Parents' Guide to

Alexander, Who's Trying His Best to Be the Best Boy Ever

By Jan Carr, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Classic character Alexander returns in funny sequel.

Alexander, Who's Trying His Best to Be the Best Boy Ever Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
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Kids say: Not yet rated

The book has plenty of trademark Viorst humor, along with very recognizable kid characters, and can serve as a spur toward family discussions about behavior. Because Viorst allows Alexander to tell his own story in a credible kid's voice, the Alexander stories have more text than many picture books. This one's longer than the original and isn't punctuated by any shorter, rhythmic, repeated refrains. It does have a helpful, humanistic message for kids: People aren't perfect, and if you try to be, you'll make yourself miserable.

But is either/or the only solution? Is it helpful to think of doing something difficult for the entire rest of one's life? A kid might think so, and that can be funny.

Book Details

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