when Susannah's father said, "Maybe we have to stop expecting too much from everybody in the family and remember what we wanted in the first place." After being prodded for the answer to that, he says, "A little girl...."
This book hit home with me, being a parent and someone who feels, "there is not enough time in the day for everything". I recommend this book for any child at a 2.8/third grade reading level+, and for any parent who might want to understand how a child feels. I'll be looking out for a Disney/T.V. show to be made from this book! That is how excellent of a book it is!
September 26, 2017
We are proud to announce that OH SUSANNAH: IT'S IN THE BAG by Carole P. Roman is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 14, 2017
The author's foray into early reader chapter books is interesting and provides more than just an entertaining story about Suzannah. It teaches that Suzannah, and all of us, can't simply tuck our problems away and out of sight just because they are difficult.
Suzannah learns to ask for help in solving those nagging and tedious emotional, learning, or social problems. The book is short with 34 pages but fairly complex for a young reader. Suzannah goes about her day toting around her ever-present backpack into which she puts problems with which she has difficulty - math tests, invitations, book report - so many hurdles.
The picture of Suzannah at the start of the book and on the cover are charming and you just want to love this sweet little girl. I would love to have seen the illustrations larger and sprinkled thoughout instead of tiny thumbnail images at the beginning of each chapter. I love the way mom and dad come to her rescue and help Suzannah find solutions.
I'm looking forward to more from little Suzannah and just wish this were a hardcover book so that libraries would add it to their collections.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. I am hosting a #giveaway on my blog that ends 8/6 - come over and enter to try and win a copy. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2017...
Suzannah learns to ask for help in solving those nagging and tedious emotional, learning, or social problems. The book is short with 34 pages but fairly complex for a young reader. Suzannah goes about her day toting around her ever-present backpack into which she puts problems with which she has difficulty - math tests, invitations, book report - so many hurdles.
The picture of Suzannah at the start of the book and on the cover are charming and you just want to love this sweet little girl. I would love to have seen the illustrations larger and sprinkled thoughout instead of tiny thumbnail images at the beginning of each chapter. I love the way mom and dad come to her rescue and help Suzannah find solutions.
I'm looking forward to more from little Suzannah and just wish this were a hardcover book so that libraries would add it to their collections.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. I am hosting a #giveaway on my blog that ends 8/6 - come over and enter to try and win a copy. http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2017...
April 7, 2018
Susaannah is in the third grade. Her parents are busy people and so Susannah feels ignored. She doesn't say anything to her parents. Since they are busy they may not listen anyway. Susannah is surprised by what happens next.
This is a new series to me and I'm already in love with Susannah. Well written and Susannah is a child everyone will enjoy. We all have busy times and we must learn how to handle it. Especially in today's world. I think a child's book can be fun and contain a lesson and Ms. Roman's books do just that. She always has engaging characters children will relate too. You need this series in your child's library.
I didn't find any issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it will help you open a dialogue about handling pressure and being organized. ~Copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
This is a new series to me and I'm already in love with Susannah. Well written and Susannah is a child everyone will enjoy. We all have busy times and we must learn how to handle it. Especially in today's world. I think a child's book can be fun and contain a lesson and Ms. Roman's books do just that. She always has engaging characters children will relate too. You need this series in your child's library.
I didn't find any issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it will help you open a dialogue about handling pressure and being organized. ~Copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
October 16, 2017
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Susannah is having a terrible day. She didn't complete her homework because she didn't understand it. As her day goes on more things pile up. She handles things b cramming them into her backpack and ignoring them. susannah learns a valuable lesson. She learns you can't avoid unpleasant things . you must face them and if needed ask for help. Now if I could only get my middle school kids to understand this.
Susannah is having a terrible day. She didn't complete her homework because she didn't understand it. As her day goes on more things pile up. She handles things b cramming them into her backpack and ignoring them. susannah learns a valuable lesson. She learns you can't avoid unpleasant things . you must face them and if needed ask for help. Now if I could only get my middle school kids to understand this.
September 26, 2017
With a 10 & 8 year old that are just getting interested in early chapter readers, Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag was fantastic! It's great when kids can pick up a book, enjoy reading it, and then ask if they can read another one in the series. Great book!
