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Here's Hank #1
Bookmarks Are People Too!
Hank stars the same Hank as in the bestselling Hank Zipzer series, only this time he's in 2nd grade! Hank is a kid who doesn't try to be funny, but he somehow always makes the kids in his class laugh. He's pretty bad at memorizing stuff, and spelling is his worst subject. (But so are math and reading!) In the first book in this new series, Hank's class is putting on a play, and Hank wants the lead Aqua Fly. But he freezes in his audition and can only buzz like a fly. His teacher creates a special part for Hank, a silent bookmark. This may seem like an insignificant role, but when his enemy, Nick McKelty, freezes during the performance, it's up to Hank to save the play!
128 pages, Library Binding
First published February 6, 2014
74 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Henry Winkler
113 books557 followersHenry 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
November 4, 2019
We are very lucky to have authors like Henry Winkler, that write openly about learning challenges and effectively convey that learning differently doesn’t mean never learning.
With hard work, support and just being yourself, you can find a way to the same destination as everyone else (or, somewhere even better)!
I’ve read this wonderful book with my son, who struggles with dyslexia, and loves to read about a character that he has so much in common with!
With hard work, support and just being yourself, you can find a way to the same destination as everyone else (or, somewhere even better)!
I’ve read this wonderful book with my son, who struggles with dyslexia, and loves to read about a character that he has so much in common with!
October 3, 2018
A wonderful start, in this charming little series for kids. You can't help, but love Hank. He has a great sense of humor, even adults can get the giggles from his jokes and stories. But mostly, the main story through the book, is Hank's tough time in school. In many ways, after reading the first two books of this series, I can see, what Hank goes through and totally understand his difficulties. I wasn't diagnosed with dyslexia, but I did get tested and was placed in learning challenging classes. I faced a lot of the problems with learning as Hank does. I have a feeling, if these had been written during my childhood, I might have gotten into reading, a lot earlier than I did.
December 24, 2018
Een leuk boek over een jongen genaamd Hank/Daan die in een toneelstuk mee mag doen van school, alleen hij krijgt wel een hele speciale rol.
Sorry, ik weiger hem Daan te noemen, waarom moeten namen per se vertaald worden in deze tijd? Net als dat blijkbaar zijn zus Emily naar Emma is vertaald en Luke naar Luuk? Sorry hoor, maar we leven in 2018, als ik af en toe zie wat mensen hun kinderen noemen snap ik niet waarom in vertalingen we altijd de namen moeten doen. Sorry, ik vind het gewoon jammer dat het gebeurd.
Zeg hallo tegen Hank, hij wil graag mee doen in een toneelstuk, maar hij heeft 1 probleem: lezen is een probleem voor hem en zijn rol heeft heel veel tekst. En bij teveel tekst smelten zijn hersenen tot pudding. Ja, dat klinkt heel grappig, maar het is eigenlijjk wel verdrietig.
Ik was wel blij met de oplossing van de juf, al had ik ook graag gezien dat ze hem misschien wat meer kansen had gegeven, want je weet toch dat hij een probleem heeft? Als ik een jongen als Hank in de klas zou hebben als juf zou ik hem gewoon nog een kans geven, desnoods apart zodat hij niet de stress heeft van de hele klas voor hem. Goed, dan moet hij nog steeds de tekst wel kennen als hij het moet opvoeren, en gegeven dat hij een probleem heeft met onthouden.. Maar ja, ik zou hem in ieder geval toch meer tijd en aandacht geven.
Al vond ik het wel vreemd dat werd gezegd dat hij slecht is met lezen en dingen onthouden, maar aan het einde weet hij wel blijkbaar elke rol en regel in het stuk.. Mmm. *kijkt bedenkelijk*
Uiteindelijk was het toneelstuk erg leuk. Wat een heerlijk verhaal over een jongen die in de bibliotheek in slaap valt en droomt (of is het wel een droom) over boeken die tot leven komen. Allerlei soorten boeken komen aan bod.
Ik vond alleen Nick (ja, zijn naam mocht wel blijven al is volgens mij zijn achternaam dan wel weer veranderd :P) erg vervelend en daarom rate ik het boek ook ietsje lager.
Ashley, het nieuwe meisje, ik vond haar echt leuk en ook stoer dat ze zich niet door de jongens liet wegjagen maar gewoon haar gang ging. Ik was eerst even bezorgd dat de jongens haar niet zouden accepteren, maar het is gewoon alsof die 3 bestemd waren om vrienden te zijn.
