Big Nate Makes the Grade

As these are all starting to blend together in their mediocrity, I'll just affix a conversation I had with some students about Big Nate:
One of my students caught me reading this and they were SOOO excited to see a teacher reading the same stuff THEY read. So, I decided to take the opportunity to ask a few students why they enjoy Big Nate. I was met with blank stares. "Well...ummmm..."
Me: If you don't like it, why do you read it?
Her: Because it's fast. We get more points for more books, so we can get quick points.
Her fellow students: *nods and murmurs of agreement*

Ah. That makes so much sense.

In the tradition of Calvin ( he of Hobbes fame), Big Nate does not excel in academia. The collection of comics here focuses Nate's school life. Unexpectedly, while he does not care for school, he excels at chess. I was looking for a laugh when I read this (during Hurricane Sandy) and certainly found it. A good one.

Laugh out loud funny. I learned a lot about the Nate cartoon strip then what I knew via the funny pages. I feel like part of the Nate family after reading this. Pure joy!!

If your kids like comic strip characters for a quick fun read, then Big Nate will work just right. A great character for boys who don't necessarily want to have their nose in a typical chapter books. As Nate prepares for another ambitious school year, he fondly refers to school as the “Chamber of Horrors,” he begins by trying to find a replacement pair of lucky socks. His old pair are stinky and falling apart from lack of washing. Once in class, Nate is finding that not much has changed. He still has bad luck, he gets on his teachers nerves and some fellow classmates still think he is a jerk and have no problem expressing it.

Nate's laughable point of view will have kids chuckling about his brand of luck and interaction at school. show more Throughout the pages kids will enjoy his various guides for school “Do's and Don'ts” and “Survive or Else” and “Faculty Interviews” and there are plenty more. show less

This book is about a boy named Nate Wright, who is known for his mischef. The story follows him throughout the school year, experiencing what each day of school is like. This would be a great read for early to upper elementary students. It would also be a great book for those who may be second language learners or reluctant readers.

I enjoy this book because it was funny wacky and bizarre