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How Oliver Olson Changed the World
How Oliver Olson Changed the World is an irresistible chapter book from Claudia Mills, featuring lively illustrations by Heather Maione. Oliver Olson learns that before you can change the world, sometimes you need to change yourself.
Oliver Olson's teacher is always saying that one person with a big idea can change the world. But how is Oliver supposed to change the world when his parents won't let him do anything on his own―not his class projects or even attending activities such as the space sleepover at school. Afraid he will become an outsider like ex-planet Pluto, Oliver decides to take control of his corner of the universe!
Oliver Olson's teacher is always saying that one person with a big idea can change the world. But how is Oliver supposed to change the world when his parents won't let him do anything on his own―not his class projects or even attending activities such as the space sleepover at school. Afraid he will become an outsider like ex-planet Pluto, Oliver decides to take control of his corner of the universe!
112 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2009
17 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Mills
84 books135 followersClaudia 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 25, 2009
I’ve a little early chapter book radar in my left frontal lobe. Every time I’m handed a pile of books that little radar beeps out a series of signals in a desperate attempt to find that rarest of rare children’s titles: the early chapter book that’s actually really good. It’s a tough game to play. Nine times out of ten an early chapter book for kids wavers between easy readers and Harry Potter-sized tomes that are benevolent at best, dull and preachy at worst. But if you scout about and read enough of them, once in a while you’ll strike a small vein of gold. How Oliver Olson Changed the World by Claudia Mills is better than gold. Better than diamonds and jewels. It’s an early chapter book that’s thoughtful, original, funny, and wry. And if you ever wanted to teach an eight-year-old about metaphors, that’s also worked into the mix, just for kicks.
What Oliver Olson has, kids worldwide would kill for. His parents do his homework for him. You wanna know something though? Come in close here. The fact of the matter? Oliver hates it. He really does. Ever since he was a sickly baby his mom and dad have been Mr. and Mrs. Overprotective. He can’t tell them about his planetary diorama without them wanting to make it for him (while refusing to let him leave while they do it). He can’t have sleepovers, and when he goes biking it can only be around their little cul-de-sac. So when the chance comes to make a diorama with Crystal from school, his hopes are not high that his parents will let him do it. Nor does he think he has any chance of being allowed to attend his class's sleepover. Fortunately, Crystal is just the kid to get Oliver to stand up for himself and to try new things. And in the end, maybe he hasn’t changed THE world, but he’s certainly changed his own.
Claudia Mills is no fresh-faced newbie without a title to her name. The woman’s been around the block a couple times. She knows her children’s books. You know that cute easy reader series about Gus and Grandpa? Yeah. That’s her. But somehow (and in the vast a field of children’s literature this isn’t that surprising) I’ve never read a Claudia Mills penned title before. Now I have, and I like what I see. Mills has an easygoing style and an engaging series of characters. She’s very good at paring down people and situations to their most essential elements. That means that her stories stay interesting, but also manage to convey a large swath of concepts, ideas, people, and plot elements. Writing a good, a really good, early chapter book is very hard to do. Much harder than writing a wordy novel, so credit to Ms. Mills where credit is due.
There’s a lot of subtle humor going on with this book too. Stuff that kids will find funny and adults will find funny. Kids will probably find the continual destruction of Oliver’s model of Pluto amusing. Adults will enjoy watching Oliver’s parents become baffled by the fact that if this model was to scale (as the school instructions insist) it would have to be absolutely gigantic. Actually, kids will probably find that pretty amusing too. And I love that Oliver’s dad is completely dedicated to doing his son’s diorama, even though he hates doing it. It doesn’t even occur to him to make Oliver do it himself, either. The payoff to this comes later when Oliver asks if he can do the diorama with his friend Crystal and his dad’s diorama-based disgust allows his son to do something that would normally be verboten.
Speaking of humor, Oliver reminded me a lot of the character of Donuthead from Sue Stauffacher’s book of the same name. But while Donuthead’s germ and danger phobia is self-induced, Oliver’s has been inflicted upon him by his well-meaning if dim parents. Also, Donuthead was primarily about a kid learning to trust the world. Oliver Olson in contrast is about a kid learning where he fits in.