Oh, en superleuke illustraties die heel goed bij de stijl van het boek passen.
Ik moet zeker eens kijken of er meer boeken in deze serie zijn vertaald en of de bibliotheek ze heeft.
Dus ja, ondanks wat kleinere dingen vond ik dit boek erg leuk en ik had veel plezier in het lezen.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Sorry, ik weiger hem Daan te noemen, waarom moeten namen per se vertaald worden in deze tijd? Net als dat blijkbaar zijn zus Emily naar Emma is vertaald en Luke naar Luuk? Sorry hoor, maar we leven in 2018, als ik af en toe zie wat mensen hun kinderen noemen snap ik niet waarom in vertalingen we altijd de namen moeten doen. Sorry, ik vind het gewoon jammer dat het gebeurd.
Zeg hallo tegen Hank, hij wil graag mee doen in een toneelstuk, maar hij heeft 1 probleem: lezen is een probleem voor hem en zijn rol heeft heel veel tekst. En bij teveel tekst smelten zijn hersenen tot pudding. Ja, dat klinkt heel grappig, maar het is eigenlijjk wel verdrietig.
Ik was wel blij met de oplossing van de juf, al had ik ook graag gezien dat ze hem misschien wat meer kansen had gegeven, want je weet toch dat hij een probleem heeft? Als ik een jongen als Hank in de klas zou hebben als juf zou ik hem gewoon nog een kans geven, desnoods apart zodat hij niet de stress heeft van de hele klas voor hem. Goed, dan moet hij nog steeds de tekst wel kennen als hij het moet opvoeren, en gegeven dat hij een probleem heeft met onthouden.. Maar ja, ik zou hem in ieder geval toch meer tijd en aandacht geven.
Al vond ik het wel vreemd dat werd gezegd dat hij slecht is met lezen en dingen onthouden, maar aan het einde weet hij wel blijkbaar elke rol en regel in het stuk.. Mmm. *kijkt bedenkelijk*
Uiteindelijk was het toneelstuk erg leuk. Wat een heerlijk verhaal over een jongen die in de bibliotheek in slaap valt en droomt (of is het wel een droom) over boeken die tot leven komen. Allerlei soorten boeken komen aan bod.
Ik vond alleen Nick (ja, zijn naam mocht wel blijven al is volgens mij zijn achternaam dan wel weer veranderd :P) erg vervelend en daarom rate ik het boek ook ietsje lager.
Ashley, het nieuwe meisje, ik vond haar echt leuk en ook stoer dat ze zich niet door de jongens liet wegjagen maar gewoon haar gang ging. Ik was eerst even bezorgd dat de jongens haar niet zouden accepteren, maar het is gewoon alsof die 3 bestemd waren om vrienden te zijn.
Oh, en superleuke illustraties die heel goed bij de stijl van het boek passen.
Ik moet zeker eens kijken of er meer boeken in deze serie zijn vertaald en of de bibliotheek ze heeft.
Dus ja, ondanks wat kleinere dingen vond ik dit boek erg leuk en ik had veel plezier in het lezen.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 22, 2014
Premise: Hank Zipzer is a second grader who loves to make people laugh. When his teacher Ms. Flowers announces that their class will be putting on a play, Hank is far from thrilled. How’s he supposed to learn his lines when words always swim on the page? Math doesn’t come any easier, and he has trouble telling right from left. Hank’s dyslexic.
Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too! insists that every kid learns differently … and that’s okay. The story features a racially-diverse ensemble cast. Hank’s best friend Frankie is African-American, and the boys soon round out the prerequisite trio with new friend Ashley Wong. The spit-wad-rolling class bully is redhead Nick McKelty, and then there’s Hank’s perfect-at-everything little sister Emily. My personal favorite was Hank’s fellow-pickle-aficionado grandfather, Papa Pete, who fills the role of confidante and father figure.
Perks: The book is typeset in a font designed to make reading easier for people who struggle with dyslexia. Illustrations by Scott Garrett make it easy to get a mental lock on the cast.
Personal Opinion: It was hard to miss the buzz when this book released, so I was curious if Hank’s story would live up to the hype. Writing for this age level can be tricky—short sentences, simple vocabulary, and limited space to develop plot and characters. While the story did feel stilted at times, I found myself liking Hank. Especially his quirk of making up lists in his head. These frank insights appear at the end of each chapter, giving readers a peek at one little boy’s hopes, fears, hurts, and triumphs. A fair start to a gentle-hearted, slice-of-life series.
