Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Jealousy gets Nate into big trouble in third installment.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
After losing his skateboard in an accident, sixth-grader Nate Wright is desperate to win the skateboard prize for selling the most Warm Fuzzies for the Timber Scouts. The only problem is lucky, perfect Artur, whom Nate blames for making him blow his attendance record at scouts and for hogging his would-be girlfriend. Nate sets out to best Artur and win the skateboard -- and hopefully the girl, too.
Is It Any Good?
With its blend of middle school humor and comics, the Big Nate series is a great choice for reluctant readers, particularly boys. The inside covers invite readers to join in the comics-making fun -- perhaps inspiring more creative efforts after reading the book is done.
BIG NATE ON A ROLL sees antihero Nate Wright motivated to work very hard toward his goal: to win the skateboard. But he's so focused, he's blinded to the potential cost of his actions. He always takes things just a little too far and doesn't know when to quit. His frustration is easy to understand, and kids will giggle as they see him blunder time and again. Although Nate doesn't learn much from the experience, readers will be wiser.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Nate's role in his misfortune. How much is Artur responsible for?
Why do you think the Big Nate series is so popular? Is it the humor, the drawings, the Nate character, the relatable situations?
Why do Nate's dad, his teachers, and other adults seem so hard on him?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Lincoln Peirce
- Genre : Humor
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : August 16, 2011
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 16, 2025
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