There’s a lot of depth to this slim 104-page book. With all the kids protesting the fact that Pluto has been kicked out of the planet club (so to speak) the last thing you’d expect would be Pluto’s strongest defender to see the other side and reconsider the position. How many books for kids can you think of where a child character takes a bold stand on a potentially heroic issue, then changes their mind afterwards to consider the counter-arguments? That kind of mature attitude is missing from some teen novels, let alone little books intended for the under-twelve crowd.
Librarians periodically like to do “booktalks” for older kids. They hold up a chapter book and essentially sell it to the kids with a catchy description. How Oliver Olson Changed the World sells itself, though, if you merely walk in front of kids and say, “What would it be like if your parents did all your homework. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Oliver Olson’s parents do that. And you know what? It’s torture!” You’ll have ‘em eating out of your hand and clamoring for this book before you’ve finished giving your spiel. Oliver Olson is rare fruit. A smart, succinct little creation with a great premise and good writing. I am a fan. Kids will be too. Pluck it.
Ages 6-10.
What Oliver Olson has, kids worldwide would kill for. His parents do his homework for him. You wanna know something though? Come in close here. The fact of the matter? Oliver hates it. He really does. Ever since he was a sickly baby his mom and dad have been Mr. and Mrs. Overprotective. He can’t tell them about his planetary diorama without them wanting to make it for him (while refusing to let him leave while they do it). He can’t have sleepovers, and when he goes biking it can only be around their little cul-de-sac. So when the chance comes to make a diorama with Crystal from school, his hopes are not high that his parents will let him do it. Nor does he think he has any chance of being allowed to attend his class's sleepover. Fortunately, Crystal is just the kid to get Oliver to stand up for himself and to try new things. And in the end, maybe he hasn’t changed THE world, but he’s certainly changed his own.
Claudia Mills is no fresh-faced newbie without a title to her name. The woman’s been around the block a couple times. She knows her children’s books. You know that cute easy reader series about Gus and Grandpa? Yeah. That’s her. But somehow (and in the vast a field of children’s literature this isn’t that surprising) I’ve never read a Claudia Mills penned title before. Now I have, and I like what I see. Mills has an easygoing style and an engaging series of characters. She’s very good at paring down people and situations to their most essential elements. That means that her stories stay interesting, but also manage to convey a large swath of concepts, ideas, people, and plot elements. Writing a good, a really good, early chapter book is very hard to do. Much harder than writing a wordy novel, so credit to Ms. Mills where credit is due.
There’s a lot of subtle humor going on with this book too. Stuff that kids will find funny and adults will find funny. Kids will probably find the continual destruction of Oliver’s model of Pluto amusing. Adults will enjoy watching Oliver’s parents become baffled by the fact that if this model was to scale (as the school instructions insist) it would have to be absolutely gigantic. Actually, kids will probably find that pretty amusing too. And I love that Oliver’s dad is completely dedicated to doing his son’s diorama, even though he hates doing it. It doesn’t even occur to him to make Oliver do it himself, either. The payoff to this comes later when Oliver asks if he can do the diorama with his friend Crystal and his dad’s diorama-based disgust allows his son to do something that would normally be verboten.
Speaking of humor, Oliver reminded me a lot of the character of Donuthead from Sue Stauffacher’s book of the same name. But while Donuthead’s germ and danger phobia is self-induced, Oliver’s has been inflicted upon him by his well-meaning if dim parents. Also, Donuthead was primarily about a kid learning to trust the world. Oliver Olson in contrast is about a kid learning where he fits in.
There’s a lot of depth to this slim 104-page book. With all the kids protesting the fact that Pluto has been kicked out of the planet club (so to speak) the last thing you’d expect would be Pluto’s strongest defender to see the other side and reconsider the position. How many books for kids can you think of where a child character takes a bold stand on a potentially heroic issue, then changes their mind afterwards to consider the counter-arguments? That kind of mature attitude is missing from some teen novels, let alone little books intended for the under-twelve crowd.
Librarians periodically like to do “booktalks” for older kids. They hold up a chapter book and essentially sell it to the kids with a catchy description. How Oliver Olson Changed the World sells itself, though, if you merely walk in front of kids and say, “What would it be like if your parents did all your homework. Wouldn’t that be awesome? Oliver Olson’s parents do that. And you know what? It’s torture!” You’ll have ‘em eating out of your hand and clamoring for this book before you’ve finished giving your spiel. Oliver Olson is rare fruit. A smart, succinct little creation with a great premise and good writing. I am a fan. Kids will be too. Pluck it.