As a Mom, I'd have no qualms giving this series to my kids. Safe and often silly, with a strong-voiced cast and honest emotions. I wasn't dazzled, but I was satisfied.
Here’s Hank: Bookmarks Are People Too! insists that every kid learns differently … and that’s okay. The story features a racially-diverse ensemble cast. Hank’s best friend Frankie is African-American, and the boys soon round out the prerequisite trio with new friend Ashley Wong. The spit-wad-rolling class bully is redhead Nick McKelty, and then there’s Hank’s perfect-at-everything little sister Emily. My personal favorite was Hank’s fellow-pickle-aficionado grandfather, Papa Pete, who fills the role of confidante and father figure.
Perks: The book is typeset in a font designed to make reading easier for people who struggle with dyslexia. Illustrations by Scott Garrett make it easy to get a mental lock on the cast.
Personal Opinion: It was hard to miss the buzz when this book released, so I was curious if Hank’s story would live up to the hype. Writing for this age level can be tricky—short sentences, simple vocabulary, and limited space to develop plot and characters. While the story did feel stilted at times, I found myself liking Hank. Especially his quirk of making up lists in his head. These frank insights appear at the end of each chapter, giving readers a peek at one little boy’s hopes, fears, hurts, and triumphs. A fair start to a gentle-hearted, slice-of-life series.
As a Mom, I'd have no qualms giving this series to my kids. Safe and often silly, with a strong-voiced cast and honest emotions. I wasn't dazzled, but I was satisfied.
February 22, 2017
Hank Zipzer helped me feel, once again, the anxiety and triumph 2nd grade can bring. Here's Hank, Bookmarks are People Too, is the first book in a realistic fiction series written by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. This book is about Hank's 2nd grade class putting on a play. Hank was nervous about tryouts but he worked all weekend on his lines with his best friend, Frankie, and his new friend, Ashley. At the tryout his anziety got the best of him and he couldn't say the lines. He didn't get the part he wanted. His teacher, however, was kind enough to make him a non speaking part so he could still be a part of the play. He was disappointed but handled his new part with a good attitude and never gave up. On the day of the play his class rival got nervous and Hank stepped in to save the day.
I enjoyed getting to know Hank because he seemed like most 2nd graders. He didn't always do well on his spellling tests and he had to endure a fellow student who tried often to put him down. He had a great way of handling some of his anxieties by writing lists in his head. They were a fun and funny way of getting his feelings out. The story highlighted the relationship between Hank and his best friend, Frankie. That relationship taught a lot about how to be a good friend and how to encourage a friend who is down. I also liked that the author used the font Dyslexie. It was designed to help kids with dyslexia because it is easier for them to read. It also helps kids from all levels of reading read faster and with less errors. Hank is someone who I would like to visit often and because there are 8 books in this series I will!
I enjoyed getting to know Hank because he seemed like most 2nd graders. He didn't always do well on his spellling tests and he had to endure a fellow student who tried often to put him down. He had a great way of handling some of his anxieties by writing lists in his head. They were a fun and funny way of getting his feelings out. The story highlighted the relationship between Hank and his best friend, Frankie. That relationship taught a lot about how to be a good friend and how to encourage a friend who is down. I also liked that the author used the font Dyslexie. It was designed to help kids with dyslexia because it is easier for them to read. It also helps kids from all levels of reading read faster and with less errors. Hank is someone who I would like to visit often and because there are 8 books in this series I will!
April 26, 2014
I want to adopt Hank Zipzer and just hug him and accept him and celebrate him for the quirky, clever kid he is. Bookmarks Are People Too is a fantastic and promising start for the new series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver.
The Here's Hankseries takes us back to Hank as a second grader, making the series a prequel to the popular Hank Zipzer series, where Hank's in 4th grade and his dyslexia has been identified. Bookmarks Are People Too has Hank's class putting on a play, and Hank has to read a script to memorize lines to audition.
Readers will laugh out loud at Hank's antics and observations on life -- one example, how Hank's dad is kind enough to share the dining room table and "he put on his shoes so we didn't have to look at his toenails." BAHAAA!
Hank's dad. . . as an adult and an educator, I want to shake him by the shoulders and tell him to pay attention to his kid and THINK. There's a reason other than laziness that his son doesn't "get" things the way he's being taught them. It's so painfully obvious to the readers, and it's just so painful, in general.
This book is perfect for kids grades 2-4. Those with dyslexia will relate to Hank's frustrations and will enjoy the font used in the book, which was created specifically to aid dyslexic readers to faster and more easily. Kids who don't have dyslexia will also enjoy this funny book and find Hank's friends as good models of empathy, support, and friendship.
