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Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen
Bernice Buttman is tough, crass, and hilarious, and she just might teach you a thing or two about empathy in this debut reminiscent of The Great Gilly Hopkins.
When you're a Buttman, the label "bully" comes with the territory, and Bernice lives up to her name. But life as a bully is lonely, and if there's one thing Bernice really wants (even more than becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman), it's a true friend.
After her mom skedaddles and leaves her in a new town with her aunt (who is also a real live nun), Bernice decides to mend her ways and become a model citizen. If her plan works, she just might be able to get herself to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp! But it's hard to be kind when no one shows you kindness, so a few cheesy pranks may still be up her sleeve. . . .
Get ready to laugh out loud--and maybe even shed a tear--with this fantastic new middle-grade voice!
When you're a Buttman, the label "bully" comes with the territory, and Bernice lives up to her name. But life as a bully is lonely, and if there's one thing Bernice really wants (even more than becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman), it's a true friend.
After her mom skedaddles and leaves her in a new town with her aunt (who is also a real live nun), Bernice decides to mend her ways and become a model citizen. If her plan works, she just might be able to get herself to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp! But it's hard to be kind when no one shows you kindness, so a few cheesy pranks may still be up her sleeve. . . .
Get ready to laugh out loud--and maybe even shed a tear--with this fantastic new middle-grade voice!
Hardcover
First published March 26, 2019
95 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Niki Lenz
4 books56 followersNiki Lenz lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and children. She studied elementary education at Southwest Baptist University and taught kindergarten for six years. She enjoys reading, travel, glamping, polka dots, red lipstick, and oldies music. Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen is her first novel. Follow her on Twitter at @NikiRLenz or visit nikilenz.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 4, 2019
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This down home redemption story was a breath of fresh air and made me proud of this local author. Bernice Buttman's voice rings true and I loved the little things like a horse named Hoof Hearted, the poker game played with banana stickers, and the book quote notes that Sister Angela-Clarence would leave for Bernice (one time on a Hubba Bubba wrapper). Readers who have enjoyed "Gertie's Leap to Greatness" and "Beverly, Right Here" will also want to read this debut from Niki Lenz.
October 16, 2018
My heart is bursting for Bernice! I want to hug this book. This is everything I love about middle grade all rolled up into one incredible novel. At the beginning of the book, Bernice is far from "likable"--she's the school bully--but you can immediately see how she came to that point, and from page one I was rooting for her. The humor here is irresistible, and it has equal amount of heart. As a teacher, I want to go shove this into the hands of every kid who picks on others, every kid in general, plus every adult I know. This is a book for everyone. If Bernice can change, there's hope for all of us. LOVE!
December 5, 2018
Just finished my ARC. I was cracking up most every page, especially in the beginning. My husband was amused that I kept laughing and then shouting out how much I love this book. Bernice is a bully, but Niki does a great job showing her heart and motivations. She is fully reformed by the end :) great book, great message abt how we get to decide who we are, not our circumstances
May 22, 2019
Well, "butter my butt and call me a biscuit." I loved this "voicy" debut about finding family and friendship. Bernice is a recovering bully to root for!
June 26, 2018
ALLLL the stars. Full disclosure: my bestie wrote this book. I’ve read it many times, from rough draft to now an ARC in my hands, and this book still makes me happy cry. Put March 26, 2019 on your calendar to buy this funny and heartwarming book!
April 8, 2021
Very cute, well paced, and feel good. Bernice never read like a true bully to me, just a victim of her upbringing. I know, I know, that's often what makes a bully. But she never seemed to truly lack empathy, like so many bullies do. She simply took too much in stride with too open a mind. Of course, I still gave this five stars because it's a juvenile fiction book and obviously wouldn't have the kind of nuance a longer novel for more mature audiences would.
I just felt good reading this book. Bernice's narration is hysterical and the other characters, while fully formed, never seemed to fight for our attention that hard. I think that speaks to how strong Bernice's POV is, it contains that same strong sense of self every child this age seems to have.
While there is conflict and tension in this book, it rarely looms over you for long. With each problem presented in the book, I anticipated the many ways it would end with dread, only for it to wrap itself fairly quickly. It means a lot happens in this book without constantly leaving you anxious for Bernice. I'd imagine that younger readers would enjoy this a lot, since my adult brain would constantly go to things like "Jail! Child services!" Instead of "Getting grounded! Not going to summer camp!"