Ages 6-10.
February 18, 2019
Cute kids book, ok on audio. Didn't love the narrator.
October 21, 2009
I was looking for a cute and carefree book to booktalk to a bunch of third graders. I came across this book on a list of best books of the year and I struck gold!
Oliver Olson is a third grader who has very overprotective parents. So overprotective that they want to do his homework for him, just to make sure he gets all the points he deserves. They are lovely parents and love him very much, just a wee bit overbearing.
Oliver's class is studying the solar system, which Oliver is really enjoying. He gets roped into making his solar system diorama with the most talkative girl in the third grade, Claudette. On one hand, this is excellent because that means his parents won't do his homework. On the other hand, he has to work with Claudette.
Things take a turn for the worse when the class discovers that Pluto has been declared no longer a planet. Oliver starts to feel like Pluto - the left out planet, who is not getting what he deserves. He must struggle with becoming independent from his parents (he really wants to go to the class overnighter where they'll look at the stars and planets with a REAL telescope!), learning to speak up and voice his opinion in class, and just be a kid.
What makes this book so excellent is that it is simple. It's a simple school story that many kids will relate to. If they don't relate to Oliver and his lack of confidence then they will to Claudette and her difficulty just shutting up in class. There are very funny parts, but also poignant and heartfelt times as well. This would make a great read aloud, but could also suck some kids in because they see themselves in Oliver.
Oliver Olson is a third grader who has very overprotective parents. So overprotective that they want to do his homework for him, just to make sure he gets all the points he deserves. They are lovely parents and love him very much, just a wee bit overbearing.
Oliver's class is studying the solar system, which Oliver is really enjoying. He gets roped into making his solar system diorama with the most talkative girl in the third grade, Claudette. On one hand, this is excellent because that means his parents won't do his homework. On the other hand, he has to work with Claudette.
Things take a turn for the worse when the class discovers that Pluto has been declared no longer a planet. Oliver starts to feel like Pluto - the left out planet, who is not getting what he deserves. He must struggle with becoming independent from his parents (he really wants to go to the class overnighter where they'll look at the stars and planets with a REAL telescope!), learning to speak up and voice his opinion in class, and just be a kid.
What makes this book so excellent is that it is simple. It's a simple school story that many kids will relate to. If they don't relate to Oliver and his lack of confidence then they will to Claudette and her difficulty just shutting up in class. There are very funny parts, but also poignant and heartfelt times as well. This would make a great read aloud, but could also suck some kids in because they see themselves in Oliver.
November 26, 2009
Grades 1-3 for read aloud or solo for chapter book readers
Oliver Olsen has parents who love him, who want the best for him, and who will do all in their power to make sure he is safe, well protected, and succeeds, even if that means doing his homework for him and not letting him participate in the annual 3rd grade school astronomy overnight. Subtly the book is about change, following the decision to remove the planetary status of Pluto, and Oliver growing enough to make his needs known to his parents. I enjoyed seeing how the characters grow to accommodate their new statuses in the family, and how they struggle to connect who they are with who they want to become, I think it fits well into the developmental states of first through their graders who are no longer little kids, but typically are not old enough to be seen as really responsible or self sufficient. – short chapters, and a few pictures make this novel good for those who are just moving from transitional series books to the shelves of the J Fic.
Oliver Olsen has parents who love him, who want the best for him, and who will do all in their power to make sure he is safe, well protected, and succeeds, even if that means doing his homework for him and not letting him participate in the annual 3rd grade school astronomy overnight. Subtly the book is about change, following the decision to remove the planetary status of Pluto, and Oliver growing enough to make his needs known to his parents. I enjoyed seeing how the characters grow to accommodate their new statuses in the family, and how they struggle to connect who they are with who they want to become, I think it fits well into the developmental states of first through their graders who are no longer little kids, but typically are not old enough to be seen as really responsible or self sufficient. – short chapters, and a few pictures make this novel good for those who are just moving from transitional series books to the shelves of the J Fic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2009
Oliver Olson leads a sheltered and protected life thanks to his parents, who do his homework and make sure everything is clean and safe. Because of this upbringing, Oliver is timid and unsure of himself. When his class is assigned a project on the solar system and will have a sleepover with space-related activities, Oliver might find his chance to step outside the lines and become a slightly bolder version of himself.
