This early reader book is a nice transition from picture books to chapter books. There are some pictures dispersed throughout the book and the chapters are short and not difficult to get through. ( )

Within the first few chapters of this story, I realized that it would be a perfect read aloud for my students. From Richard not finishing an assignment, to him only wanting to play video games, it was a pretty perfect fit for my second graders. I overall found this story very relate-able for children of this age. ( )

This early chapter book is about a boy who loves to skateboard and is excited for his friends skateboard party, so he can show off his new trick. However, he never finished his school report and his teacher sends home a note for his parents to sign. Richard knows his parents will not let him go to the skateboard party if he gives it to them, so he holds off giving it to them for as long as possible. Things keep getting worse and worse, until he is finally forced to tell them about the note. He then gets in more trouble for lying and has several consequences. He learns to follow the consequences and do them appropriately and respectfully, which then gets him permission to go to the skateboard party.

The story is great for reading for third grade. It is good to show the feelings of how young boys feels of losing their privileges as we adults look at as punishment but from the boys' point of view they don’t like and they fear for losing them. It is a good transitioning story to help young readers move to chapter books.

Richard's parents brook no nonsense when they learn he has fallen behind in school and failed to give them a note from his teacher. His web of lies and excuses has fallen down around him and he works hard to get things right during the week he's on punishment. Many kids will recognize excusing away those pesky responsibilities. ( )