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The Report Card

(2004, Fiction - School, Written by Andrew Clements)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Nora uses her genius to protest testing, grades.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Nora systematically misleads and manipulates her parents and teachers. She hides her intelligence, in part, so that her friend, a boy, won't feel stupid.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Report Card

Parents need to know that the author is straightforwardly raising an issue of great importance to children: the use and misuse of grades and testing in school. But the way the main character goes about it is questionable at best, raising even more issues -- giftedness, protest, rebellion, and achievement.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about grades and testing. Do you think grading and testing are good ways to assess achievement? Is one a better tool than the other? Why or why not? How could teachers and students measure progress if testing was abandoned? Families can also talk about protest. Do you think Nora's approach was justified? Would you have done things differently?
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Our Members Say

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See all 34 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    hhhhghgg
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    8+

    ~LOVE IT!!!!!!~

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    carolynkeenerox
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    Being normal is unique

    I love this book! Andrew Clements is a great author. So is Brian Selznick (the illustrator). Nora wanted to be normal, she doesn't even want to be in the gifted program. I think everyone should look up to her.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    peapod1
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    a blessing

    A blessing to children's literature. An amazing book for all.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    zomgmorgzz
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    MOST READ NOW

    The bookThe report card is beastly i love it well kinda im 12 i read it a while ago but i suggest you read love by jerry spenilli heis amazing author ;)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    amcormack
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    my eyes fell out

    i love this book but that dose not happen to me.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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