Great writing style, phenomenal pacing, and fantastic narration.
I just felt good reading this book. Bernice's narration is hysterical and the other characters, while fully formed, never seemed to fight for our attention that hard. I think that speaks to how strong Bernice's POV is, it contains that same strong sense of self every child this age seems to have.
While there is conflict and tension in this book, it rarely looms over you for long. With each problem presented in the book, I anticipated the many ways it would end with dread, only for it to wrap itself fairly quickly. It means a lot happens in this book without constantly leaving you anxious for Bernice. I'd imagine that younger readers would enjoy this a lot, since my adult brain would constantly go to things like "Jail! Child services!" Instead of "Getting grounded! Not going to summer camp!"
Great writing style, phenomenal pacing, and fantastic narration.
December 22, 2018
Bernice Buttman is anything but a model citizen. She is a bully, having grown up from the days when her four brothers bullied others on her behalf. However, being a bully is lonely and she decides she wants a friend, but the other fifth graders are scared of her, especially Oliver Stratts, the kid she has targeted for friendship. She does have one person in her corner, Ms. Knightley, the town librarian who sees the Bernice who has possibilities.
Bernice lives in the Lone Star Trailer Park where she sleeps on the sofa and her brothers share one bedroom; she has a mother who takes Bernice’s lunch money to have herself tattooed. But Bernice has a dream—to raise enough money by any means possible so she can go to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp and become a famous stuntwoman.
When her mother and boyfriend leave home with their own plans for stardom, Bernice is sent to the picture-perfect town of Halfway to live with her Aunt Josephine, a nun. And as Ms. Knightley advises, “Bernice, I know you may not believe what I’m about to say, but this might be the best thing that’s ever happened to you…Going to a new place is like starting over. It’s like a clean slate.” (41)
As she settles in to her new town with the support of her aunt, Sister Marie Francis who teaches her to ride a horse, and Sister Angela-Clarence who only speaks in children’s book quotes (which actually make more sense than the two other Sisters give credit), Bernice decides that “things could be different in Halfway. I could be different.” (53). Unfortunately, her first day at school she unwittingly makes an enemy of the mayor’s daughter. But she also makes her first real friend.
New Bernice and Old Bernice battle each other as she learns what being a “model citizen” entails. She also learns that, even though her family doesn’t appear to change, her goals might change as she becomes, according to Ms. Knightley observation on a visit to Halfway, “different.”
What I loved most about the novel was the writing. Author Niki Lenz, Children's Author captures Bernice’s voice, while I may not have laughed out loud, I giggled inside through the book, not wanting to stop reading, but not wanting to finish. This book would be a great read-aloud, using passages as a mentor text for Voice.
Bernice lives in the Lone Star Trailer Park where she sleeps on the sofa and her brothers share one bedroom; she has a mother who takes Bernice’s lunch money to have herself tattooed. But Bernice has a dream—to raise enough money by any means possible so she can go to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp and become a famous stuntwoman.
When her mother and boyfriend leave home with their own plans for stardom, Bernice is sent to the picture-perfect town of Halfway to live with her Aunt Josephine, a nun. And as Ms. Knightley advises, “Bernice, I know you may not believe what I’m about to say, but this might be the best thing that’s ever happened to you…Going to a new place is like starting over. It’s like a clean slate.” (41)
As she settles in to her new town with the support of her aunt, Sister Marie Francis who teaches her to ride a horse, and Sister Angela-Clarence who only speaks in children’s book quotes (which actually make more sense than the two other Sisters give credit), Bernice decides that “things could be different in Halfway. I could be different.” (53). Unfortunately, her first day at school she unwittingly makes an enemy of the mayor’s daughter. But she also makes her first real friend.
New Bernice and Old Bernice battle each other as she learns what being a “model citizen” entails. She also learns that, even though her family doesn’t appear to change, her goals might change as she becomes, according to Ms. Knightley observation on a visit to Halfway, “different.”
