Judy Moody Was in a Mood
Parents say
Based on 2 reviews
Kids say
Based on 11 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Megan McDonald's Judy Moody Was in a Mood is the first book in the 14-volume Judy Moody series. In this one, Judy is just starting third grade, and she acts like a regular kid: She gets annoyed by her little brother, acts out when things don't go her way, and has a wonderfully curious nature. In this book, there's some potty talk (the Toad Pee Club, the "hand" coming out of the toilet) and some less than stellar behavior, but it's all in a day's work for a third grader. On the positive side, Judy has great friendships with boys, and she actually learns a lot about turning a bad day into a good one.
Community Reviews
Got my 2nd grader really excited about reading
Report this review
Report this review
What's the Story?
In JUDY MOODY WAS IN A MOOD, Judy is not happy about starting third grade. She's worried she'll have to sit next to Frank "Eats Paste" Pearl in a new classroom that won't have a porcupine named Roger. She's disappointed that she doesn't have a T-shirt with words on it like her classmates, because her family didn't go anywhere on vacation. And when Judy is not happy, she lets everyone know: "Roar!" But Judy is not one to take things at face value. She decorates her own T-shirt ("I Ate a Shark!") and heads off to school with her best friend, Rocky. She finds out that her new teacher, Mr. Todd (or as Judy calls him, Mr. Toad), has an assignment for everyone that's right up her alley: to create a Me-collage. As the first weeks of school progress, Judy has some entertaining ups and downs, and she makes a new friend. As she adds elements to her collage, she becomes more comfortable in third grade, and more excited about presenting her project to the class.
Is It Any Good?
Megan McDonald's aptly named, spunky, creative young hero will be as familiar as she is funny to middle graders. Judy is no Polyanna; she's a regular kid who gets angry when she has to do things she doesn't like and becomes resentful when her brother gets privileges that she wants. However, McDonald's age-appropriate humor and cartoon illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds in Judy Moody Was in a Mood show kids the way a bad mood can be turned around with a different perspective. Middle grade readers and their parents will also enjoy the way Judy loves science, makes friends with boys, and learns to make the best of things, even when her little brother (whom she calls "Stink," and who eventually gets his own spin-off series) annoys her.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Judy's bad moods in Judy Moody Was in a Mood. What makes Judy upset? What cheers her up?
Can you think of a time when you were in a bad mood and you were able to cheer yourself up? What happened?
If you made a "Me-collage" like Judy and her classmates, what would you put on yours?
Book Details
- Author: Megan McDonald
- Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
- Genre: School
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Candlewick Press
- Publication date: April 24, 2004
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 160
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 27, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire
Exploring the outdoors, with a Fancy Nancy twist.
-
Beezus and Ramona
The first Ramona book is a treat for all ages.
-
Clementine
Move over, Ramona -- here comes Clementine.
-
Ivy + Bean, Book 1
Friendship tale a sure hit with kids starting chapter books.
-
The Worst Witch at School
Too young for Harry? Try this fun witch series.
For kids who love funny stories and strong girls
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate