Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday - Judith Viorst
Kid-friendly language and funny illustrations.
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- Author:Judith Viorst
- # of pages: 32
- Publisher:Simon and Schuster BFYR
- Original Publication Date: 01/01/1995
- Genre: Fiction - Family Life
- Paperback: $5.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: Ages 4-8
- Read Aloud: 4+
- Read Alone: 6+
Parents need to know
Families can talk about the value of money. Are you surprised by how quickly Alexander used up his dollar? What would you do with a dollar? This could be a good springboard for discussions about allowance, the value of goods, and spending habits.
Message
Social Behavior:
Alexander's older brothers tease him, and Alexanders calls them names and kicks them. (His father fines him.)
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Sex
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Amy Brotman
Is it any good?
Once again, author Judith Viorst proves she knows kids inside and out. Illustrator Ray Cruz is back, too, bringing life to Viorst's messy-haired hero with skillfully drawn emotions ranging from utter joy to abject disappointment.
What's great about Alexander is that he learns his lessons the hard (and humorous) way. Although small purchases of bubble gum don't seem to make a dent in his budget, going through three pieces as quickly as he can chew them is not only funny but also realistic. And betting his mother that she can't guess which hand his purple marble is hidden in--and then being dumbfounded that "moms made children pay," is pure entertainment.
One five-year-old reader with siblings understood Alexander's frustration when his brothers tease him, as well as his indignity when his father fines him five cents for calling them names.
The garage-sale sequence is great--what kid hasn't "needed" such treasures as a half-melted candle, "a deck of cards that was perfect except for no seven of clubs and no two of diamonds," or "a bear with one eye"? Only to find out later that maybe he or she didn't make the best choice?
Parents looking for guidance might consider The Kids' Allowance Book, by Amy Nathan.
Parents and kids say