What I loved most about the novel was the writing. Author Niki Lenz, Children's Author captures Bernice’s voice, while I may not have laughed out loud, I giggled inside through the book, not wanting to stop reading, but not wanting to finish. This book would be a great read-aloud, using passages as a mentor text for Voice.
March 29, 2019
Bernice Buttman is unkind. Bernice Buttman is unpleasant. Bernice Buttman might pinch you, or twist your arm, or WORSE.
But.
Bernice Buttman is lonely. She wants a friend. She just doesn’t know how to make one.
Bernice has lots of adventures in this book - things that will make you laugh. Things that will make you shake your head. And you will definitely feel like eating cheese balls.
But the most compelling part of this story is Bernice herself. It’s impossible to read this book without rooting for her. She is a character you won’t forget.
Highly recommended!
But.
Bernice Buttman is lonely. She wants a friend. She just doesn’t know how to make one.
Bernice has lots of adventures in this book - things that will make you laugh. Things that will make you shake your head. And you will definitely feel like eating cheese balls.
But the most compelling part of this story is Bernice herself. It’s impossible to read this book without rooting for her. She is a character you won’t forget.
Highly recommended!
March 5, 2020
I seriously enjoyed this. Bernice Buttman is poor, lives in a trailer park, and may be a little bit of a bully. Due to running a charity scam and her mom finding out, she is sent to live with her aunt while her mom leaves to California to try to become a celebrity with her boyfriend.
Bernice's life isn't exactly happy but she has a way of telling her story that makes it funny and enjoyable. And while you might can't take all of the trailer park out of the girl, different environments can help her change her opinions of herself and see herself in a different light.
The title wasn't remotely appealing to me but don't judge a book by it's title. This book was a delight.
Bernice's life isn't exactly happy but she has a way of telling her story that makes it funny and enjoyable. And while you might can't take all of the trailer park out of the girl, different environments can help her change her opinions of herself and see herself in a different light.
The title wasn't remotely appealing to me but don't judge a book by it's title. This book was a delight.
August 15, 2021
I loved this book so much! It is based in Missouri, and not the “metro anyone can relate to” Missouri, but “my stompin’ grounds” Missouri! This makes me so happy because I rarely see kids that I grew up with and have taught represented in novels. Lenz nails the characters in this book! I especially loved Bernice and the way she is split between Old and New. I can’t wait to talk about this book with my students who will all be able to relate to these characters! Finally! Representation in all its trailer park, cheese ball, church carry-in dinner glory!
July 30, 2019
I am sure this book will appeal to many students because of some of the humor - her last name is Buttman after all - but I found it a little crude for my taste - not unusual with a number of middle-grade books I read to recommend. Bernice is the youngest child, with all older brothers, of a family that lives in Texas in a trailer park. And the family is pretty stereotypically what you would expect. Bernice has spent her life so far - she's in fifth grade - being a bully because that is what has been modeled for her. She doesn't have any friends and since none of her brothers are in her school anymore, she's decided that now she needs a friend. As you can guess, after years of being the bully and making less than appropriate choices, there aren't any kids willing to try to become her friend and she doesn't tend to go about it in a very constructive way. Early on her mother decides that she and her boyfriend Lloyd are going to Hollywood to try to make it in show business. While her brothers can continue to live together in the trailer home, Bernice is too young and is being sent to live with her aunt who lives a few towns over in a convent. When Bernice arrives and finds out that her aunt and the other two nuns in the convent have made a nice situation for Bernice, she decides to try to wipe the slate clean and become a new Bernice. She battles herself as she does this because her habits and reactions are well ingrained and she has to really think about how to change them and keep some control over herself. It's not easy, but Bernice doesn't give up and is able to make some changes and do some good things. It was frustrating to hear what she was thinking in her head because so much of it was inappropriate but you have to see that that is how she was brought up. She knows much of it is wrong but until she sees the advantages to being different and that others will accept some of this, without walking all over her either, she's able to take some baby steps. I know this is how some of our students operate and I know I should feel some additional sympathy for them and a greater understanding of their situation...maybe I will, but it's tough when you have to deal with students like this regularly. It's very tiring. But maybe...I can help someone to move in a more appropriate direction as Bernice does.