The Here's Hankseries takes us back to Hank as a second grader, making the series a prequel to the popular Hank Zipzer series, where Hank's in 4th grade and his dyslexia has been identified. Bookmarks Are People Too has Hank's class putting on a play, and Hank has to read a script to memorize lines to audition.
Readers will laugh out loud at Hank's antics and observations on life -- one example, how Hank's dad is kind enough to share the dining room table and "he put on his shoes so we didn't have to look at his toenails." BAHAAA!
Hank's dad. . . as an adult and an educator, I want to shake him by the shoulders and tell him to pay attention to his kid and THINK. There's a reason other than laziness that his son doesn't "get" things the way he's being taught them. It's so painfully obvious to the readers, and it's just so painful, in general.
This book is perfect for kids grades 2-4. Those with dyslexia will relate to Hank's frustrations and will enjoy the font used in the book, which was created specifically to aid dyslexic readers to faster and more easily. Kids who don't have dyslexia will also enjoy this funny book and find Hank's friends as good models of empathy, support, and friendship.
March 29, 2014
First in a series about a funny but disorganized 2nd grader who also worries a lot, especially about the play he has to act in. I think children will identify with hank and his friends. I hope the next book addresses Luke because I don't like how he is described as disgusting and smelly with no explanations or attempt for understanding.
April 23, 2015
I was impressed with how Winkler portrayed a character with a learning disability, but I wish this story included less teasing and bullying.
November 3, 2017
I read this to my children tonight, and they all really liked it. Very cute little story. I plan to give this as a gift to someone that I know has dyslexia.
December 17, 2020
This was really funny and had some good lessons in it.
October 14, 2024
Loved reading this to my son
April 23, 2016
CSULB 545 Class 4: Child Humor Realistic Fiction: Young Hank Zipzer: Bookmarks are People Too!
Winkler, H. and Lin Oliver. (2014). Young Hank Zipzer: Bookmarks are People Too! New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
[May contain spoilers]
Characters: Hank (2nd grader), Frankie (friend), Ashley (friend), Nick (antagonistic classmate), Ms. Flowers (teacher), Papa Pete (grandfather), Hank’s parents
Setting: Manhattan, New York, present day
Theme: Working hard with friends and for yourself with the best intentions will bring out the best in yourself.
Golden quotes: “Reading a whole script would be nearly impossible [for me]” (p. 8).
Plot/Summary: In the first of the Young Hank Zipzer series, Hank’s second grade class is putting on a play about reading, which poses a great challenge for him as he has difficulty reading and remembering what he’s read. Going up against the class bully for his desired role, Hank works with his grandfather and two new best friends to prepare for the play, a role he was less than pleased with, and the ups and downs of his school year. Hank’s dyslexia, spontaneity, and constant action often get him into trouble, but his good intentions and winning charm help him not only to scrape through but to succeed, as he saves the day in the school performance.
Target Audience: grades 1-3
Curriculum ties: Best suited for pleasure reading in younger grades; it could be tied into a character building unit about being oneself and resiliency.
Personal/Critical response: Hank Zipzer is irresistible. He is funny and flawed and silly and real. Adults and children alike will recognize in him the desire to do well even when circumstances and he himself seem haplessly to conspire against him. The book is humorous to the extent of audible laughter and keeps readers engaged and rooting for the young protagonist and his friends. The book is one of the first titles to be printed in Dyslexic Font B.V., designed to weigh letters down to help readers struggling with dyslexia, as do our main character Hank and co-author Henry Winkler. I learned about these books at the 2014 CLSA conference and am very happy to have finally read one. These are great books for boys or girls but are perfect for young boys beginning to read or who feel not a part of the traditional academic world.
Winkler, H. and Lin Oliver. (2014). Young Hank Zipzer: Bookmarks are People Too! New York: Grosset & Dunlap.
[May contain spoilers]
Characters: Hank (2nd grader), Frankie (friend), Ashley (friend), Nick (antagonistic classmate), Ms. Flowers (teacher), Papa Pete (grandfather), Hank’s parents
Setting: Manhattan, New York, present day
Theme: Working hard with friends and for yourself with the best intentions will bring out the best in yourself.
Golden quotes: “Reading a whole script would be nearly impossible [for me]” (p. 8).
