Module 13

 Graphic Novels & Series Books

Junie B., First Grader (at last!) by Barbara Park
Illustrated by Denise Brunkus

Bibliography
Park, B.  (2001). Junie B., First Grader (at last!). New York, NY: Random House.


ISBN 978-0-375-81516-4

Summary

First grade isn't all it's cracked up to be, on top of being in a new school, having a new teacher, having to make friends all over again, could it be that Junie B. Jones may need glasses? As if the year couldn't get any worse, but is it really that bad?

My Impression


I think it's a cute story about going to first grade, all the excitement followed by the nervousness.  I like it, but then again I think the whole series is cute.

Reviews

Children's Literature

This chapter book is the most recent book in "The Junie B. Jones Series." Junie B. brings her saucy, irreverent, honest humor to first grade and so copes with a number of upsetting surprises. Her "bestest friend" from kindergarten Lucille (a pretty Southern-belle type) has dumped her for new friends. Grace, her old bus buddy, has taken up with a new bus buddy. Junie sits next to "goodie-two-shoes" May in class, who finds nothing but fault with Junie. And worst of all, Junie discovers she needs glasses! Fortunately, she gets help with her problems. Mr. Scary, her new teacher, helps solve the eye mystery, and a new friend, Herb, saves Junie from humiliation. The book includes Junie's forthright entries in her school journal (though it seems premature to ask students to start a journal the second day of first grade and for Junie to correct her spelling of mustache). The book captures Junie B.'s particular way of speaking, grammatical oversights included. Young readers should have fun with precocious Junie B., though first graders may need to have the story read to them. The illustrations are on the mark in interpreting some amusing and dramatic scenes. 2001, Stepping Stone/Random House, 

From School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-While first grade offers a whole year of exciting possibilities for Junie B., things get off to a confusing start. Feeling tentative about her new teacher, she renames him Mr. Scary. Her last year's best friend now has two new best friends and her old bus pal has a new buddy. Then, Junie's teacher discovers that she needs glasses. Now that is something to worry about. "What if Room One laughs their head off at me? What if I look like a goonie bird and no one wants to be my friend?" However, her classmates, who already agree that twins with rhyming names, a boy with a spiky gel hairdo, and bilingual Jose are fascinating, determine that Junie B. and her purple glasses are definitely cool. As always, Park is in touch with what the kids know and how they feel. A satisfying read, especially for fans.
Sharon R. Pearce, Geronimo Public School, OK

Use in Library Setting

This book is a great small chapter book, it can be at any library in the children's section.  It can be used in a first grade classroom to show that they are not the only ones who are nervous about going to school and starting something new.  I can be in elementary and middle school libraries, just for easy reading.

Review. (2001). Junie B., First Grader (at last!). [Review of the book Junie B., First Grader (at last!)]. 

Barnes & Noble. 

Available from

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/junie-b-first-grader-barbara-park/1100009747?ean=9780375815164

Review. (2002). Junie B., First Grader (at last!). [Review of the book Junie B., First Grader (at last!)]. 

Amazon.com.

Available from

http://www.amazon.com/Junie-First-Grader-Last-Jones/dp/0375815163/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354986461&sr=8-2&keywords=junie+b+first+grader

Image from

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=junie+b+first+grader+at+last&view=detail&id=D983DC55B72A2156B0AFD98158D280F9DD532FC0