December 27, 2018
Yes, Bernice Buttman is kind of a bully. Or, she thinks she is, anyway. She's got a rep in her hometown to maintain after all, except maybe to the town librarian, who seems to see beneath Bernice's tough veneer, even when Bernice herself can't quite do the same.
But when Bernice's family sends her off to live with an aunt, Bernice realizes that she's got a chance to start over. And maybe also a chance to realize the kinds of dreams she's harbored all along: To figure out a way to stunt camp. To make a good friend. To be one, herself.
BERNICE BUTTMAN, MODEL CITIZEN is a hilarious and heartwarming debut, perfect for middle grade kids looking for a heap of both. Five out of five cheese puffs.
But when Bernice's family sends her off to live with an aunt, Bernice realizes that she's got a chance to start over. And maybe also a chance to realize the kinds of dreams she's harbored all along: To figure out a way to stunt camp. To make a good friend. To be one, herself.
BERNICE BUTTMAN, MODEL CITIZEN is a hilarious and heartwarming debut, perfect for middle grade kids looking for a heap of both. Five out of five cheese puffs.
February 15, 2019
Great character! Super funny! Wonderful writing!
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book and pretty much laughed my way through it. Bernice Buttman is one of the most unlikely yet endearing characters you’ll find. Rough around the edges and soft and gooey in the center. She can't seem to get out of her own way, and I loved her for it. Niki Lenz brings you right into Bernice's world, almost as if you are standing with her, sucking down the cheese puffs. She comes at you with the perfect amount of humor and then yanks it back in the most tender and unexpected ways. I think kids as well as adults will fall in love with Bernice.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader copy of this book and pretty much laughed my way through it. Bernice Buttman is one of the most unlikely yet endearing characters you’ll find. Rough around the edges and soft and gooey in the center. She can't seem to get out of her own way, and I loved her for it. Niki Lenz brings you right into Bernice's world, almost as if you are standing with her, sucking down the cheese puffs. She comes at you with the perfect amount of humor and then yanks it back in the most tender and unexpected ways. I think kids as well as adults will fall in love with Bernice.
September 6, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of this book, and fell in love!
Bernice is a big ol' bully with a heart of gold. Yes, she's rude and gruff, but she'll have you rooting for her from the first pages.
As a former elementary school teacher, I highly recommend this book as a read-aloud for classrooms. Through humor and a series of ridiculous events, it tells a tale that shows even the biggest bullies can change their ways, and that there's always time to turn over a new leaf.
Bernice is a big ol' bully with a heart of gold. Yes, she's rude and gruff, but she'll have you rooting for her from the first pages.
As a former elementary school teacher, I highly recommend this book as a read-aloud for classrooms. Through humor and a series of ridiculous events, it tells a tale that shows even the biggest bullies can change their ways, and that there's always time to turn over a new leaf.
July 13, 2018
You’re going to fall in love with Bernice and her wit, wickedness, and unapologetic her-ness. A believable and hilarious character, Bernice works hard to change herself and her path—from a bully from the trailer park to a decent friend living in a nunnery. Bernice learns that changing yourself is hard but making real friends might not be.
November 24, 2018
A story about cheese balls, armpit hugs, booger besties, wet willies, second chances, and finding the good in yourself that you never knew existed. A little bit of ‘potty’ humor, a whole lot of heart. So much voice in this novel that students will love! Add it to your must-buy list - on sale March 2019.
November 26, 2018
My daughter (10) and I enjoyed every chapter of this book! It's the perfect balance of salty and sweet Bernice. My daughter's favorite part was Bernice's horse adventures. It was motivating and heart-warming to watch Bernice transform herself to be a better/kinder person in the midst of difficult circumstances -- a difficult task for us all! We can't wait to read more books by Niki Lenz!
July 30, 2018
Absolutely delightful! Creative story, very accessible, and a fresh take on bullies. Fantastic humor, LOL on every page. Three-dimensional characters that grab you in a headlock and don't let you go. This is a must for every middle grade bookshelf; library, school and home.
September 25, 2018
There was not a single second of this book that I didn't enjoy. Hilarious and heartfelt. If you ever wanted a story from Gladys or Imogene Herdman's POV, this is it! I read it aloud to my daughter and every night she begged for one more chapter.