This one was...fine. Harmless but little charm. I guess there was an important message, but I didn't find anything special or even that engaging. I thought Oliver to be a wuss and his parents to be too over the top. Was this supposed to be a farce or realistic?
I'm probably being too harsh on this one because it's part of our Mock Newbery, and I don't think it should be considered. Pretty mediocre if you ask me.
This one was...fine. Harmless but little charm. I guess there was an important message, but I didn't find anything special or even that engaging. I thought Oliver to be a wuss and his parents to be too over the top. Was this supposed to be a farce or realistic?
I'm probably being too harsh on this one because it's part of our Mock Newbery, and I don't think it should be considered. Pretty mediocre if you ask me.
June 23, 2017
I read the Chinese version of this book to my 3rd graders. They received the book quite differently. All the girls loved it! They were extremely engaged. They were curious to find out what happened to Oliver's project and his space night. Going in hand in hand with their Astronomy unit, it fitted very well. For most of the boy, they didn't care for it too much. It could be caused by the language barrier, but I think they were not as interested in Oliver's story compared to the girls. Overall, I recommend using this book with Astronomy unit since students can relate to the story easily. The language is humorous and vivid.
May 26, 2009
Pretty ordinary school story from a writer who does nice ordinary books for kids. Nothing here to rock my world or theirs.
Parents who read this to their oh so precocious 3 year olds instead of letting their kids read it by themselves will fail to recognize themselves in Oliver's smothering parents--but sadly I know a lot of parents who fit this profile. You can spot them at any science fair with the project they did for their child and by their saying that "we" are in the fourth grade. Sigh.....
Parents who read this to their oh so precocious 3 year olds instead of letting their kids read it by themselves will fail to recognize themselves in Oliver's smothering parents--but sadly I know a lot of parents who fit this profile. You can spot them at any science fair with the project they did for their child and by their saying that "we" are in the fourth grade. Sigh.....
November 6, 2011
Loved this school-related story about a fourth grade boy who is learning to think for himself and assert some independence from his parents.
Oliver's character is the male, fourth-grade version of Clementine in Clementine's Letter. I agree that this book would work well as a read-aloud in an elementary setting.
Oliver's character is the male, fourth-grade version of Clementine in Clementine's Letter. I agree that this book would work well as a read-aloud in an elementary setting.
December 24, 2017
Spoiler ahead - I thought my son would enjoy reading this easier chapter book about Oliver, a boy defending Pluto as a planet, making a new friend, and gaining some confidence to deal with his overprotective parents. He did enjoy it, until near the end when Oliver decides that Pluto really shouldn't be considered a planet after all. So, if you have a child who strongly thinks Pluto should be considered a planet, I would not recommend this book.
September 20, 2012
Oliver believes that a big idea can change the world, but so far the only changed that he managed to do was working on his diorama with his chatter-box partner Crystal. But how can Oliver changed the world when his parents are not allowing him to have a sleepover with the class to learn all together about the solar system supposed to be the most exicting event for a third-grader.
January 19, 2018
I’m an overprotective parent so I don’t like this book. Hardy har har.
Okay, in all seriousness, it’s a simple story and unremarkable. Quite forgettable really.
Okay, in all seriousness, it’s a simple story and unremarkable. Quite forgettable really.