Plot/Summary: In the first of the Young Hank Zipzer series, Hank’s second grade class is putting on a play about reading, which poses a great challenge for him as he has difficulty reading and remembering what he’s read. Going up against the class bully for his desired role, Hank works with his grandfather and two new best friends to prepare for the play, a role he was less than pleased with, and the ups and downs of his school year. Hank’s dyslexia, spontaneity, and constant action often get him into trouble, but his good intentions and winning charm help him not only to scrape through but to succeed, as he saves the day in the school performance.
Target Audience: grades 1-3
Curriculum ties: Best suited for pleasure reading in younger grades; it could be tied into a character building unit about being oneself and resiliency.
Personal/Critical response: Hank Zipzer is irresistible. He is funny and flawed and silly and real. Adults and children alike will recognize in him the desire to do well even when circumstances and he himself seem haplessly to conspire against him. The book is humorous to the extent of audible laughter and keeps readers engaged and rooting for the young protagonist and his friends. The book is one of the first titles to be printed in Dyslexic Font B.V., designed to weigh letters down to help readers struggling with dyslexia, as do our main character Hank and co-author Henry Winkler. I learned about these books at the 2014 CLSA conference and am very happy to have finally read one. These are great books for boys or girls but are perfect for young boys beginning to read or who feel not a part of the traditional academic world.
September 15, 2014
I wouldn't give this to a first grader as the review below states.....
Reviews Detail:Booklist Reviews
This new Hank Zipzer series is a prequel, placing our old pal Hank in the second grade. Hank, who has a bit of trouble focusing and a lot of trouble reading and memorizing, learns that his class will perform a play for their parents. Despite help from friends Frankie and Ashley, Hank fails the audition, losing out to tough classmate Nick. Ms. Flowers, Hank's teacher, recognizes that he tried, and she rewards him with a special nonspeaking part: a bookmark. Teased by Nick, Hank learns to buffer the negativity with humor. In the end, Hank embraces his role, and when the play is presented, guess who saves the day? This first installment in a promising series presents children's unfiltered observations and captures the personalities and perspectives of second-graders. It is filled with laugh lines based on literal understanding and use of language. An added bonus is the Dyslexie font, which was created for persons with dyslexia but helps many other young readers in distinguishing letters and words, too.
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 1–3—Set two years before the first Hank Zipzer books (Penguin), this prequel tells the story of how Frankie, Ashley, and Hank came to be friends and introduces readers to Hank's family, neighbors, and classmates. As in the original series, Hank's impulsiveness, disorganization, and penchant for jokes get him into hot water. Only in the second grade, his learning difficulties have not yet been diagnosed, and he struggles with feeling like his brain is full of "soggy oatmeal." The book is set in a typeface Hank would appreciate: it was specifically designed to help readers with dyslexia differentiate letters. The plot and tone, as well as the short sentences, brief chapters, wide margins, and frequent spot art are typical of other early chapter book series. Give this to readers who enjoy the "Horrible Harry" and "George Brown, Class Clown" (both, Penguin) series.—Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library
Reviews Detail:Booklist Reviews
This new Hank Zipzer series is a prequel, placing our old pal Hank in the second grade. Hank, who has a bit of trouble focusing and a lot of trouble reading and memorizing, learns that his class will perform a play for their parents. Despite help from friends Frankie and Ashley, Hank fails the audition, losing out to tough classmate Nick. Ms. Flowers, Hank's teacher, recognizes that he tried, and she rewards him with a special nonspeaking part: a bookmark. Teased by Nick, Hank learns to buffer the negativity with humor. In the end, Hank embraces his role, and when the play is presented, guess who saves the day? This first installment in a promising series presents children's unfiltered observations and captures the personalities and perspectives of second-graders. It is filled with laugh lines based on literal understanding and use of language. An added bonus is the Dyslexie font, which was created for persons with dyslexia but helps many other young readers in distinguishing letters and words, too.
School Library Journal Reviews
Gr 1–3—Set two years before the first Hank Zipzer books (Penguin), this prequel tells the story of how Frankie, Ashley, and Hank came to be friends and introduces readers to Hank's family, neighbors, and classmates. As in the original series, Hank's impulsiveness, disorganization, and penchant for jokes get him into hot water. Only in the second grade, his learning difficulties have not yet been diagnosed, and he struggles with feeling like his brain is full of "soggy oatmeal." The book is set in a typeface Hank would appreciate: it was specifically designed to help readers with dyslexia differentiate letters. The plot and tone, as well as the short sentences, brief chapters, wide margins, and frequent spot art are typical of other early chapter book series. Give this to readers who enjoy the "Horrible Harry" and "George Brown, Class Clown" (both, Penguin) series.—Sarah Stone, San Francisco Public Library
November 18, 2016
Hank's 2nd grade class is having a play to celebrate Children's Reading Week. Everyone in the class is excited, except for Hank. He knows he can't read as well as his classmates, and even with the help from his super smart friend Frankie, Hank is still not confident that he'll pass the audition and get the part he wants, Aqua Fly. As he feared, Hank freezes up and can't say his lines. To make it worse, the class bully gets the part and takes every opportunity to rub it into Hank's face. Hank's teacher comes up with a special role for Hank that doesn't require him to have any lines. But little did Hank know how special of a role he would really have in the class play...
