Clementine
- By Sara Pennypacker
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Move over, Ramona -- here comes Clementine.
- By Sara Pennypacker
- Genre: Friendship
What parents need to know
Positive role models
Violence & scariness
Language
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the main character, Clementine, is a precocious third-grader who frequently gets into mischief, though with the good intention to solve problems. In one week she "fixes" her friend's hair by cutting it all off, helps out the principal by answering her phone, and pays attention in class by watching the janitor embrace the lunch lady. A wide age range will enjoy this book and enjoy reading it aloud, from the emergent kindergartner reader up to third graders.
User reviews
Parents say
Kids say
What's the story?
CLEMENTINE covers one week in the life of the precocious third-grader Clementine. At school she \"helps\" Margaret, a friend and neighbor, by cutting and coloring her hair. Neither the principal nor the girl's mother are amused, and eventually the two girls stop speaking to each other.
At home Clementine helps her father battle pesky pigeons. Mourning the loss of her cat, she also is convinced her parents are going to trade her in. In the end, hair begins to grow back, friendships are mended, Clementine's parents address her fears and treat her to a big surprise.
Is it any good?
QUALITY
CLEMENTINE fits right in with Ramona, Sheila-the-Great, and Pippy Longstocking -- and Sara Pennypacker has mastered the art of believable dialogue out of the mouths of kids. Despite all of Clementine's challenges, the reader also knows that she'll land on her feet or more likely, in the arms of loving parents. What's more, pen-and-ink drawings by Marla Frazee beautifully complement both silly and tender passages.
Families can talk about...
Families can talk about how and why Clementine's good intentions lead her to the principal's office. Does she feel misunderstood? Is she frustrated with others around her who are frustrated with her? Parents can discuss the relationship between Margaret and Clementine. What was the reason for their disagreement and how did they arrive at forgiving each other? Parents can also point out Clementine's way of understanding what's happening around her through the process of sketching.
Book details
| Author: | Sara Pennypacker |
| Illustrator: | Marla Frazee |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | September 15, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 144 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 7 - 10 |
| Read aloud: | 5 |
Browse more books
Top advice and articles
What parents and kids say
Share your thoughts with other parents and kids Write a user review
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines
QUALITY
I laughed, that's for sure!
Clementine is a very well written book. Funny details, all that good stuff. I am nine, and I was probably about 7 when I read this book. 5 stars, 7+!
Was this review useful?
QUALITY
a must read book for everyone
it was great i loved it but for other people they may not understand the book
Was this review useful?
QUALITY
Sweet, funny, and unique!
Clementine is what I imagine Junie B Jones will be like when she hits 3rd grade. Imaginative, creative, and observant, Clementine pays attention to every detail of daily life - much to the dismay of her teachers, who keep telling her to pay attention in class! She's definitely a challenge for parents and teachers, and she doesn't always make the right decisions, but her lessons are great ones! I recommend the entire series. My 7yo daughter loves to read them aloud with me.
What other families should know
Was this review useful?
Poll
What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)
What are the different ways that you access Common Sense Media ratings and information? (Check all that apply)
Total votes: 760