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Special Edward
Edward is a classic slacker. He's got better ways to spend his time than toiling over homework, and as long as he gets passing grades he's happy. When his fifty percent average is threatened he has to find a way to pull up his grades without applying himself. Edward discovers that special education students get more time to complete tests, and he thinks he's found the perfect scam. Little does he know that manipulating everyone around him will take more work than he ever imagined. Also available in French.
108 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
158 books910 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 26, 2015
Special Edward by Eric Walters Is about a young teenager named Ed or Edward. In this book you will find that Edward is like any other teenager. He is a student that does not put a lot of effort into his school life and has a crush. He does not study for his tests and would rather watch television or listen to music. He does not seem to be able to finish his tests fast enough in class. He wants more time for test he needs more help. Does he really, or does he just not take the time and effort? He decides that he is going to fake his way into the special ed group for extra help, but what he doesn't realize is that he may actually need to be in special ed. And there may be a big twist to special ed class that Edward comes to find out.
I think that anyone should read this book its a good book if you want a good quick read. Anyone would enjoy this book because some people can relate to it the setting is at a school and the main character is a teenager. I find this an enjoyable book because it can be entertaining and interesting. Any teenager would find this enjoyable because it is about a kid at school struggling in class and has a crush which most teenagers are like.
"So, Edward, is there a specific reason you do not put a lot of effort into school"? "I don't really put much effort into school because I just want a passing grade, I don't care what my grade is as long as I pass".
"Edward do you like school". "Not so much I would rather be at home listening to some music or watching television, but I guess its okay since I have to go. Some of my teachers just don't get me especially when I try to make jokes classes are not much fun at school.
"I'm wondering Edward do you know if you are going to college"? "No I don't know yet I will decide a little later in my life. I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up.
"What do you do at home other than watch television and listen to music"? I do pretty much that all night but I zip right through my homework first so I can get it do fast. Also I have to eat dinner my choice would be to watch television all nigh or listen to music but my Mom says I need to eat dinner".
I think that anyone should read this book its a good book if you want a good quick read. Anyone would enjoy this book because some people can relate to it the setting is at a school and the main character is a teenager. I find this an enjoyable book because it can be entertaining and interesting. Any teenager would find this enjoyable because it is about a kid at school struggling in class and has a crush which most teenagers are like.
"So, Edward, is there a specific reason you do not put a lot of effort into school"? "I don't really put much effort into school because I just want a passing grade, I don't care what my grade is as long as I pass".
"Edward do you like school". "Not so much I would rather be at home listening to some music or watching television, but I guess its okay since I have to go. Some of my teachers just don't get me especially when I try to make jokes classes are not much fun at school.
"I'm wondering Edward do you know if you are going to college"? "No I don't know yet I will decide a little later in my life. I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up.
"What do you do at home other than watch television and listen to music"? I do pretty much that all night but I zip right through my homework first so I can get it do fast. Also I have to eat dinner my choice would be to watch television all nigh or listen to music but my Mom says I need to eat dinner".
March 7, 2011
Okay, this was a little bit too let's-teach-the-reader-a-lesson for my taste, but I can totally see something like this happening in real life, and Edward was a charming little rascal. It's also quite age-appropriate for middle schoolers, which I think is the demographic Orca Currents books are supposed to target.
August 21, 2015
Sometimes it's fun to just pick up a short, quick book. A hi-lo (high interest, low reading level) book is perfect for that! The writing is simple, the story is short, and the topic is interesting and relevant to young adult readers. "Special Edward," by Eric Walters, only took me forty minutes to get through, and it was well worth the time.
Edward is an underachiever. He works just enough to pass his classes, and not a bit more. If there's a way for him to slack off, he'll go for it––even if it means tricking his way into his school's Special Education program in order to get more time on tests. But this time, the "trick" may be on him.
Underachievers and students with legitimate learning disabilities is unarguably a big deal in schools these days. It's a matter of motivation vs. ability, which I think was well covered in "Special Edward".
This book was quick to read, but I think it could have been even better if it had been lengthened enough to go further in-depth into the topic. There were a lot of missed opportunities for something that had such great potential. Definitely a good pick for light reading, though! I would recommend it to anyone who struggles in school, as well as anyone who just likes reading about light-hearted trouble-makers.
Edward is an underachiever. He works just enough to pass his classes, and not a bit more. If there's a way for him to slack off, he'll go for it––even if it means tricking his way into his school's Special Education program in order to get more time on tests. But this time, the "trick" may be on him.
Underachievers and students with legitimate learning disabilities is unarguably a big deal in schools these days. It's a matter of motivation vs. ability, which I think was well covered in "Special Edward".