February 7, 2018
Reviewed by Paola (age 10) for Reader Views (2/18)
“Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag” by Carole P. Roman, it’s a story of a blond, curly-haired, freckled third grader, who is having a bad day. One morning Susannah shuts off her clock and as usual, enjoys the view through her window; just before all the rushing begins. It’s not a good start to remember that she didn’t finish her homework, but maybe mom will have some time before we leave, and there we go.
Mom gives her the first call to hurry up and Susannah jumps up to get dressed, grabs her backpack and race down for breakfast. Second call, Susannah comes down and her mom is on the phone looking at the clock very often, fixing her lunch bag and placing in front of Susannah, a soggy bowl of oatmeal and banana. Her dad comes to the kitchen and gives mom things to do and he leaves also in a rush. Finally, when everybody is on their way to work and she is on the bus, she can breathe. Inside the bus she was handed a sleepover invitation that she was avoiding from her friend, and again she felt her stomach very tight and uncomfortable.
Meet Susannah and her very busy parents, along with her best friend Lola, Mrs. Horn and her red marker, her backpack and even a banana be part of the very bad day that Susannah had. Find out all that happened to her and if she went to the sleepover.
I really like this new series of ‘An Oh Susannah Story’ by Carole P. Roman. I love how she writes with every detail making you feel right in the story and I am sure many kids have felt the same way as Susannah did. Needing the attention and time from our parents, but sometimes it cannot be and we just have to wait. We must learn to share our worries and feelings with our parents and not hold on to them. Also, with your friends be honest with them and let them know how you feel about things that bother you. I am sure many young readers will enjoy reading Susannah stories and learning from the simple but sometimes very complicated things she goes through. I love how Susannah looks with her freckles and curly hair swinging by the stars.
A note from mom:
“Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag” is such a great story that describes a day like many of us have had at least once. It seems that nowadays everyone is in a hurry rushing to do so much and the hours of the day are never enough. Sometimes we forget how overwhelming it could be for our children. Excellent parental guide. Once again, a great story by Carole P. Roman that Paola and I enjoyed very much.
“Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag” by Carole P. Roman, it’s a story of a blond, curly-haired, freckled third grader, who is having a bad day. One morning Susannah shuts off her clock and as usual, enjoys the view through her window; just before all the rushing begins. It’s not a good start to remember that she didn’t finish her homework, but maybe mom will have some time before we leave, and there we go.
Mom gives her the first call to hurry up and Susannah jumps up to get dressed, grabs her backpack and race down for breakfast. Second call, Susannah comes down and her mom is on the phone looking at the clock very often, fixing her lunch bag and placing in front of Susannah, a soggy bowl of oatmeal and banana. Her dad comes to the kitchen and gives mom things to do and he leaves also in a rush. Finally, when everybody is on their way to work and she is on the bus, she can breathe. Inside the bus she was handed a sleepover invitation that she was avoiding from her friend, and again she felt her stomach very tight and uncomfortable.
Meet Susannah and her very busy parents, along with her best friend Lola, Mrs. Horn and her red marker, her backpack and even a banana be part of the very bad day that Susannah had. Find out all that happened to her and if she went to the sleepover.
I really like this new series of ‘An Oh Susannah Story’ by Carole P. Roman. I love how she writes with every detail making you feel right in the story and I am sure many kids have felt the same way as Susannah did. Needing the attention and time from our parents, but sometimes it cannot be and we just have to wait. We must learn to share our worries and feelings with our parents and not hold on to them. Also, with your friends be honest with them and let them know how you feel about things that bother you. I am sure many young readers will enjoy reading Susannah stories and learning from the simple but sometimes very complicated things she goes through. I love how Susannah looks with her freckles and curly hair swinging by the stars.
A note from mom:
“Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag” is such a great story that describes a day like many of us have had at least once. It seems that nowadays everyone is in a hurry rushing to do so much and the hours of the day are never enough. Sometimes we forget how overwhelming it could be for our children. Excellent parental guide. Once again, a great story by Carole P. Roman that Paola and I enjoyed very much.