Discussion Questions:
1. Hank has more trouble with his schoolwork than the rest of his classmates. Have you ever had a time where you felt like it was harder for you to learn something new? How did you get past it? If you haven't had a time like that before, what would you suggest to Hank to help him improve on his spelling and subtraction skills?
2. Frankie and Ashley were very kind and supportive of Hank during the course of preparing for and performing in the play. What are some things that each of them did to help Hank succeed and make him feel better when he was down?
3. If you had a friend in Hank's position, what would you do to help your friend? Give at least three examples of things you could do.
4. Why do you think Nick McKelty didn't say his final lines during the play. Did he forget them? Was it stage fright? Did he really just not feel like it like he told Hank? Explain your thoughts.
5. Activity- Many of the students got parts as certain books in their class play. If you were in this play, what kind of book would you want to be? Come up with a title and draw what the cover of your book might look like.
Winkler, H., & Oliver, L. (2014). Bookmarks are people too! New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.
Discussion Questions:
1. Hank has more trouble with his schoolwork than the rest of his classmates. Have you ever had a time where you felt like it was harder for you to learn something new? How did you get past it? If you haven't had a time like that before, what would you suggest to Hank to help him improve on his spelling and subtraction skills?
2. Frankie and Ashley were very kind and supportive of Hank during the course of preparing for and performing in the play. What are some things that each of them did to help Hank succeed and make him feel better when he was down?
3. If you had a friend in Hank's position, what would you do to help your friend? Give at least three examples of things you could do.
4. Why do you think Nick McKelty didn't say his final lines during the play. Did he forget them? Was it stage fright? Did he really just not feel like it like he told Hank? Explain your thoughts.
5. Activity- Many of the students got parts as certain books in their class play. If you were in this play, what kind of book would you want to be? Come up with a title and draw what the cover of your book might look like.
Winkler, H., & Oliver, L. (2014). Bookmarks are people too! New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.
April 10, 2014
When he learns that his class will be putting on a play, 2nd grader Hank Zipzer is worried. He isn't good at reading; whenever he tries to read, the words on the page swirl around and get all mixed-up. His teacher, Ms. Flowers, kindly creates a special part--a non-talking bookmark--for Hank. But with a little help from his two best friends and an unexpected burst of limelight inspiration, Hank somehow finds his very own way to shine on stage.
First in the "Here's Hank" series and just right for readers in grades 2-4, "Bookmarks Are People Too!" is a funny chapter book with a feel-good message. "Here's Hank" is a prequel series to the authors' popular "Hank Zipzer" books for slightly older readers; both series confront dyslexia in a humorous and easy-to-relate-to way, but can be enjoyed independently of one another.
I admit that I approach books authored by celebrities with a bit of skepticism--but this was well-done. While the plot doesn't make a big deal out of this multiculturalism, it's also refreshing to note that Hank's best friends are an African-American boy and an Asian-American girl.
First in the "Here's Hank" series and just right for readers in grades 2-4, "Bookmarks Are People Too!" is a funny chapter book with a feel-good message. "Here's Hank" is a prequel series to the authors' popular "Hank Zipzer" books for slightly older readers; both series confront dyslexia in a humorous and easy-to-relate-to way, but can be enjoyed independently of one another.
I admit that I approach books authored by celebrities with a bit of skepticism--but this was well-done. While the plot doesn't make a big deal out of this multiculturalism, it's also refreshing to note that Hank's best friends are an African-American boy and an Asian-American girl.
July 18, 2016
Henry Winkler tells the story of Hank, second grade boy who suffers from ADHD and Dyslexia. Hank has a hard time reading and completing math problems because the words and letters get all mixed up. Hank's lack of organization makes it hard for him to gather his thoughts and express his feelings. With the upcoming play, Hank feels the pressure of having to read and rehearse his lines. Because he can't read the lines at his auditions, his teacher makes him into a bookmark and he ends up saving the day when another classmate forgets his lines. This would be a great book for students with ADHD or Dyslexia. There is an entire series about Hank and all of his silly adventures. An interesting fact about this book is that it is written in a font, called Dyslexie, that is helpful for people with Dyslexia. I would pair this book up with an informational text to help students understand the meaning behind these impairments beforehand. A good example would be I Know Someone with ADHD.
