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Hank Zipzer #5
The Night I Flunked My Field Trip
Hank is thrilled about the "Best Field Trip of the Year"-everyone from Ms. Adolph's class gets to spend the night on an old-fashioned three-mast sailing ship in New York Harbor! And Hank gets even more excited when the ship's captain chooses him to be the first mate. But being first mate is not all it's cracked up to be, especially for a crazy captain who takes his job a little too seriously. The best field trip of the year is becoming the worst night of Hank's life-how's he going to get out of this one?
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2004
28 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Henry Winkler
118 books560 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 36 reviews
April 26, 2021
As a kid--well, even as an adult--I was prone to mishaps; so, I understand Hank Zipzer's misadventures all too well. Unlike some books written by Hollywood celebrities, this isn't some mere cash grab; it's really fun and engaging. I may be in my thirties, but it brought out the kid in me.
January 27, 2019
Another fun addition for this enjoyable series. Hank and his friends, spend the night on a old sailing ship for a school field trip. During the night, Hank makes a new friend named, Collin who Hank believes, is perfect in every way: very smart, tall, and perfect hair. But, as the night continues Hank and Collin get teamed up to learn how to make knots. Hank, not being able to read the book or understanding the diagram on making knots, decides the only way he can figure it out, is by untying one of the main knots that is holding the boat in the harbor. Which leads to a problem for Hank and Collin to fix. I'm still enjoying these little books, on to the next one.
September 4, 2018
“My brain wasn’t cooperating.” This was not the first time Hank Zipzer felt this way, and now he has a dilemma. The fourth grade class is going on a field trip aboard a docked sailing ship on the New York Harbor called “The Pilgrim Spirit”. It will be a realistic experience for the class. Each person will be assigned jobs and get to stay overnight on the ship just like a real crew. The class was very excited. All the permission slips were in except Hanks. He had accidentally left it under the vase where his dad put it after signing it. His forgetfulness is part of his learning difficulties. Hank has so many pressures at school trying to remember things and the class bully, Nick, does not make school easy for him. If Hank didn’t have his two best friends, Frank and Ashley, he would feel lost. Hank is very upset about the permission slip, but he is able to solve the problem. Then, Hank is picked for the important job of captain’s assistant, and he is ready to have the time of his life on the field trip. “Some days start out bad, and just wind up perfect,” Hank feels. Will this trip be as perfect as it seems? Will this trip be all that Hank anticipates it to be? Will Hank’s learning difficulties cause any other problems for himself or other people on this field trip?
“The Night I Flunked My Field Trip” is a book in the Hank Zipzer series. It is an easy read, fiction book with an informal style of writing. The book is geared to elementary and middle school students, but boys could relate to it better since the main character is male. One of the authors is Henry Winkler, who is a famous actor, and who struggles with dyslexia like the books main character, Henry/Hank Zipzer. Henry Winkler wanted people to have an understanding of dyslexia, and what it was like to have this difficulty with the daily challenges that you encounter, the bullies that make fun of you, and the way you would often feel about yourself. He wanted students to know they were not alone if the were struggling. He also wanted students to know that there are many different ways to learn. In the book Hank said…”I learn how to do it best when I actually do it myself.” He was referring to when he has to take apart something to see how it works and then put it back together again. There is no right or wrong way to learn.
I think this book was entertaining and informative. The author is trying to show the realism about the struggles of learning difficulties. It is easy to relate to the characters. Hank Zipzer is a likable character. He is bright, funny, witty, and smart, even though his grades don’t always reflect his intelligence. Intelligence is shown in so many different ways. A wide range of boys and girls might enjoy this book if they have dyslexia or not. The book does give a realistic setting of a classroom, homelife, and big city living. It also describes teachers, bullies, parents, friends, and sibling relationships accurately. There are a few small illustrations when a new chapter begins detailing what is in that chapter, but the main illustration is a beginning page showing what type of situation Hank will need to overcome. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the friendship that began between Hank and Collin. Collin was the smartest, tallest, fastest, most perfect boy in Hank’s eyes. Hank soon understands that, “Nobody’s perfect, even the perfect people.”
“The Night I Flunked My Field Trip” is a book in the Hank Zipzer series. It is an easy read, fiction book with an informal style of writing. The book is geared to elementary and middle school students, but boys could relate to it better since the main character is male. One of the authors is Henry Winkler, who is a famous actor, and who struggles with dyslexia like the books main character, Henry/Hank Zipzer. Henry Winkler wanted people to have an understanding of dyslexia, and what it was like to have this difficulty with the daily challenges that you encounter, the bullies that make fun of you, and the way you would often feel about yourself. He wanted students to know they were not alone if the were struggling. He also wanted students to know that there are many different ways to learn. In the book Hank said…”I learn how to do it best when I actually do it myself.” He was referring to when he has to take apart something to see how it works and then put it back together again. There is no right or wrong way to learn.