July 12, 2019
I just finished this sweet, funny, unique book, and blazed through it!! It’s so captivating, and kids will absolutely eat it up. Go snag a copy now!
September 3, 2019
With a last name like Buttman and a mother who steals her lunch money to get a tattoo, how can Bernice NOT be a bully?!
Want to read
November 20, 20192020 2021 Texas Bluebonnet List
When you're a Buttman, the label "bully" comes with the territory, and Bernice lives up to her name. But life as a bully is lonely, and if there's one thing Bernice really wants (even more than becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman), it's a true friend. After her mom skedaddles and leaves her in a new town with her aunt (who is also a real live nun), Bernice decides to mend her ways and become a model citizen. If her plan works, she just might be able to get herself to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp! But it's hard to be kind when no one shows you kindness, so a few cheesy pranks may still be up her sleeve. . . . Get ready to laugh out loud--and maybe even shed a tear--with this fantastic new middle-grade voice!
When you're a Buttman, the label "bully" comes with the territory, and Bernice lives up to her name. But life as a bully is lonely, and if there's one thing Bernice really wants (even more than becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman), it's a true friend. After her mom skedaddles and leaves her in a new town with her aunt (who is also a real live nun), Bernice decides to mend her ways and become a model citizen. If her plan works, she just might be able to get herself to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp! But it's hard to be kind when no one shows you kindness, so a few cheesy pranks may still be up her sleeve. . . . Get ready to laugh out loud--and maybe even shed a tear--with this fantastic new middle-grade voice!
April 4, 2020
This was so much fun and I know some kids who are going to LOVE it. The humor and voice are spectacular and kept this adult reader smiling all the way through. Though Bernice does a lot of mean things, from the first chapter, Lenz gives us a glimpse at Bernice's underlying loneliness and neglect. She's a product of her circumstances. We feel her need to connect, to make friends, to find a sense of home and family. That said, Bernice's spirit remains indomitable throughout. There's no melodrama or martyrdom. Just a hysterical kid on a mission for redemption. This is such a unique take on that arc and I'm so impressed with Lenz' ability to mix wacky antics with a heartfelt tale about empathy and kindness. Come for the cheese balls. Stay for the compassion.
Read
June 7, 2021Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. This down home redemption story was a breath of fresh air and made me proud of this local author. Bernice Buttman's voice rings true and I loved the little things like a horse named Hoof Hearted, the poker game played with banana stickers, and the book quote notes that Sister Angela-Clarence would leave for Bernice (one time on a Hubba Bubba wrapper). Readers who have enjoyed "Gertie's Leap to Greatness" and "Beverly, Right Here" will also want to read this debut from local author Niki Lenz. *Review by Darla from Red Bridge*
March 8, 2020
Adorable book! I loved that Bernice grew believably into a better person. She still kept her edge though. I enjoyed it, and I'm glad I was able to read it. As a Children's Librarian, there are TONS I want to read, but I don't get to read many of them. I mostly read book reviews ;-) Anyway, I think there could be a sequel to this one.
August 8, 2021
WAW 2021-2022 grades 3-5. A humorous story of 5th grader Bernice Buttman. She lives with her not so present mom and brothers in a trailer park outside of Kansas City, but after Bernice tries to swindle some money for stunt camp she is sent to live in Halfway, MO with her Aunt, a nun at a Catholic Church. Bernice has the chance to start over in Halfway and built a better reputation for herself.
June 16, 2021
Great book for kids! I’m looking for possible read alouds for my 4th grade class and this one is a YES! You’ll root for Bernice! Reminded me of the Herdman’s in the classic The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
November 14, 2019
I loved the journey that Bernice went on throughout this book. It shows that environment changes you. I am glad that Bernice was able to change and help out the nuns. I could see this being a series, but it did feel like a complete story.
CA
CA
October 13, 2021
Mark Twain Award nominee 2021-22. Funny book where a bully tries to reinvent herself. Good message, and I think a lot of my students could relate to her struggles to be a better person.
October 2, 2020
I really liked this. There was enough mischief and humor, but also a real desire for change and I suppose I like it most for the fact that my child was reading it and I saw a change in their desires.
It was written in a fun voice and shows well the development of character heart.
It was written in a fun voice and shows well the development of character heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews