Book Details
Written by
Genre
More details

All of the Above (by Shelley Pearsall)

common sense media says

Kids build a big tetrahedron, lasting friendships.


parents & educators say

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.

Positive messages: Students learn about overcoming obstacles and first impressions to work together for a common goal. A student is routinely neglected by her foster parent: Because she doesn't trust the child, the parent refuses to leave her home alone, forcing her to roam the streets while the foster parent goes on late-night dates.
Violence: A few instances of bullying behavior.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Some name calling, bordering on teasing.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on All of the Above

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Shelley Pearsall
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publication date: September 6, 2006
Number of pages: 256
Hardcover price: $15.99
Read Aloud: 9
Read Alone: 9

This review was written by Terreece Clarke
 
 

Review It

 

Review All of the Above





Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Book finder
kid, 12 years old
 
OK for the right ages
It's ok. Sometimes it gets boring but the recipes are great. I loved the cake.

partygirl72
kid, 13 years old
 
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.

jynx89
kid, 10 years old
 
I am in the middle

luv2010
kid, 13 years old
 
i love it so much i would read it a millon times

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
 

vote now

Will you read All of the Above?


Already read it? What do you think?

 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors


About our rating system
ON: Content is 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