November 5, 2017
I thought that this book was well written by Claudia Mills. Although I thought that Mrs O'Neill talked too much to the class leaving little room for student learning, I can understand why this was the case for the purpose of keeping the reader interested. I admire Crystal Harding's determination and enthusiasm. She became very passionate about Pluto especially, in why it shouldn't have been unclassed as a planet when it had been for so long. Classes need to have more students like her, showing a passion for learning, thinking critically and being enthusiastic about asking higher level questions. I felt so sorry for Oliver Olson throughout the story. His parents are very "helicopter parents". He wasn't allowed to watch cartoons, go to sleepovers, do his homework, even tie his shoelaces. I am so grateful that in the end, his parents allowed him to go to the space sleepover. This event was an essential part of the unit of work on space, providing the class with an authentic learning experience. I admire Oliver's bravery for standing up to his parents, telling them that they no longer had to do everything for him and he could actually do things himself. It turns out he could come up with some pretty good ideas without his parents' input - having Pluto hold a "Let me in!" sign on the diorama and coming up with a world-changing idea that parents shouldn't be allowed to help with homework. I completely agree with his idea, as students do not learn anything at home when they can get their parents to "help" them with homework. The only other criticism of this book is that I didn't think that Oliver's idea was "world-changing", as he didn't really change the world as a result of his idea. But I get that the title of the book is to do with the class sending world-changing ideas to Senator Levitt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
I think Claudia Mills is officially an autobuy author for me. This is another great story about a boy named Oliver. He was sick as a toddler and now his mom is very overprotective. He's given the assignment of making a diorama of the solar system. His parents try to take it over and do it for him but then he decides to partner with an opinionated little girl named Crystal. She is upset that Pluto has been excluded and she wants to do a somewhat unique spin on things. Their diorama turns out great. The kids also have to write to their senator and give an idea of how to change the world. Oliver's suggestion is to have less parental involvement in homework. Crystal sends it in without Oliver's knowledge and then its spotlighted. Oliver and his parents both realize he's ready for more independence. Overall, a great read. I wanted to know more about Oliver!
May 14, 2017
Oliver Olson has helicopter parents, a seriously overprotective couple who insist on doing all his homework for him. But Oliver actually wants to do his own school work, and maybe learn something along the way. He also wants desperately to attend the most awesome event of third grade - the space sleepover to which his hovering mother finds a million objections.
When he accidentally teams up with an unlikely partner for the solar system diorama project, thereby eliminating the possibility of his parents making it for him, things change dramatically for Oliver. This is a smart, witty chapter book full of heart, perceptive realizations, and painful change. Realistic and relevant. Put this into as many children's hands as possible. Should be required reading for all parents.
When he accidentally teams up with an unlikely partner for the solar system diorama project, thereby eliminating the possibility of his parents making it for him, things change dramatically for Oliver. This is a smart, witty chapter book full of heart, perceptive realizations, and painful change. Realistic and relevant. Put this into as many children's hands as possible. Should be required reading for all parents.
February 5, 2021
Oliver is an overprotected kid in third grade who starts pushing against his parents' (but especially his mom's) tendency to do everything for him. He's a rather quiet kid who doesn't complain much but sees things the way they are, and then is willing to make an effort to fix them. I also liked his friendships with the kids in the class, especially Claudia, his project partner.
I liked his teacher but I'm a bit appalled that she somehow managed to forget who the first person in space was, apparently because she was only teaching about America in space. Hmm. She didn't even mention the first dog in space when the kids were asking about animals, but that may have been because their reaction to Laika's fate would have been a bit extreme, especially the bunny loving girl.
I liked his teacher but I'm a bit appalled that she somehow managed to forget who the first person in space was, apparently because she was only teaching about America in space. Hmm. She didn't even mention the first dog in space when the kids were asking about animals, but that may have been because their reaction to Laika's fate would have been a bit extreme, especially the bunny loving girl.
July 10, 2025
One of the better transition level books I've read in a long time. I love how a new friend, just by being herself, helps Oliver much more than his parents can. If a young reader can't identify with, or recognize, Oliver, maybe they can see themselves being a friend like Crystal.
I love the teacher, too. Should Pluto have kept being called a planet for "historical and cultural" reasons? She says:
"I don't know. What do you think? Is that a good reason for doing something? Because we've always done it that way before?"
I love the Q&A in the back, too. And I definitely want to read more by the author.
I love the teacher, too. Should Pluto have kept being called a planet for "historical and cultural" reasons? She says:
"I don't know. What do you think? Is that a good reason for doing something? Because we've always done it that way before?"
I love the Q&A in the back, too. And I definitely want to read more by the author.
September 11, 2021
Originality twenty points, Oliver's mother read. Well, a diorama in a computer box would be original, Oliver supposed. So would a diorama in a refrigerator box, or a moving van.
If Pluto had gotten to be a planet for all those years, why change things now?
What harm would it do to let Pluto stay a planet?
You cold put it outside the shoe box and make a sign for it that says "Let me in!"
There should be a law that all kids were allowed to attend all school activities, especially sleepovers. Or that parents were required to listen - really listen - to what their kids wanted to do.
If Pluto had gotten to be a planet for all those years, why change things now?
What harm would it do to let Pluto stay a planet?