November 16, 2016
Hank is a goofy second-grade student, and this series of books describes his silly adventures with his friends. (This first one is about the school play.)
In the series, Hank has learning disabilities and he feels like his brain is turning soggy oatmeal when he has to read aloud. He probably has dyslexia and ADHD, but it's never mentioned. He makes mistakes and gets embarrassed. Some adults are wonderful, but some are a little impatient. One kid is a bully, but Hank is popular. He's got a good attitude and good friends, so he gets through his challenges. And in this first book, he saves the day!
It's not about learning disabilities - this just happens to be part of the kid's life.
My second-grader, who has learning disabilities, thinks the stories are hilarious. I think any kid would laugh at goofy kid stuff.
Author Henry Winkler (aka "Fonzie") has dyslexia but didn't know it until he was an adult.
There's a companion "Hank Zipzer" series, when Hank is in 5th grade, which might appeal to older elementary school kids.
Book is printed in a font that is easier for people with dyslexia to process.
In the series, Hank has learning disabilities and he feels like his brain is turning soggy oatmeal when he has to read aloud. He probably has dyslexia and ADHD, but it's never mentioned. He makes mistakes and gets embarrassed. Some adults are wonderful, but some are a little impatient. One kid is a bully, but Hank is popular. He's got a good attitude and good friends, so he gets through his challenges. And in this first book, he saves the day!
It's not about learning disabilities - this just happens to be part of the kid's life.
My second-grader, who has learning disabilities, thinks the stories are hilarious. I think any kid would laugh at goofy kid stuff.
Author Henry Winkler (aka "Fonzie") has dyslexia but didn't know it until he was an adult.
There's a companion "Hank Zipzer" series, when Hank is in 5th grade, which might appeal to older elementary school kids.
Book is printed in a font that is easier for people with dyslexia to process.
April 7, 2016
Hank Zipzer is in 2nd grade in this new series, Here's Hank and struggling with school and learning lines for a new play his class is going to perform for parents. Hank really wants the part of the superhero fly, but when the time comes for his audition, he can't remember the lines. Good thing he has great friends and a caring teacher who recognizes his frustration and creates the perfect role for him. He's a bookmark!
In Bookmarks Are People, Too!, Hank actually saves the day when a certain bully classmate gets tongue-tied and stumbles over his lines. You see, Hank has memorized all the lines and comes to aid of a classmate. And, he even manages to make the audience laugh!
In Bookmarks Are People, Too!, Hank actually saves the day when a certain bully classmate gets tongue-tied and stumbles over his lines. You see, Hank has memorized all the lines and comes to aid of a classmate. And, he even manages to make the audience laugh!
September 6, 2014
This first book in the Here's Hank series introduces the reader to Hank Zipzer (from the series of the same name) when he is in second grade and has not yet been diagnosed as having ADHD. Every teacher knows a Hank or two. He's a smart guy, but reading and sitting still in school are just not his strengths. This story begins in the week before Children's Reading Week. The class is going to put on a play to celebrate, but Hank has trouble with the parts due to his difficulty reading the script. So that everyone can have a part, the teacher writes a new part just for him -- he can be a bookmark, which, of course, doesn't talk. Read this fun book to discover how Hank saves the day and shows that he may have trouble with schoolwork, but he is really very smart.
October 22, 2016
YES! This is the book teachers of struggling readers have been waiting for! The main character is a boy, Hank, but could easily reflect the experience of a girl, who is funny, bright, kind, honest -- and dyslexic. While Winkler (also a dyslexic) doesn't come out and say that Hank has dyslexia, he does a fantastic job of describing the feelings a dyslexic child would have going through public school. Hank has a best friend who finds academics easy, but who is compassionate and supportive of his struggling best friend. The divide in reading ability doesn't create a divide in the friendship. Hank is able to use his skill at reading social situations and seeing the big picture to disarm the class bully and save the show in this first story of a much needed series.
