Doggone... Third Grade

Third Grade #3

by Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna, Stephanie Roth (Illustrator)

Third-grader Gordie is not only having problems with his best friend, he also has to teach his not-so-smart dog some tricks for the upcoming school talent show.

Genres: Chapter Books, Fiction, Animals, School, Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

A former elementary school teacher, Colleen O'Shaughnessy McKenna lives in Pittsburgh with her family. She is best known for her Murphy series, based on her own family.

Reviews

[Keenan Story · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contemporary Realistic
3rd grade reading level
This book is fun and engaging for students, and teaches many important life lessons. The character in the book feels left out and struggles to find what he is good at and can fit in with. When he encounters an opportunity with the talent show, all of this changes. He takes his dog and enters the talent show with the help of his pet, and finds his talents and where he can fit in. This is definately a story with issues and themes that a lot of students can relate to, so it is great for teaching those things and giving the students something to take ahold of and to learn from I love the book and what it can do for young readers.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining tale about a third grade talent show, best friends, a new student, and teaching dogs tricks. The narrative is appropriate for younger elementary school-age children and the illustrations complement the story nicely.

[Furqan Heffly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright, but the ending ws kind of obvious

[Kathy Roderer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This easy to read chapter book, intended for third graders, would be very appealing to this age group. Although some of the situations sometimes seem unlikely, the characters are realistic, and Gordie has problems that readers will probably find familiar. Gordie feels that he has no talent and doesn’t know what he will do for the class talent show. He is worried about being embarrassed by the presence of his older brother. He is teased by a classmate who is a combination and caricature of the worst classmates a third grader could have. Worst of all, when a new student arrives, his best friend seems to pay all of his attention to the new boy, neglecting Gordie. Gordie’s only hope is his dog, Scratch. Readers will identify with and be rooting for Gordie as he deals with his problems. As Gordie learns the lessons of friendship and loyalty, so will readers. This book would be a great way to ease into longer chapter books. The plot is simple and easy to follow. Characters and their problems are memorable, but not complex.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new kid comes to the school and Gordie is feeling not only left out, but like he has no talent or nothing special about him at all. This book comes up with an interesting solution and faces a common problem every kid experiences at some point in their life. A pretty solid read.

[Ky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for any child that feels they are left out or are not good at anything. Gordie's school is having a talent show and he thinks he has zero talents so he comes up with one with the help of his dog Scratch. Great third grader book.Should be a simple read for third graders.

[Kayla Whitlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was intended for third graders. The children can relate to the characters in the book. Gordie feels like he has no talent. Another great transition book.

[Monica Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

great read aloud for your third grade class

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems everyone in class has a talent but Gordie. When he can think of nothing, he impulsively tells the class his talent is training his dog and the dog can do math; he is laughed at by the whole class.

And there's where the book goes wrong for me. All of the students, including Gordie's best friend are pretty thoughtless throughout the book. Perhaps I'm being a little sensitive, but it could make young reader's think it's okay to pounce on someone who proposes something a little silly, or for any other reason. And to make matters worse, Gordie's best friend is quick to strike up a relationship with a new kid in class and ignore Gordie.

The chapers and story felt geared to a second or third grader's reading ability. And I have the feeling the author was probably portraying third graders correctly, it just missed the mark for me.

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13104058