You cold put it outside the shoe box and make a sign for it that says "Let me in!"
There should be a law that all kids were allowed to attend all school activities, especially sleepovers. Or that parents were required to listen - really listen - to what their kids wanted to do.
Read
July 26, 2022I actually read this book because my sister is a teacher and she got it from her school’s library to understand the kind of books children read and stuff, I actually started reading it randomly one evening, finished it in about an hour or less than an hour more so. It is such a simple book yet it has an impact that is so so important for children and everyone for that matter needs to know, these are the simple things we all know but don’t apply and don’t give much importance but these simple things make all the difference
October 26, 2017
I’m just building my repertoire of literature for smaller friends, but I thought this one was well done. I can see it appealing to third grade, and it can easily be used to teach plot/theme. There is a theme present, it would make a great intro for a kid just learning to infer the message.
October 3, 2020
Considering that Oliver's parents are so overprotective that they won't let him go on sleepovers and they also really like to help him with his homework, he is amazingly well-adjusted. Not much diversity, but with a great teacher and good friends 3rd grade is a success.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
This is a humorous, quick read about a 3rd grade boy who is trying to find himself and a little independence while working on a class project. Science facts about space exploration and planets are sprinkled throughout the story and Oliver and his friends are likable and empathetic characters.
Read
October 17, 2023This book is about a young but who feels like he doesn’t fit in but finds his passion learning about the solar system.
April 6, 2024
3.5 - 4 stars. Not my favorite of Claudia Mills. Kids will learn a good amount about the planets and becoming independent from their parents.
November 7, 2013
Junior Books Project
Category: Realistic Fiction
Source: Dr. Kimmel
The book is a short read of 100 pages. The print is really big so the chapters may seem long, but really aren't. The front of the cover is a picture of a boy sitting at a school desk looking up at the planets hanging from the ceiling above him. This must be Oliver and he seems to be in deep thought or intrigued by the planets. On the back cover is a little question and answer trivia about parts of the book. The questions are very easy so you don't need to have read the book in order to answer them correctly. When you open up the book, the left jacket flap has a short summary of the story and a small bio of both the author and illustrator. On the right jacket flap are reviews for another one of Mills' stories, "Being Teddy Roosevelt." There are several illustrations throughout the book. These illustrations depict what is going on at that point in the book. Other than the illustration on the front cover, the other illustrations are in black and white and all the illustrations take up the whole page.
This realistic fiction book is about a young third grader named Oliver. His class is learning about the planets and his teacher has assigned the class to make a diorama of the solar system and to write one big idea to send to the state Senator. Oliver's parents always seem to do everything for him--including his homework--but this time, he has the chance to do the project himself with his classmate, Crystal. Oliver usually is the type to stay quiet and let his parents run his life, but with the help of this project and Crystal, Oliver finds a voice within himself. He stands up to his parents about always doing everything for him, learns about the planet--or not so much anymore--Pluto, and how people can help "change the world" through legislation. This would be a good read for kids between the grades 3rd through 5th.
I really enjoyed this book. The author had Oliver narrate the story so we were able to live through Oliver and see how he felt inside about the things going on in his life. I can relate to this story a little bit because I remember my mom helping me with my projects when I was younger also. It can get frustrating when parents are too involved in their kids' assignments/projects to where the student can't learn for himself. I can also relate in the sense that my parents were so strict when I was younger. It was nearly impossible for me and my sisters to be able to do anything outside the household.
This would be a great book to introduce the solar system. Another great assignment to piggyback off from this book is to write to state legislators about things they can do to help make the world a better place. Students can learn about the roles of these legislators, what it takes to become one, and how ideas can be turned into laws.
Category: Realistic Fiction
Source: Dr. Kimmel
The book is a short read of 100 pages. The print is really big so the chapters may seem long, but really aren't. The front of the cover is a picture of a boy sitting at a school desk looking up at the planets hanging from the ceiling above him. This must be Oliver and he seems to be in deep thought or intrigued by the planets. On the back cover is a little question and answer trivia about parts of the book. The questions are very easy so you don't need to have read the book in order to answer them correctly. When you open up the book, the left jacket flap has a short summary of the story and a small bio of both the author and illustrator. On the right jacket flap are reviews for another one of Mills' stories, "Being Teddy Roosevelt." There are several illustrations throughout the book. These illustrations depict what is going on at that point in the book. Other than the illustration on the front cover, the other illustrations are in black and white and all the illustrations take up the whole page.