November 5, 2018
My daughter and I took turns reading this one, and it was electric to see her recognize that Hank has dyslexia, just like her. She KNEW what he was talking about and the struggles he had expressing himself and having words he knew one day be foreign the next day. She also recognized the characters who were good friends who were like her classmate champions. This story of friendship and struggles and natural talents was all wrapped in a tight little narrative about a school’s class play and one courageous young boy. Sure. It’s simple...to a literate adult, or even a child who is mastering reading, but this was the perfectly structured, paced, formatted, plotted, and written story for a child who is working so hard to use her dyslexia resources to fall in love with literature.
December 10, 2015
This book I would most definitely recommend reading to a class. I appreciate the author writing this book because although the book does not come out to say Hank has dyslexia, it addresses the learning disabilities that children face and may not know. It makes children feel comfortable knowing that they are not the only ones who have a hard time with reading, writing, or math. Hank does too and I love this book for that. I would recommend this book beginning at 2/3rd grade because children begin to realize some of the difficulties they may have at this age and it will be good for them to feel they can relate to Hank.
November 14, 2017
Daan is een grappenmaker en altijd vrolijk, maar van lezen, rekenen en schrijven heeft hij weinig kaas gegeten. Hij heeft dyslexie. Dus hoe blij moet je zijn als de juf aankondigt dat de hele klas mag meedoen met een toneelstuk? Maar Daan is niet voor één gat te vangen en zijn juf is super. Als boekenlegger zonder tekst weet Daan uiteindelijk de show te stelen en het toneelstuk te redden. De karakters zijn stereotiep, de illustraties stijf, houterig, maar het verhaal is grappig. Achterin zit een luister cd, dus er kan ook geluisterd en eventueel meegelezen worden door kinderen met leesproblemen. In lettertype Dyslexie gedrukt.
Voor kinderen vanaf 8 jaar
Voor kinderen vanaf 8 jaar
September 8, 2014
2nd grader Hank has some issues at school. He struggles with reading and memorizing as well as math and spelling. What he does best is makes everyone laugh, mostly without even trying. When his teacher announces a class play Hank is excited and works really hard to learn his part. But when audition day comes, he just can't spit the words out so his much-desired part goes to none other than Nick McKelty, the class bully. Luckily he has a wonderful teacher who creates the perfect part for Hank. He does his best job and the play is a success, of course.
January 16, 2016
Such a cool (and quick) read about a young boy who has learning difficulties. He is such a humorous and interesting boy. Students that don't like school or who have learning difficulties of their own will be able to relate to Hank.
Written with quite short chapters and a number of black & white illustrations that help tell the story, these books also have widely spaced font and lines making it a really good book for our struggling readers.
Would also make a really good read aloud.
Great job Mr Winkler & Ms Oliver :)
Written with quite short chapters and a number of black & white illustrations that help tell the story, these books also have widely spaced font and lines making it a really good book for our struggling readers.
Would also make a really good read aloud.
Great job Mr Winkler & Ms Oliver :)
April 7, 2014
Great book! Quick read. I chose this book because as a Reading Specialist, I have always been interested in famous people who have reading disabilities. I had done that Henry Winkler had dyslexia. When he started writing books and talking about his dyslexia, I found that inspiring for kids with reading disabilities. This book was quick and fast to read (for a seasoned reader). But a great book for any kid to read. The characters were great and the writing wonderful.
July 7, 2016
This is another GKCRead nominee that ended up being one of my favorites. It has funny, likable characters, problems that students can relate to, troubles and triumphs, fun illustrations, and a great ending. Additionally, it also has a font that's easier to read for dyslexic students, and the main character is dyslexic himself, too! I'm glad to hear that there are more books to read in this series, because it's one that I will definitely want to share more of with my students.
December 28, 2016
I used this as a read aloud in second grade and had other books from the series available in the classroom. It took a few weeks to finish it but all the while the kids were reading these books independently! This is the first book in the series and has a bully and best friends. Henry Winkler has a wonderful humor as a writer and the kids loved it! I will enjoy reading more as I enjoyed some of the the Hank Z series.
September 28, 2017
128 pages. Great realistic school story. Hank's class is putting on a school play. He can't read the script and has a difficult time with regular class work. A bully in the class seems to make things even worse. It is a great story of friendship and how to deal with one's shortcomings. Written in a special font for people with dyslexia. Very funny but realistic at same time. Highly recommended for Grades 3-5.
February 17, 2014
When he discovers his class has to put on a play, Hank is very worried. With the help of his best friend and the new girl that has moved into his apartment building (and clubhouse!), Hank tries to nail down the lines for Aqua Fly. But can Hank survive the audition?
I think this would be a fun read aloud in a primary classroom.
I think this would be a fun read aloud in a primary classroom.
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