September 1, 2017
Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag and more by Carole P Roman
Here is an author who writes children’s books, many of which I have had the privilege to read and then pass on to my grandchildren. The Oh Susannah series will go to my youngest granddaughter as it is perfect for the overwhelming problems seemingly facing every young girl. That said I must admit there is some excellent parental advice contained within. Advice I recognize having been a parent who was often too busy to give the attention needed to my children. Now as a grandparent I can sit back and watch my children handle (or not) some of the same issues I am now able to observe. But there are other wonderful series Ms. Roman has written, the “If You Were Me and Lived in” series, the cultural and the historical. Again, I read them and pass them on to my grandchildren. The cultural series are excellent. I have travelled to many of the countries described and can attest to the veracity of the subjects. In addition to the cultural aspect there is an introduction to some of the names, subjects and objects in the local dialect with phonetic pronunciation. Well done indeed. Same with the historical series, and some of these have sent me scrabbling to find more literature on the subjects, resulting in some interesting reading and acquiring some knowledge previously unknown to me. So, excellent children’s books, to perhaps spark an interest in reading, or a specific subject, and obviously not just for children.
Here is an author who writes children’s books, many of which I have had the privilege to read and then pass on to my grandchildren. The Oh Susannah series will go to my youngest granddaughter as it is perfect for the overwhelming problems seemingly facing every young girl. That said I must admit there is some excellent parental advice contained within. Advice I recognize having been a parent who was often too busy to give the attention needed to my children. Now as a grandparent I can sit back and watch my children handle (or not) some of the same issues I am now able to observe. But there are other wonderful series Ms. Roman has written, the “If You Were Me and Lived in” series, the cultural and the historical. Again, I read them and pass them on to my grandchildren. The cultural series are excellent. I have travelled to many of the countries described and can attest to the veracity of the subjects. In addition to the cultural aspect there is an introduction to some of the names, subjects and objects in the local dialect with phonetic pronunciation. Well done indeed. Same with the historical series, and some of these have sent me scrabbling to find more literature on the subjects, resulting in some interesting reading and acquiring some knowledge previously unknown to me. So, excellent children’s books, to perhaps spark an interest in reading, or a specific subject, and obviously not just for children.
November 16, 2017
It all starts with unfinished homework, progresses to a rotten banana, and culminates in an invitation to spend the night at a haunted house.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a scary story. It’s a story about a young girl who becomes overwhelmed by all the things she can’t get done.
The quality of the writing is amazing. Carole’s story flows so easily and conveys the anxiety and hopelessness of Susannah’s situation. How she uses the backpack to symbolize the situation is so clever. And it ties in the title with the book too.
I was completely swept away by the story. Adults will be able to connect with Susannah’s story as much as younger readers can. Life gets busy, things get shoved to the side and ignored, until they can’t be ignored anymore. We can all relate to this. And we should all take note of the solution Carole gives Susannah. It makes perfect sense.
A pleasure to read and a fun and satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a scary story. It’s a story about a young girl who becomes overwhelmed by all the things she can’t get done.
The quality of the writing is amazing. Carole’s story flows so easily and conveys the anxiety and hopelessness of Susannah’s situation. How she uses the backpack to symbolize the situation is so clever. And it ties in the title with the book too.
I was completely swept away by the story. Adults will be able to connect with Susannah’s story as much as younger readers can. Life gets busy, things get shoved to the side and ignored, until they can’t be ignored anymore. We can all relate to this. And we should all take note of the solution Carole gives Susannah. It makes perfect sense.
A pleasure to read and a fun and satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
May 5, 2017
I'm not the target audience for this book by a long shot and I didn't even have a kid or two close by that I could use as an excuse to read it, lol, but I was in the mood for something light and wholesome. And you know what? It was the perfect book for me. I'm Susannah! We all have days when we feel like Susannah; when everything seems so overwhelming and we have so much to do or so much to think about that you just don't know where to start. If you have a kid dealing with stress issues and feeling overwhelmed by school, then this is a great book for them to read. They'll follow along with Susannah through different chapters in which everything seems to go wrong until they get to the end: the chapter where Susannah finally asks for help and realizes that there are plenty of people there willing to give it, including her parents, and all of them with an open heart and an unlimited amount of patience.
November 26, 2017
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We received this book to give an honest review.
I read this to K because I think that he needed to learn a bit of a lesson of how when you let things worry you or you don't do something right away it just builds and builds. I think this was a great lesson for not only kids to learn but adults to because I do know that things can overwhelm us when we let it.
We see how it all starts with not finishing homework up, to not eating her fruit that her mom asked her to and the list just goes on. Susannah puts everything in her bag and at first it doesn't seem heavy but as she keeps adding more and more items to it her backpack gets heavier. It just weighs her down and as a child that isn't good. As we continue on with the story we get to see what Susannah chooses to do about this situation.
When A gets a bit older she is only 5 I will be reading this to her.
