Inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, the Hank Zipzer series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of a boy with learning differences.
Fourth grade is not looking too good to Hank Zipzer. His teacher tells the class to write a five paragraph essay on "What I Did On My Summer Vacation." Hank has a hard time with assignments like that because he has a hard time with a few little things like spelling and writing. A born problem-solver, Hank comes up with a great idea. Instead of writing his essay for this assignment, he'll build his essay.
Turns out Hank and his family went to see Niagara Falls over the summer and Hank figures out how to make a model of the water plunging over the cliff using Saran wrap, tubing and a paper måché mountain. Does anyone see a catastrophe coming? There is the small problem of the leak in the classroom .....think Niagara Falls. Detention anyone?
Hank's friends are counting on him to be part of their magic show and now he's in detention. Just when things are looking like they can't get any worse, Hank's music teacher figures out Hank might have "learning differences" and suggests he be tested. Yikes!
Hank has so much going for him and luckily his talents get showcased after all.
This is an uplifting and reassuring story for every child who has been made to feel different or less than because of learning differences. The magic of Hank shines through for all to see and his friends like him for all that he is and the soup-slurping iguana and pet dog soften spread the focus around to fun and and funny.
Pacing: Fast-paced
Tone: Humor plus a dash of understanding and affirmation
144 pages 978-0448431628 Ages 8-12
Other titles in the series: I Got a D in Salami, Book 2; Day of the Iguana, Book 3; Zippity Zinger, Book 4; The Night I Flunked My Field Trip, Book 5: Holy Enchilada, Book 6; Help! Somebody Get Me Out of Fourth Grade, Book 7; Summer School! What Genius Thought That Up!, Book 8; My Secret Life As a Ping Pong Wizard, Book 9; My Dog's a Scaredy Cat, Book 10; The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down, Book 11; Barfing in the Backseat; How I Survived My Family Road Trip, Book 12; Who Ordered This Baby? Definitely Not Me, Book 13; Life of Me; Enter At Your Own Risk, Book 14; A Tale of Two Tails, Book 15; Dump Trucks and Dog Sleds; I'm On My Way Mom, Book 16; A Brand New Me, Book 17
