First Grade Dropout
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The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Audrey Vernick's First Grade Dropout is a funny first-person account of a boy who's humiliated himself in school by accidentally calling his teacher "Mommy." Kids will relate to both his embarrassment and his desperate plans to save face and will laugh at the fun, cartoon-like illustrations by Matthew Cordell. Since friendship saves the day, families can talk about mistakes, how to deal with them, and how to empathize with others.
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What's the story?
In FIRST GRADE DROPOUT, a boy accidentally calls his teacher "Mommy," then wonders how he'll ever live down the embarrassment. He contemplates various outlandish plans, deciding to drop out of school. But when he walks to soccer, and his best friend suggests they can work on their "junk shots," all is defused. The friend looks sheepish at his own silly mistake, then bursts out laughing, and the two walk off arm in arm.
Is it any good?
In this funny, very human story, a boy wonders how to save face after humiliating himself: He called his teacher "Mommy," and everyone erupted into laughter, including his best friend. Burning with shame, the boy considers wild plans to undo the damage involving magic, time travel, and dropping out of school. But when he again runs into his best friend, the friend doesn't ridicule him and makes a slip of his own. Cordell's appealingly scribbly art, reminiscent of master cartoonists such as Jules Feiffer and Quentin Blake, slyly underscores the humor. One hilarious spread shows a marching band with all the marchers laughing, the word "Mommy" emblazoned across their band hats. Perfect for talking about mistakes and dealing with embarrassment.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about dealing with embarrassment. Which strategies do you think work? Which ones don't? How can you show empathy when others make mistakes?
What's funny about this book, in the story and in the art?
What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever done? How did you handle it? Did your embarrassment fade over time? Parents can share too.
Book details
- Author: Audrey Vernick
- Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Clarion Books
- Publication date: July 21, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: June 3, 2019
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