We received this book to give an honest review.
I read this to K because I think that he needed to learn a bit of a lesson of how when you let things worry you or you don't do something right away it just builds and builds. I think this was a great lesson for not only kids to learn but adults to because I do know that things can overwhelm us when we let it.
We see how it all starts with not finishing homework up, to not eating her fruit that her mom asked her to and the list just goes on. Susannah puts everything in her bag and at first it doesn't seem heavy but as she keeps adding more and more items to it her backpack gets heavier. It just weighs her down and as a child that isn't good. As we continue on with the story we get to see what Susannah chooses to do about this situation.
When A gets a bit older she is only 5 I will be reading this to her.
June 23, 2017
Carole P. Roman has authored with this book the first, as far as I know, of the many dozens of award winning books that she wrote, a short novel. As with her other many children's books where she teaches children about other countries and ancient lands, this book is clearly child-friendly, a delight that kids will enjoy and look forward to a continuation of Susannah's life story.
The book is about a young girl who has the usual problems faced by young girls and boys – school homework, problems with math, book reports, dislike of certain foods (bananas in her case), her parents being very busy with their own affairs, her best friend talking too much when she needs to think about her own problems, and more. With all these concerns, she is faced with being invited by her best friend to a sleep-over at a very old house, which some say, with what they consider absolute proofs, is haunted.
The book is about a young girl who has the usual problems faced by young girls and boys – school homework, problems with math, book reports, dislike of certain foods (bananas in her case), her parents being very busy with their own affairs, her best friend talking too much when she needs to think about her own problems, and more. With all these concerns, she is faced with being invited by her best friend to a sleep-over at a very old house, which some say, with what they consider absolute proofs, is haunted.
August 24, 2017
There’s a lot of stress at Susannah Logan’s house. Her parents have demanding jobs. It’s time to get up, but she doesn’t want to; She dilly-dally’s a bit, but not much. When she gets up, there’s the matter of her unfinished math homework. When Mom starts to yell, she stuffs it into her backpack. From there Susannah’s day gets worse: breakfast is a disaster, Dad and Mom are screaming at each other, her best friend, Lola, invites her to a sleepover and she doesn’t want to do, and she can’t decide what book to get out of the school library. Lola is feeling stressed and overwhelmed too. She stuffs it all inside her backpack, filling so full, the zipper rips. Trying to sleep, she has a dream---and the backpack explodes!
This is a great story to teach kids about dealing with stress and how to ask for help.
This is a great story to teach kids about dealing with stress and how to ask for help.
January 12, 2019
My daughters and I enjoyed reading this book together during our homeschool read aloud. It opened up discussions for us about how we shouldn't let things fester and put things off until our bag is too full and we want to explode.
We recommend this book to kids around ages 8-12.
There were a few minor mistakes in the text of the book, but nothing that will take away from the message of the story to confront your problems instead of stuffing them in a bag and hiding your problems.
Disclosure: I won this book in a giveaway. My daughters and I wanted to share our review of this book to let others know about this book to help them stop stuffing their bags too full.
Jessica D. Adams, Author
We recommend this book to kids around ages 8-12.
There were a few minor mistakes in the text of the book, but nothing that will take away from the message of the story to confront your problems instead of stuffing them in a bag and hiding your problems.
Disclosure: I won this book in a giveaway. My daughters and I wanted to share our review of this book to let others know about this book to help them stop stuffing their bags too full.
Jessica D. Adams, Author
May 28, 2017
I thought this was a great story. It is funny, entertaining and reflects well the need to stay organized and on top of things. The short chapters make for a quick read and the authors style of writing allows kids to easily connect with the story. I'm sure this book will also resonate with all the busy parents out there who have eventually found permission slips, grade books and unfinished homework tucked away in the depths of their child's backpacks.
May 5, 2017
It's an amazing coincidence that Susannah has a problem similar to one that I had in my own third grade year. (And an even bigger coincidence that we have similar names?) I had two homework assignments and spent too long on one, so that I didn't finish the other before it was due. Susannah stuffs her unfinished homework into her backpack, along with everything else that she doesn't want to deal with (or doesn't know what to do with), all day long. With each addition, her backpack gets heavier and heavier until it finally pops its zipper. The problem doesn't end even when she goes to bed, but follows her into her dreams. And finally, after waking her parents in the middle of the night with her dreams, Susannah tells them what is going on and asks for help.
