Smart Cookies

Quinny & Hopper #3

by Adriana Brad Schanen

In book three of this sweet, hilarious series, Quinny petitions to overturn a new school-wide ban on sweets (the horror!), Hopper reinvents the "Friendship Bench" at recess, and both learn to embrace the qualities that make them who they are.

Genres: Childrens

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 5, 2018

About the author

Adriana Brad Schanen was born in Romania, raised in Chicago, and now lives just outside New York City with her husband, two daughters and a shaggy 60-pound lap dog named Oliver. She can usually be found in her attic study writing books for kids and teens or the occasional screenplay. Her debut early middle-grade novel, QUINNY & HOPPER, won the 2016 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Book Award, has been named to several state reading lists, and was nominated for the 2015-16 TLA Bluebonnet Award. A sequel, Q&H: PARTNERS IN SLIME, is now available, with a 3rd title in the series, Q&H: SMART COOKIES, forthcoming in 2018. Visit her at www.adrianabradschanen.com.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely not the target demographic for this series, but I love it so much that I'm considering finding copies for the permanent collection. The author absolutely doesn't say it outright anywhere, but Hopper is so autistic and Quinny is so ADHD and I just love them for it. I kind of wish I liked these books less so I could give a coherent review, but I'm all full of the squee right now, so this is what you get. Sorry (not sorry), internet.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Disney Books sent me an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review for review earlier this week, I hadn't heard of it before, but my son exclaimed, "Mom! Another Quinny and Hopper book?! Oh cool!" Let's just say its been a huge hit along with some cool mom bonus points! 🤣 These books are sweet and fun. Grab yours for a summer reading score!

[Dianna (SavingsInSeconds blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

Finding kid-empowered realistic fiction for middle childhood can be a challenge. I’m new to the Quinny & Hopper series, but starting with book 3 wasn’t a problem. Quinny & Hopper: Smart Cookies is a great standalone!

The main characters in this book are typical children in a third-grade public school classroom. Their peer interactions are described via two perspectives: Quinny, a rambunctious Junie B. Jones-type of girl, and Hopper, an introspective quiet sort of boy. The 3rd graders and their siblings take over the neighborhood in an old-fashioned type of way. The kids are all involved in the care of the neighbor’s chickens. Parents (and a babysitter) are busy carpooling groups of kids to soccer practice, skating lessons, and swimming at the Y. It’s quaint and charming, but there’s more behind the scenes.

Kids of all ages will find something to relate to. Author Adriana Brad Schanen vividly describes everyday occurrences such as the angst of weaning a child from her Binky. When the principal at WVES enacts the new “healthy snacks” rule, it’s fun to see how the students find a voice. There were many teachable moments in the story, too.

There were some parts of the story I didn’t like. Quinny’s parents were very indulgent of her behavior, even when she was sassy and almost defiant. Academic achievement was downplayed with the characters viewing themselves as either “smart” or “dumb.” Quinny’s eventual success with math was hard-earned, but she still regarded her progress as “almost.” The story line had so many different angles that it was difficult to stay focused on one outcome. Quinny & Hopper: Smart Cookiesfollow would make a good read aloud, though, for parents or teachers who want to read one or two short chapters at a time. The dual perspective provides an interesting view of each situation, and it opens a door for good discussions about friendship, compromise, and acceptance of each other.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's so much in this book to talk about: friendship, feelings, rumors, social rejection. We could also talk about reading, learning to read, struggling with math, getting help and about knowing yourself as a learner and a person. How I long to have conversations with my class about who they feel most like: Quinny, Hopper, Victoria, Alex, Caleb, Kaitlen, Janice or another character they've noticed that I didn't.

Do ideas belong to everyone? How do we recognize each other? Do we always remember to thank others for their help?

[Lainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much and it's my favorite in the series!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope that Adriana Schanen writes more. I love that she faces current issues (ie bullying, loneliness etc) and shows how to handle it.

[The Keepers of the Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

When cookies and sweet treats are banned at school, Quinny decides to put together a petition to get cookies back. After all, cookies and treats make everything better. When a list starts going around that lists Quinny as the dumbest kid in their class, Hopper tries to use his math smarts to help Quinny improve without her finding out. To add further challenges to their friendship, the when Hopper tries to amend the Friendship Bench into a little free library, some people try to take credit for it. Can Quinny and Hopper's friendship adapt to their new challenges? The characters are likable and draw the reader into the story. The plot is well-developed, engaging, and enjoyable. Fans of humorous realistic fiction and friendship fiction will enjoy reading this book.


Please Note: A copy of this book was given to us in exchange for an honest reviews. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are our own.


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