Charlie Bumpers vs. The Teacher of the Year
By Barbara Schultz,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Engaging school story about a messy boy with a good heart.
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What's the Story?
The first volume in Bill Harley's new middle-grade series, CHARLIE BUMPERS VS. THE TEACHER OF THE YEAR, begins just before Charlie starts fourth grade with typical school-year preparations: room cleaning and shoe shopping. Charlie's messy closet gives readers their first glimpse of this good-hearted boy's less than stellar organizational skills. Then Charlie learns that his teacher's going to be Teacher of the Year winner Mrs. Burke, and he knows he's already on her bad side after what happened back in third grade. First-day jitters don't begin to describe how nervous Charlie is about getting through a year with a strict teacher who once threatened to keep him in for recess for the rest of his life.
Is It Any Good?
Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year is an engaging school story in which kids face kid-sized problems like strict teachers and playground disputes. Charlie's poor judgment often results in sitcom-type humor, but he's such a kindhearted kid -- in a believable way, not a too-sweet way -- that readers care about him and share his empathy for others. One aspect that rings slightly false is Charlie's age; his behavior, level of understanding, and adults' expectations for him seem more appropriate for a child of 10 rather than 8. However, it's still a funny, sweet, entertaining book that will teach kids the value of kindness and inclusiveness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Charlie helps a new boy adjust to their school. What are some ways you can help a new student make friends?
The kids in Charlie's class draw book covers for their favorite books. What's your favorite book at the moment? Draw a picture that illustrates what happens in the book.
Do you think Charlie's parents are fair to him?
Book Details
- Author: Bill Harley
- Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
- Genre: School
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters , Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
- Publication date: September 1, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 7 - 10
- Number of pages: 160
- Available on: Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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