Readers of Carole's picture books such as Rocket Bye or Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? are familiar with her portrayal of characters that seem to be children we know. Just as Susannah's homework situation was so much like mine, other readers will also notice details that seem pulled from their own lives. Who hasn't had a morning where the cereal spilled everywhere, had an item from their lunch make a mess in their bag, or received an invitation they would rather not accept? The appeal of this story is heightened by the sense of kinship we feel with Susannah and her dilemma. Adult readers will also sympathize with her parents and their hurried schedules.
Perfect for chapter book readers who enjoy realistic fiction and stories centered on school, family, and friends. The protagonist is an age that readers moving from picture books into longer stories can easily identify with.
I read an e-book provided by the author for review purposes.
Readers of Carole's picture books such as Rocket Bye or Can a Princess Be a Firefighter? are familiar with her portrayal of characters that seem to be children we know. Just as Susannah's homework situation was so much like mine, other readers will also notice details that seem pulled from their own lives. Who hasn't had a morning where the cereal spilled everywhere, had an item from their lunch make a mess in their bag, or received an invitation they would rather not accept? The appeal of this story is heightened by the sense of kinship we feel with Susannah and her dilemma. Adult readers will also sympathize with her parents and their hurried schedules.
Perfect for chapter book readers who enjoy realistic fiction and stories centered on school, family, and friends. The protagonist is an age that readers moving from picture books into longer stories can easily identify with.
I read an e-book provided by the author for review purposes.
June 29, 2017
MY THOUGHTS
Kids today have so many things to deal with that we, now adults, didn't have. Their stress levels can get really high.They need a little reminder to step back, breath, and relax for a moment. Everybody, adults and children have those moments, even entire days where everything seems to go wrong and the stress level keeps rising. We all need to stop and take a moment. This is a good book for not only children have stress issues with school, home, and friends but adults as well. Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what to do first isn't a good feeling. Children need to know, there's nothing wrong with asking for help. . But that backpack was getting full. It's not a sign of weakness but of strength. This is what happened to Susannah.Susannah was trying to deal with everything on her own, slipping the things into her backpack for a later date. Will she realize it is O.K. to ask for help, before the backpack explodes from being too full. You can't run and you can't hide the worries, the feeling of being overwhelmed forever. A little organization goes a long way. The book is a fun, easy, quick read and allows the reader to relate. Another good children's/adult book from Ms. Roman. This, I believe is her first short novel written for parents and children.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
Kids today have so many things to deal with that we, now adults, didn't have. Their stress levels can get really high.They need a little reminder to step back, breath, and relax for a moment. Everybody, adults and children have those moments, even entire days where everything seems to go wrong and the stress level keeps rising. We all need to stop and take a moment. This is a good book for not only children have stress issues with school, home, and friends but adults as well. Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing what to do first isn't a good feeling. Children need to know, there's nothing wrong with asking for help. . But that backpack was getting full. It's not a sign of weakness but of strength. This is what happened to Susannah.Susannah was trying to deal with everything on her own, slipping the things into her backpack for a later date. Will she realize it is O.K. to ask for help, before the backpack explodes from being too full. You can't run and you can't hide the worries, the feeling of being overwhelmed forever. A little organization goes a long way. The book is a fun, easy, quick read and allows the reader to relate. Another good children's/adult book from Ms. Roman. This, I believe is her first short novel written for parents and children.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily decided to review it.
July 18, 2017
This review is meant for parents, teachers, and other people that work with children to read.
Susannah is a third grader who has busy parents. She is afraid to tell them she didn't complete her hard homework the night before. She puts her unfinished homework in her backpack because she doesn't want her parents to see it. That is her first problem. As she encounters more problems she doesn't know how to solve, she puts them in her backpack. Some of the problems are related with school work while others deal with situations and food. The backpack becomes so heavy with problems she can't carry it anymore and the backpack with all its contents sort of explode everywhere.
I think children will be able to understand the comparison taught in this book of how the problems they (people) carry can stack up if they don't deal with them or get help solving them. If they carry too many of them they will feel overwhelmed and like they are carrying a huge bag over their shoulders that will stay full until they get the help they need or those problems will often overflow into other areas of their lives. I really like how this book teaches that it is okay to ask for help.
This book is probably mostly made for elementary school age children. It contains short chapters and is 34 pages long.
I received this book free for the purpose of reviewing it.