This realistic fiction book is about a young third grader named Oliver. His class is learning about the planets and his teacher has assigned the class to make a diorama of the solar system and to write one big idea to send to the state Senator. Oliver's parents always seem to do everything for him--including his homework--but this time, he has the chance to do the project himself with his classmate, Crystal. Oliver usually is the type to stay quiet and let his parents run his life, but with the help of this project and Crystal, Oliver finds a voice within himself. He stands up to his parents about always doing everything for him, learns about the planet--or not so much anymore--Pluto, and how people can help "change the world" through legislation. This would be a good read for kids between the grades 3rd through 5th.
I really enjoyed this book. The author had Oliver narrate the story so we were able to live through Oliver and see how he felt inside about the things going on in his life. I can relate to this story a little bit because I remember my mom helping me with my projects when I was younger also. It can get frustrating when parents are too involved in their kids' assignments/projects to where the student can't learn for himself. I can also relate in the sense that my parents were so strict when I was younger. It was nearly impossible for me and my sisters to be able to do anything outside the household.
This would be a great book to introduce the solar system. Another great assignment to piggyback off from this book is to write to state legislators about things they can do to help make the world a better place. Students can learn about the roles of these legislators, what it takes to become one, and how ideas can be turned into laws.
May 16, 2022
This is one of those books that didn’t match the blurb, which says: “Before you can change the world, sometimes you need to change yourself.” That sounded fine, but it is absolutely not the main message of the book.
Little boy is tired of his parents not just helping with, but taking over his school projects, so he goes to work on it with a friend whose parents don’t interfere. So far, so good. But the children are also asked to make a suggestion to a state legislator to enact a new law. This is Oliver’s entry:
Little boy is tired of his parents not just helping with, but taking over his school projects, so he goes to work on it with a friend whose parents don’t interfere. So far, so good. But the children are also asked to make a suggestion to a state legislator to enact a new law. This is Oliver’s entry:
Oliver suggested a school policy that parents not be allowed to help with homework. . . It isn’t fair to the students who have to do their own work without help. And it isn’t fair to the students who get extra help, either, because they don’t learn as much.That’s laying the idea that parents should leave teaching totally to the professionals (teachers) on with a trowel. Given recent concerns about schools trying to cut parents out of the whole education process, this message made be reject the entire book. But I can see why teachers are giving it 5 stars.
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December 6, 20111. Junior Book, contemporary realism
2. Oliver Olson never gets to do anything. His parents help him with his homework and worry about him. He decides to do something different with his diorama and in the process changes his life.
3. This is a wonderful little book all about how even little decisions can make a big change. The book really gives a child confidence that they can make changes. They can get their parents to change the way they treat them (about some things). They can change the way they look at things. They can become who they want to be if they make a change. Even Oliver discovers that he can tell his parents what he wants without worrying that they will say anything but "No". This is a great book to encourage kids to make their own choices and to realize that even they can change the world. Or at least, their world.
4. This is a great book for younger readers. Oliver is similar to the reader, he is a ordinary third grader and he wants to do ordinary third grade things. It really allows the reader to relate to him. This is a great way to encourage kids to read. It is a great book, it is not too big or too short, it is a good book to ease into larger chapter books.
2. Oliver Olson never gets to do anything. His parents help him with his homework and worry about him. He decides to do something different with his diorama and in the process changes his life.
3. This is a wonderful little book all about how even little decisions can make a big change. The book really gives a child confidence that they can make changes. They can get their parents to change the way they treat them (about some things). They can change the way they look at things. They can become who they want to be if they make a change. Even Oliver discovers that he can tell his parents what he wants without worrying that they will say anything but "No". This is a great book to encourage kids to make their own choices and to realize that even they can change the world. Or at least, their world.
4. This is a great book for younger readers. Oliver is similar to the reader, he is a ordinary third grader and he wants to do ordinary third grade things. It really allows the reader to relate to him. This is a great way to encourage kids to read. It is a great book, it is not too big or too short, it is a good book to ease into larger chapter books.
