 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
All of the Above
- By Shelley Pearsall
- Genre: School
Common Sense Media says
Kids build a big tetrahedron, lasting friendships.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a great book for reluctant readers. While there are some instances of bullying and child neglect, the overall message is a positive one.
What's the story?
A frustrated math teacher stumbles on an idea to engage his students: build the world's biggest tetrahedron. After initial resistance, several students show up to the first meeting. Those that stick around forge unlikely friendships that change not only their thoughts about themselves but the community's thoughts about the run-down school they attend.
Is it any good?
This novel based on a true story starts off like many that focus on urban school systems: the students don't care, the teachers are uninspired, and the community is apathetic. Pearsall is a veteran author and she makes ALL OF THE ABOVE transcend the typical "teacher-inspired miracle story." Indeed, the math teacher at the center of the project, Mr. Collins, is a peripheral character. The four students who truly commit to the project -- Rhondell, Sharice, Marcel, and James -- drive the story with short, first-person chapters. The narratives show readers what motivates the four to participate in the project. We learn about their families, their dreams, and how the students are connected to each other.
This quick read will appeal to all kinds of students, whether they love, hate, or are indifferent about math. It will even appeal to budding chefs because barbeque recipes from a restaurant owned by Marcel's father are peppered throughout the book. Come for the math, stay for the BBQ? A strange combination, but somehow this story sticks together just fine, and sticks to your ribs.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the importance of friendships. How did unlikely friendships help the students involved with the tetrahedron project? What did Sharice learn about friendship? How did helping Sharice affect Rhondell?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
OK for the right ages
It's ok. Sometimes it gets boring but the recipes are great. I loved the cake.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
tweens wil love it i think the older they get the more they ill hte this book
it was a reat book some of the adults were not good role models i think kids need to be a lilltle bit older to actuley undrstand this book.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
September 10, 2010
AGE
I am in the middle
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
i love it so much i would read it a millon times
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Shelley Pearsall |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | School |
| Publisher: | Little, Brown and Company |
| Publication date: | September 6, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 256 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