Susannah is a third grader who has busy parents. She is afraid to tell them she didn't complete her hard homework the night before. She puts her unfinished homework in her backpack because she doesn't want her parents to see it. That is her first problem. As she encounters more problems she doesn't know how to solve, she puts them in her backpack. Some of the problems are related with school work while others deal with situations and food. The backpack becomes so heavy with problems she can't carry it anymore and the backpack with all its contents sort of explode everywhere.
I think children will be able to understand the comparison taught in this book of how the problems they (people) carry can stack up if they don't deal with them or get help solving them. If they carry too many of them they will feel overwhelmed and like they are carrying a huge bag over their shoulders that will stay full until they get the help they need or those problems will often overflow into other areas of their lives. I really like how this book teaches that it is okay to ask for help.
This book is probably mostly made for elementary school age children. It contains short chapters and is 34 pages long.
I received this book free for the purpose of reviewing it.
July 21, 2017
Oh, Susannah: It’s in the bag is the day in the life of Susannah Logan. Her day goes from bad to worse and every time something goes wrong, she ignores it by stuffing it in her backpack. In the morning, it’s her unfinished math homework and the banana she doesn’t want to eat. When she gets on the bus, her best friend, Lola, gives her an invitation to a sleepover which she doesn’t want to go but doesn’t know how to tell her friend. Then it’s her math quiz which she did horribly on because she didn’t finish her homework. So on and so forth until her bag begins to rip. If is only after a nightmare of an exploding bag which wakes up her parents, she is able to talk to her parents about how overwhelmed she feels and didn’t ask for help because she saw how overwhelmed her parents are. Her parents realize that they are all overwhelmed and help her get organized, finish her homework, and remind her never be afraid to ask for help. Oh, Susannah: It’s in the bag is a great short chapter book for young girls who are learning to read on their own. It has a great character they can relate to as well as learn a lesson about speaking up when you need help. I highly recommend Oh, Susannah: It’s in the bag for any family and classroom library!
Oh, Susannah: It’s in the bag is available in paperback and eBook
Oh, Susannah: It’s in the bag is available in paperback and eBook
August 21, 2017
About the Book:
From award-winning author Carole P. Roman comes a new chapter book featuring Susannah Logan, a young student having a very bad day. It all begins with homework trouble and an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn't want to go to. Would you want to go to a sleepover in a creepy house? Rather than dealing with her problems, Susannah stuffs them into her backpack. But how much can a backpack take? Will she be able to confront her worries before the backpack bursts? Or will she just continue to hide them away? Join Susannah and her friends in this story sure to charm busy young readers everywhere.
My Review:
Just in time for back to school!
Susannah is having a little bit of school issues along with all types of struggles that young girls have. They worry about all kinds of stuff. From homework to boys but they must continue you on and thats what poor little Susannah does.
Susannah shares her struggles with those close to her and they help her solve them just in time for some fun. Come along and read about a little girl that struggles like the rest of us do and see how she overcomes them.
Carole Roman has belted out another winner, for sure!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
From award-winning author Carole P. Roman comes a new chapter book featuring Susannah Logan, a young student having a very bad day. It all begins with homework trouble and an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn't want to go to. Would you want to go to a sleepover in a creepy house? Rather than dealing with her problems, Susannah stuffs them into her backpack. But how much can a backpack take? Will she be able to confront her worries before the backpack bursts? Or will she just continue to hide them away? Join Susannah and her friends in this story sure to charm busy young readers everywhere.
My Review:
Just in time for back to school!
Susannah is having a little bit of school issues along with all types of struggles that young girls have. They worry about all kinds of stuff. From homework to boys but they must continue you on and thats what poor little Susannah does.
Susannah shares her struggles with those close to her and they help her solve them just in time for some fun. Come along and read about a little girl that struggles like the rest of us do and see how she overcomes them.
Carole Roman has belted out another winner, for sure!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2018
Susannah is having a bad day. First, she didn’t finish her homework from the night before. When she went to ask her mom for help, her mother was in a rush, dumped the cereal on the floor, and gave Susannah oatmeal and a banana which she hates. Instead of speaking up she just dumps the homework and banana in her backpack. From there she gets an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn’t want to go to and puts that in her bag too. She has other things that she adds to the bag until it bursts open.
Poor Susannah is having a hard time dealing with her day and lets it all pile up until she is having nightmares. Although her mom and dad are really busy, they do see her problems and do help her organize and tackle them.