I think this book was entertaining and informative. The author is trying to show the realism about the struggles of learning difficulties. It is easy to relate to the characters. Hank Zipzer is a likable character. He is bright, funny, witty, and smart, even though his grades don’t always reflect his intelligence. Intelligence is shown in so many different ways. A wide range of boys and girls might enjoy this book if they have dyslexia or not. The book does give a realistic setting of a classroom, homelife, and big city living. It also describes teachers, bullies, parents, friends, and sibling relationships accurately. There are a few small illustrations when a new chapter begins detailing what is in that chapter, but the main illustration is a beginning page showing what type of situation Hank will need to overcome. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was the friendship that began between Hank and Collin. Collin was the smartest, tallest, fastest, most perfect boy in Hank’s eyes. Hank soon understands that, “Nobody’s perfect, even the perfect people.”
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November 9, 2016Summary-Hank Zipzer gets to school one day and realizes he doesn’t have his permission slip for the big field trip. His teacher says he has an hour to turn it in or else he can’t go. But there is no one home so he calls his grandpa to bring him the permission slip. He gets to be Captains assistant on the field trip but after being there for awhile he realizes it’s not all that good and he tries to get Nick Mckelty back for setting him up with the job. When they are tying knots Hank ends up untying the boat and they end up in the middle of the ocean and no one knows what to do. Hank calls his grandpa to help them and when hank gets home he gets a call from Collin and they end up becoming best friends.
Theme- The theme of this book is there’s a consequence to every action. In the story he always is forgetting things like when “he forgets his permission slip and has 1 hour to get it back or he can’t go.”Pg.1-13 Also he always is getting himself stuck in something and he has to call his grandpa to come save him. “Hank called Papa Pete to save them”Pg.132-141 Also “everyone is mad at him for ruining the field trip.”Pg.150-151
Why I like this book- I like this book because it has a lot of good lessons. It shows Friendship and Facing consequences. It also shows that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because in the beginning Hank thinks Collin is stuck up and rude but they end up becoming best friends.
Theme- The theme of this book is there’s a consequence to every action. In the story he always is forgetting things like when “he forgets his permission slip and has 1 hour to get it back or he can’t go.”Pg.1-13 Also he always is getting himself stuck in something and he has to call his grandpa to come save him. “Hank called Papa Pete to save them”Pg.132-141 Also “everyone is mad at him for ruining the field trip.”Pg.150-151
Why I like this book- I like this book because it has a lot of good lessons. It shows Friendship and Facing consequences. It also shows that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover because in the beginning Hank thinks Collin is stuck up and rude but they end up becoming best friends.
August 5, 2011
Age:
Grades 8-14
Genre:
Series/Realistic Fiction
Diversity:
Learning disability
Illustrations:
Front cover illustrated, some drawings in black and white.
Personal response:
I felt a connection with Hank because I too suffered from some of the same learning disabilities. I thought that Henry Wrinkler really provided a heart felt story about learning and challenges of it. The kid is actually really intelligent but learns differently than others. Society should learn to recognize different learning methods. Underachiever is an understatement but that is a term deemed by society. Hank saved the day at the end with getting the boat back to the harbor. This book will benefit children who are in the same boat.
Curricular or programming connections:
Discovering different learning patterns and applying them in assignments.
Grades 8-14
Genre:
Series/Realistic Fiction
Diversity:
Learning disability
Illustrations:
Front cover illustrated, some drawings in black and white.
Personal response:
I felt a connection with Hank because I too suffered from some of the same learning disabilities. I thought that Henry Wrinkler really provided a heart felt story about learning and challenges of it. The kid is actually really intelligent but learns differently than others. Society should learn to recognize different learning methods. Underachiever is an understatement but that is a term deemed by society. Hank saved the day at the end with getting the boat back to the harbor. This book will benefit children who are in the same boat.
Curricular or programming connections:
Discovering different learning patterns and applying them in assignments.
July 2, 2011
As usual, I worried very much about Hank, especially when things got out of control. Before the catastrophe, in this book, he even half abandoned his best friend Frankie for smart and tall Collin, which of course he regreted afterward.