July 9, 2009
Third grade Oliver’s biggest problem is his mother. She does everything for him from tying his shoes to doing his homework. Oliver is not terribly brave when it comes to experiencing the dubious wonders of a bouncy room, or having dogs jump on him and sniff in embarrassing areas, but he would really like a crack at doing his own projects. When his teacher assigns a diorama of the solar system to the class, Oliver’s parents jump in with boxes and Styrofoam in characteristic fashion. In a surprising subversive move Oliver makes an alliance with Crystal, a crusading classmate, to do their projects together.
This is a spot-on early chapter book. It addresses younger student’s struggles in a believable manner. Subject manner is a bit quiet for readers looking for high humor or wild adventure. The concept is not overly original. The big school projects seems to be a staple of literature at this level, although the break from overly involved parents was fresh and identifiable. Oliver’s thought process was a bit sophisticated for a third grader but gives the adult reader a layer of enjoyment that isn’t always present in books written at this level.
This is a spot-on early chapter book. It addresses younger student’s struggles in a believable manner. Subject manner is a bit quiet for readers looking for high humor or wild adventure. The concept is not overly original. The big school projects seems to be a staple of literature at this level, although the break from overly involved parents was fresh and identifiable. Oliver’s thought process was a bit sophisticated for a third grader but gives the adult reader a layer of enjoyment that isn’t always present in books written at this level.
January 11, 2012
This is one of the Virginia Reader's Choice selections for grades 3-5 in 2011-2012. It's a chapter book aimed toward the lower reading levels in this grade grouping and a really good little chapter book at that. Most of the books I've come across for about 3rd graders are excruciating to read but this one just chugged along quite satisfactorily.
As my 5th grader was struggling with school project to build a model of a plant cell as we read this book, we both found the general argument that parents shouldn't do their kids' homework projects for them quite compelling. She didn't want my help and I didn't want to help her! Unfortunately, the requirements of the project and the way she chose to fulfill them ended up requiring a great deal of adult assistance. Who knew hair gel dissolves Model Magic? Neither of us did!
To get back to Oliver Olson, this is a wonderful little book that works well for either girls or boys. Even though my 5th grader is reading at a level far above this book, she enjoyed it and would also give it four stars.
As my 5th grader was struggling with school project to build a model of a plant cell as we read this book, we both found the general argument that parents shouldn't do their kids' homework projects for them quite compelling. She didn't want my help and I didn't want to help her! Unfortunately, the requirements of the project and the way she chose to fulfill them ended up requiring a great deal of adult assistance. Who knew hair gel dissolves Model Magic? Neither of us did!
To get back to Oliver Olson, this is a wonderful little book that works well for either girls or boys. Even though my 5th grader is reading at a level far above this book, she enjoyed it and would also give it four stars.
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January 15, 2015Summary
Oliver olson changed the world by not wanting to walk on the moon and he never will he said. But a few day's later he changed his mind he said
"One day I will walk on the moon when I am older". Then he said he never wanted that. And he changed his mind again.
seting
The seting is very importent because It is their classroom and dinner table. Oliver olson was always loving the classroom and he said it was importent to because their was planet in the classroom.
character trait
The mean character in my book was Oliver he is an inventive and fun,helpful,scared person. Every one loved him and they also are very loving people who loves oliver.
Most importent event
The most importent event is when oliver said that he wanted to walk on the moon. But he also didn't want to walk on the moon.
recommendation
I recommend this book to someone who likes planet's and reading of course it is a grate book but I really like it.
by:kendra
May 20, 2011
Oliver Olson is not you average third grader. His parents smother him with attention and help because he was sickly when he was younger. It's all getting a bit tedious, but Oliver can't seem to speak up. When his class starts their study of outer space, Oliver finds that he has more influence than he realizes. Instead of his parents doing his project for him as per usual, he ends up working with the outspoken Crystal. When thinking of a world changing idea to submit to the senator, Oliver looks to home. Parents shouldn't be allowed to help with and/or do their kids' homework. Will Oliver be bold enough to submit his idea? How will his parents react? Will they give in and let him attend the space sleepover?
What I thought: A charming book. Oliver is such a nice character. I liked seeing the changes in him as the plot unfolded. This book fits in well with Clementine, Ramona, and friend. I wouldn't mind seeing more books about Oliver.
What I thought: A charming book. Oliver is such a nice character. I liked seeing the changes in him as the plot unfolded. This book fits in well with Clementine, Ramona, and friend. I wouldn't mind seeing more books about Oliver.
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