I love how this could be a typical family wrapped up in each person’s issues. Sometimes it is hard to step back and realize that there are people around you that can lend a hand to help if you just ask.
This is a great chapter book with a big message for kids and parents. It has some beautiful illustrations that add wonderfully to the story. If you are looking for a story for kids, look no further.
I received Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag from the publisher for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Poor Susannah is having a hard time dealing with her day and lets it all pile up until she is having nightmares. Although her mom and dad are really busy, they do see her problems and do help her organize and tackle them.
I love how this could be a typical family wrapped up in each person’s issues. Sometimes it is hard to step back and realize that there are people around you that can lend a hand to help if you just ask.
This is a great chapter book with a big message for kids and parents. It has some beautiful illustrations that add wonderfully to the story. If you are looking for a story for kids, look no further.
I received Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag from the publisher for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
April 28, 2017
3.5 Stars
'Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag' is a new chapter book that's both relatable and fun. Readers will enjoy getting to know the main character, Susannah Logan, and can easily identify with the problems she encounters throughout the book. Although the situations aren't dire or even that bad, kids can connect with the subject matter and the topics presented in the story. The book is a short chapter book, which is great for readers who are practicing their skills and for those looking for a short story. There are small illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, which I enjoyed a lot. It brings an added layer to the book to help it stand out from others in the genre. The pictures are done in black and white, in what seems to be pencil. They aren't distracting, but help to enhance the reading experience. I recommend this book for readers wanting to practice their skills and those looking for a nice contemporary story with a plot that almost everyone can relate to at some point in their lives.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Oh Susannah: It's in the Bag' is a new chapter book that's both relatable and fun. Readers will enjoy getting to know the main character, Susannah Logan, and can easily identify with the problems she encounters throughout the book. Although the situations aren't dire or even that bad, kids can connect with the subject matter and the topics presented in the story. The book is a short chapter book, which is great for readers who are practicing their skills and for those looking for a short story. There are small illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, which I enjoyed a lot. It brings an added layer to the book to help it stand out from others in the genre. The pictures are done in black and white, in what seems to be pencil. They aren't distracting, but help to enhance the reading experience. I recommend this book for readers wanting to practice their skills and those looking for a nice contemporary story with a plot that almost everyone can relate to at some point in their lives.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2018
A sweet little story with a big message written from the point of view of a Third grade girl. This book hits the mark on our kids that are feeling the pressures at such a young age but is also a good reminder for adults too. A well done Early Chapter Book.
January 25, 2018
The first in the OH SUSANNAH series introduces readers to Susannah, a third grader who needs some help dealing with things she has been putting off. This chapter book shares how Susannah becomes overwhelmed with math homework, an uneaten banana, a sleepover invitation, and a test. By shoving them all in her bag, she tries to ignore them until her bag gets too heavy and "bursts". She thinks her parents are too busy to talk to about her fears until they finally come out in a nightmare.
I think this story is realistic for elementary readers who can easily feel overwhelmed with homework and anxieties they may be having about friendships, homework, and things they are afraid of. Instead of talking to someone, these fears keep building up over time until they eventually explode. This story teaches a lesson on talking about your fears and making sure you handle things as they happen and not letting them build up over time.
This series by Roman includes short chapters that can be read by parents to young-elementary-aged children or alone by upper-elementary-aged children. I think the fears and anxieties that Susannah is feeling are realistic for children today. Parents and children often have extremely busy lives and once a couple assignments build up, kids can be afraid to let parents know they are feeling overwhelmed. Kids see how busy their parents are and don't want to bother them. Roman has created a series that is relatable to children with fun stories that offer lessons on how to handle concerns many kids face.
I think this story is realistic for elementary readers who can easily feel overwhelmed with homework and anxieties they may be having about friendships, homework, and things they are afraid of. Instead of talking to someone, these fears keep building up over time until they eventually explode. This story teaches a lesson on talking about your fears and making sure you handle things as they happen and not letting them build up over time.
This series by Roman includes short chapters that can be read by parents to young-elementary-aged children or alone by upper-elementary-aged children. I think the fears and anxieties that Susannah is feeling are realistic for children today. Parents and children often have extremely busy lives and once a couple assignments build up, kids can be afraid to let parents know they are feeling overwhelmed. Kids see how busy their parents are and don't want to bother them. Roman has created a series that is relatable to children with fun stories that offer lessons on how to handle concerns many kids face.
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