Hank is learning his lessons the hard way, but he always find people who stand by him-his best friends, and Papa Pete! "Real friends accept you for who you are." "Nobody's perfect, even the perfect people." I think Hank learned these two lessons, and I liked them both!
Hank is learning his lessons the hard way, but he always find people who stand by him-his best friends, and Papa Pete! "Real friends accept you for who you are." "Nobody's perfect, even the perfect people." I think Hank learned these two lessons, and I liked them both!
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March 27, 2015This book is about a boy named hank.He wants to go on a field trip.He forgot his permission slip at home so his grandpa has to go get it from his house.His grandpa has to hurry because hank only has 1 hour to get to the teacher.
He gets the permission slip and goes on the boat where there field trip.He gets elected the captions assistance.he goes to the field trip and has the fun. He said that it was the best day of his life.
He gets the permission slip and goes on the boat where there field trip.He gets elected the captions assistance.he goes to the field trip and has the fun. He said that it was the best day of his life.
November 11, 2015
A good book about a boy named Hank. Hank has a learning disability. The author tells the story of Hanks exciting trip (including forgetting his field trip permission slip , and being chosen as the ships captain. This book is bound to be felt by most individuals that may be experiencing a learning disability.
November 18, 2008
I really enjoyed this Hank Zipzer adventure because it shows at the end how special it is to have friends that care about you even though you have your faults and quirks. Hank Zipzer should be a role model for all young people suffering with disabilities and learning problems. A great series!
December 12, 2011
You might ask Who Could Possibly Flunk Their Field Trip? If there is a way Hank Zipzer can find it. Another fun read that many kids can relate to. Either they themselves deal with learning challenges or know someone in their class who does.
January 29, 2013
A good book that has 5th graders going on a trip that is on board of a ship which is tied on dock. when the main character unties a knot the problem begins. I kind fell asleep reading it, but it was not bad.
December 1, 2016
This book is hilarious. My inner eight-year-old was screaming out loud and shaking with laughter all the way.
Hank Zipzer is a cheeky, witty and funny character whom I find really interesting. A very nice read, with a lot of laughs!
Hank Zipzer is a cheeky, witty and funny character whom I find really interesting. A very nice read, with a lot of laughs!
Want to read
July 2, 2008children's/young adults
December 4, 2009
Continues to be a good series.
Read
January 18, 2010OOooooohhh! This one was really good, you should read it, too!! :D :D :D :D
May 1, 2011
this is a cute book for lower level readers. hank is funny.
June 26, 2011
really good and funny series!
March 6, 2012
This book was a great read to share with my 8 year old. We giggled throughout the book. :)
January 21, 2013
Hank has dyslexia and he saved everybody when the boat got untied from the dock. I loved this book!
February 25, 2014
2011.10.23 25785words
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May 10, 2015I can't read this
March 30, 2020
These stories of Hank and his challenges navigating his academic, social, and family lives are simply entertaining and heartwarming for readers young and old alike. This story particularly strikes a cord for me with its reminiscence of my own fifth grade year in discussing Hank's field trip to a sailing ship with his school. As I write this review, unfortunately, that very same ship I attended when young has sunk in its harbor of over 60 years as of today, and this review is a timely reminder of my own memories and nostalgia. Hank finds himself in a social challenge of wanting to do well in his field trip responsibilities and to impress a new friend; however, his learning challenges cause significant problems for him and his class. I liked that this book not only discussed his forgetfulness and problems with executive functioning and learning, but also his natural desires to belong and be liked by others. In addition, when the problems he causes are realized, he shows his other abilities to problem solve and save the day in an unlikely way that was not apparent to others onboard, whom were busy panicking and being struck with fear. He has compunction and a genuine desire to do well; even when his learning skills fail him in the immediate sense, his quick thinking and different ways of learning come in handy to resolve the problems faced by him and his class. I liked the message that this conveys to readers. A person can make mistakes, and serious ones at that, but having integrity and resourcefulness in the face of critical need can make all the difference. I look forward to finishing the last three books I currently own in this series and finding out what additional problems Hank get himself into (but also creatively finds his way out of, just the same).
May 24, 2019
This book is about Hank Zipzer and his school trip fail.
Hank forgets his permission slip and has to rush to his house to get it so he could go to the field trip. His class and he go on a ship called The Pilgrim Spirit. On the trip, his school bully acts nice and nominates Hank for captain’s assistant. The bully secretly knows that it is a horrible job but Hank and his new friend Collin trick the bully into believing that the job was great and gave the job to the bully. The ship drifted away unintentionally and the captain revealed that he was an actor. Hank’s grandfather, previously in the Navy, saved the day.