This book was quick to read, but I think it could have been even better if it had been lengthened enough to go further in-depth into the topic. There were a lot of missed opportunities for something that had such great potential. Definitely a good pick for light reading, though! I would recommend it to anyone who struggles in school, as well as anyone who just likes reading about light-hearted trouble-makers.
November 12, 2014
This book was about a smart kid that was finding ways to get easier classes in school. Acting stupid and trying to get extra help. I liked this book because it shows what kind of thinking you can do in school. It had lots of ideas about him trying to find a way to get more help, but he doesn't need any help. So he did everything to get a better grade and to make his life easier. It was fast read and I recommend it if you like stories that are first person and requires you to think.
August 23, 2010
The first part of the book had me wondering if this was a good choice to be sharing with my IEP students, but the ending (although it was rushed) pulled it all together. Not one of my favourite Eric Walters books, but a quick short read nonetheless
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September 21, 2012I really liked this book. Edward really had learning disabilities. I read for 20 mins today
August 25, 2024
me n edward are twin🤞
February 20, 2019
This was recommended by a student. I have not read any other Eric Walters books, but I will read more. Eric has a talent for creating a story relevant to our middle schoolers. The language and situations are believable and engaging! Looking forward to more!
March 31, 2024
Kid wants to be special Ed then turns out he's special ed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2013
The first Orca current book that actualy has an ending!
Most of the book seems kind of pointless, none of the things Edward does are compelling. Sure they're factual, but beyond that there's no compelling story. I don't really see the point, as I have never heard of someone wanting to be Special Education or to have an IEP.
Ed's case wasn't compelling, there was nothing to make me want to change anything nor any important lesson to be learned.
However, the writing was excellent which of course is always the case for Eric Walters.
The ending is what made this book really great for me. First, it's the only Orca Current book that I've read that has an ending. Most of you know the right before the climax endings, and it's nice to see the actual ending. Also the ending had me screaming 'Karma!' and laughing. The ending was totally worth it.
Most of the book seems kind of pointless, none of the things Edward does are compelling. Sure they're factual, but beyond that there's no compelling story. I don't really see the point, as I have never heard of someone wanting to be Special Education or to have an IEP.
Ed's case wasn't compelling, there was nothing to make me want to change anything nor any important lesson to be learned.
However, the writing was excellent which of course is always the case for Eric Walters.
The ending is what made this book really great for me. First, it's the only Orca Current book that I've read that has an ending. Most of you know the right before the climax endings, and it's nice to see the actual ending. Also the ending had me screaming 'Karma!' and laughing. The ending was totally worth it.
May 23, 2011
I do not like this book because this book has a boring plot. Also, the beginning of this book is very unfair, and I do not like that. The beginning is unfair because when Edward asks her teacher to extra time to finish his test, the teacher does not give time to him and blames on him that he should not be late for the day of the test (I do not mean that late is a good thing). If the teacher says this to all the students, that is not a problem, but he gives extra time to another student and not giving to Edward. The teacher is biased, he treats the students that good in study very nicely, and he treats the students that is not good in study very evilly.
January 18, 2012
After writing a lengthy review, of which Goodreads ate and never posted, I'm just going to sum up my thoughts:
- okay book
- base information on special education is there
- main character not truly believable (especially near end)
- identification process not as simple as in book - long process
- odd for Grade 10 to be assessed; normally completed in elementary school
- book recommended for small group study, and guided reading
See, my first review was much better... I was reduced to terrible bullet points!
- okay book
- base information on special education is there
- main character not truly believable (especially near end)
- identification process not as simple as in book - long process
- odd for Grade 10 to be assessed; normally completed in elementary school
- book recommended for small group study, and guided reading
See, my first review was much better... I was reduced to terrible bullet points!
May 16, 2014
I just read a good story, Special Edward by Eric Walters. The story begins with a boy named Edward that wonted to be in special ed. the best parits of this story are he being to go to special ed and lying to his parents to be in special ed. the main character is special Edward. he is smart and crazy. I like this book because is is awesome. If you like books about lying or funny parts then I recommend you read this book.
January 29, 2016
a kid schemes to no longer have to work so hard in school by being declared special ed. it turns out to be a lot more work to become special ed than he had expected and learns about himself in the process.
recommended for people who like a quick read with good humor.
recommended for people who like a quick read with good humor.
March 24, 2012
maybe part of the problem was that it was in french... i don't know but i just didn't like it!!
still an eric walters fan though!!
still an eric walters fan though!!
April 14, 2012
Good lesson, funny. Quick/easy read.
July 1, 2010
It was ok. It was part of the Orca Currents, or Orca Soundings. That's what really got me going.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews