Everybody Is Somebody

Here's Hank #12

by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver

In the final book of this bestselling easy-to-read series, Hank begins a new chapter!

When a well-known author of a beloved book series visits Hank's school, he and his two best friends get the chance to be her guide for the day and introduce her at an assembly. But Hank, embarrassed by his struggles with reading, tries to hide the fact that he's never actually finished reading the author's books--or any book, for that matter! So Hank gets creative and makes up his own version of the story. But will everyone be able to tell fact from fiction?

This bestselling series written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver is perfect for the transitional reader. With a unique, easy-to-read font, endless humor, and characters every kid would want to be friends with, any story with Hank is an adventure!

Genres: School, Friendship

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 29, 2019

About the author

Henry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.

Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.

Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The use of the Dyslexie font in the Here's Hank books, as well as the updates to the Hank Zipzer series, are refreshing. In addition, Hank's list of obstacles to reading books is incredibly useful. However, I have concerns about some characters (e.g., the big bully, Mrs. Adolf), as well as some of the illustrations (e.g., his friend Ashley's apparently Asian grandmother). Hank is a realistic and relatable character and readers can learn from his challenges, yet the inclusion of stock and outdated characters introduces unnecessary stereotypes.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this twelfth book featuring Hank Zipzer, Hank is feeling the sting of inadequacy when compared to his younger sister, Emily, who is a much better reader and student than he is. But he never lets himself stay down for long, and when a famous children's author visits the school, Hank hopes to get to introduce her at the school assembly. But reading her book proves too difficult for him, and his nemesis is determined to embarrass him because of that during the visit. But the author is charmed by Hank's personality and humor and turns things around for the boy. Hank feels proud of himself and is now sure that he will be able to be somebody special when he grows up. Young readers will appreciate the positive messages about staying true to oneself that are threaded through the story, but they will also appreciate Hank's struggles. I liked his mother's reassuring words to him at the conclusion, paying homage to his own unique ways of doing things. After all, there are many ways to shine, and Hank seems to have found some of them even while acknowledging that there are areas in which he struggles. There will be many youngsters who will relate to Hank and his experiences. The large and unique font and the supporting illustrations make this a book that will appeal to many young readers.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank Zipzer is my hero. The Hanks of this world struggle under such unbelievable odds to be seen and heard in their little realms without letting their classmates see that their dyslexia prevents them from being a reader. Hank wants his picture to appear on the school bulletin board more than anything. His sister Emily has been there twice as Student of the Month, but Hank knows there is no way for him.
With the encouragement of a caring science teacher and librarian as well as a very hip visiting author, not to mention his two best friends, hank learns that he is very special indeed. A writer! So dear to my heart! Henry Winkler has walked this walk. Even the font is dyslexia friendly.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads somewhat like it could be the first book in which kids meet Hank and learn about his reading disability. I did find the Dislexie font easy to scan and hope that special education teachers and students do as well.

Only made it to Chapter 5 but I can see how the series will be useful. I can remember back when Here's to Niagra Falls came out how 3rd/4th teachers would read it aloud and kids would read more in the series independently. Sure that probably also works for the Here's Hank series.

[Mary Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This last book in the series is the first one I've read. Why isn't anyone doing anything to help Hank with his dyslexia? I did find it interesting that the book is printed in a special font that makes it easier for those with dyslexia to read.

[Devorah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Paula Hart, because I liked her earrings, necklace and bracelets. She is an author and she wrote a book called Journey to Jupiter. Hank doesn't know how to read so he calls it something else... read the book to find out!
I recommend you read this book if you like funny books

[Jaymie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cute, but I was hoping the story would do more with Hank's reading struggles.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever little story. I think the author, Henry Winkler, is revealing his life through the main character, Hank.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding ending to a truly great series.