I rate this book 4/5 and recommend it for 10-year olds. ⅘
Hank forgets his permission slip and has to rush to his house to get it so he could go to the field trip. His class and he go on a ship called The Pilgrim Spirit. On the trip, his school bully acts nice and nominates Hank for captain’s assistant. The bully secretly knows that it is a horrible job but Hank and his new friend Collin trick the bully into believing that the job was great and gave the job to the bully. The ship drifted away unintentionally and the captain revealed that he was an actor. Hank’s grandfather, previously in the Navy, saved the day.
I rate this book 4/5 and recommend it for 10-year olds. ⅘
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
Hank is a middle school student, he trys hard at everything he does. But fate
and Murphy kicks in and takes over. From harsh a grumpy teacher, to school
bullying, not to mention a hard nosevprinciple. Hank and his friends have a
hard time surviving middle school. Now his class gets a chance of a life time.
They get to spend a night on a tall master ship. What a time to be had....that is
till every thing gos wrong and that guy Murpy' Law reasons his ugly head, and it's
full charge ahead, with high antics and crazy stunts that begin to break out. Then
It's every person for themselves. Great reads f[r all kids from first to high school
kids. Start your kids reading these booksnow.
Debra H.
and Murphy kicks in and takes over. From harsh a grumpy teacher, to school
bullying, not to mention a hard nosevprinciple. Hank and his friends have a
hard time surviving middle school. Now his class gets a chance of a life time.
They get to spend a night on a tall master ship. What a time to be had....that is
till every thing gos wrong and that guy Murpy' Law reasons his ugly head, and it's
full charge ahead, with high antics and crazy stunts that begin to break out. Then
It's every person for themselves. Great reads f[r all kids from first to high school
kids. Start your kids reading these booksnow.
Debra H.
March 17, 2022
Hanks class is going on a great field trip,or so they think. Spending a night
on a master ship,what could go wrong right? First off Hank gets picked for
captains first mate. Great right, except the captain takes his job a little bit too
far.When alls quiet in the night,Murphy law breaks out. Now every thing breaks
loose with high antics,and crazy stunts breaking out. Now it’s every man, and
students for themselves! In this high crazy antics and none stop action! All
Kids will love Hank Zipzer books, and ask for more to read.
Debra Hahn
on a master ship,what could go wrong right? First off Hank gets picked for
captains first mate. Great right, except the captain takes his job a little bit too
far.When alls quiet in the night,Murphy law breaks out. Now every thing breaks
loose with high antics,and crazy stunts breaking out. Now it’s every man, and
students for themselves! In this high crazy antics and none stop action! All
Kids will love Hank Zipzer books, and ask for more to read.
Debra Hahn
January 9, 2023
As someone with a dual form of dyslexia, I can really relate to these books. Hank's feelings of inadequacy, his desire to hide his disability, and his heightened level of self-consciousness are all things I can relate to. I wish these books had been around when I was younger. It's the day of the 4th grade field trip. The students are about to spend the night on a tall ship, The Pilgrim Spirit. But Hank's mind, that doesn't always work the way he wants, has once again forgotten something - his permission slip. His teacher gives him an hour to get it to the school. Fortunately his grandfather papa Pete was able to retrieve the signed slip and get it to the school.
Once Hank's class arrives at the ship they realize another 4th grade class from a different school is joining them on the ship. Hank has many adventures on the ship, but the worst is when he takes over his watch at 4am and realizes the ship is adrift, and the crew that has been bossing the students around all evening are no help for they are just actors playing a role. Hank discovers he has Papa Pete's cell phone. Can he save the day? Can he provide leadership to 2 fourth grade classes? Read and find out.
Once Hank's class arrives at the ship they realize another 4th grade class from a different school is joining them on the ship. Hank has many adventures on the ship, but the worst is when he takes over his watch at 4am and realizes the ship is adrift, and the crew that has been bossing the students around all evening are no help for they are just actors playing a role. Hank discovers he has Papa Pete's cell phone. Can he save the day? Can he provide leadership to 2 fourth grade classes? Read and find out.
September 9, 2020
Another good lesson learned about friendship as Hank Zipzer deals with mishaps he caused unintentionally on The Pilgrim Spirit field trip. Certainly kids can relate to the personalities of his classmates. Well done.
June 10, 2025
Another great Hank tale from Winkler & Oliver. Great life lessons to be learned about how to treat old friends when making new friends. Also how telling the truth is always the best in many situations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews