Adriana Brad Schanen

I wish this wasn't the last Quinny & Hopper book, but since this one was published five years ago, I guess Ms. Schanen has concluded the series.
Quinny (the ultimate extrovert) and Hopper (the ultimate introvert) are best friends in third grade. In this book, like the previous two, a lot of serious subjects are approached within an extremely light-hearted, fun book. In Smart Cookies, the topics covered include, but are not limited to: friendship, family, traditions, compromise, loyalty, show more kindness, learning styles, seeing things through another person's eyes, and gratitude.
Although Quinny and Hopper are in 3rd grade, the book is probably better suited as a read-alone book for 5th or 6th graders. Third grade, would be a good read aloud book though. show less

Book 2 in the Quinny and Hopper series. Quinny is the extraordinarily extroverted girl whose best friend is Hopper, an extraordinarily introverted boy. In alternating first person narrations, they tell the tale of Hopper's tonsillectomy, Quinny's battle with the evil substitute teacher, and more. The book delves into what it really means to be a good friend; being honest when it's hard to; and being afraid of something inevitable, like a tonsillectomy. Still, this is mostly a lighthearted, show more funny book for upper elementary school kids. Probably a good read aloud even for second graders. show less

Quinny, who is the ultimate extrovert, moves next door to Hopper, who is the ultimate introvert. This is the lighthearted, fun story of these two equally likable, but completely opposite personalities developing a close friendship. There are some bumps and bullies along the way, but it never gets too serious, which is good, as the intended audience is probably mid-upper elementary school kids.

Quinny, a vibrant, loud curly topped girl moves from New York City to Whispering Springs, a small town due to her mom's new job. She moves next to Hopper who is quiet and shy. Quinny is not happy about this move and is looking to make friends. Hopper likes being in his room building models of human body parts and avoiding his twin older brothers that terrorize him. Quinny and Hopper become friends for the summer and enjoy trying to capture a chicken and having other adventures. When summer show more is about to end, Hopper pushes Quinny away fearing that she won't want to be his friend when she realizes he doesn't have friends at school. For a period Quinny becomes friends with Victoria, a very catty, snobby and materialistic girl who lives down the street. Victoria eventually snubs Quinny and Hopper captures the chicken and together they rebuild their friendship returning the lost chicken.
Quinny and Hopper is a wonderful book for classrooms to teach a variety of topics. First of all the books goes between the point of view of the two characters and could be great for teaching point of view. Hopper shows signs of either extreme shyness or maybe even aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By telling the story from his perspective, we get an insight into his thoughts and feelings. The book could be taught as a way to discuss both physical and social bullying due to the behavior of the twins and Victoria. Finally, in today's very materialistic world, I appreciate characters like Quinny who value friendship and fun over fancy clothes or being cool. show less