Junie B., First Grader (at Last!)

Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) is a funny and relatable story that really captures what it’s like to be a first grader. I loved Junie B.’s personality—she’s silly, honest, and sometimes a little stubborn, which makes her feel real. The book made me laugh while also showing the ups and downs of school life, like making friends, learning new things, and dealing with tricky situations. It’s a book that’s easy to enjoy but also reminds you of the challenges and excitement of starting something new.

The 18th installment in Barbara Park's popular beginning chapter-book series puts our temperamental heroine into a brand-new class where she has to make brand-new friends. And as if that weren't hard enough, her brand-new teacher, Mr. Scary ("He made that name up, I believe," Junie writes in a journal assignment), figures out that she needs eyeglasses. Will all the other kids laugh at her? Will that obnoxious Excellent-plus-getting May become even more obnoxious?

Junie B. Jones books are very funny, relatable books for young readers. June B. Jones is a very silly character that speaks her mind and says stuff that will probably make most kids chuckle. At the same time, though, they typically have a good under-lying meaning. In this particular book, Junie B. starts first grade and has to go through a lot of changes. For starters, her best friends from kindergarten have now made new best friends and start leaving Junie B. out. Students can connect to this if they have ever felt left out of friend groups. Junie B. also finds out that she has to start wearing glasses. At first, she is super embarrassed and doesn't want to be seen in her glasses. But, she shares them for show-and-tell and one of her show more new friends tells her how cool they look. The rest of the class then agrees, and boosts her confidence. She realizes that wearing glasses is nothing to be embarrassed about, and now she can actually read the board in class. This book conveys a good message, in a very funny and entertaining way. show less

I liked this book for a number of reasons. First, I thought the author did a splendid job of adding appropriate humor that could be funny to children and adults. For example, when May forgot to say the "B" in Junie B. Jones, Junie B. became frustrated and felt the need to say "B., B., B., B., B", in her face to get it through May's head. I believe this is funny to children because they could relate to this type of frustration and it is funny to adults because they recognize children get upset over little things. I also liked how the author included Junie B.'s journal letters in the format of Junie B.'s writing. For example, some of the chapters start with her journal letters that she is required to write for her class. These letters are show more written in a first graders hand writing and words that are crossed out and corrected for spelling such as, "mustach" is crossed out with the correct spelling written above it along with the word "stomick". This gives the reader a feeling that they have Junie B.'s real journal in hand. The big idea of the book is that sticking through and giving multiple chances towards a new thing, rather than calling it quits. show less

First grade is rough, especially when your name doesn't rhyme with that of your former best friend - 'causing for a natural slow down in the friendship, duh - and you find out you need glasses.

With the unfailing humor and rather chaotic pace we've come to enjoy, this new edition is a great step forward, bringing Junie B. closer and closer to representing the age group reading these titles.

Bring on second grade already.

Junie B., First Grader (at last!)
Author: Barbara Park

In my opinion this book is an excellent read for a 1st grader who is just started to read chapter books. Junie B. Jones intrigues young readers with her humor. She also can be relatable to a 1st grader reading this book. The writing of this book is very easy to read. The words are in a big font and there are easy paragraphs on each page. This book also displays handwriting of Junie B. Jones in her journal. The character Junie B. is a fun and witty girl. She even talks with a smart mouth most of the time. This book is written in first person. This book doesn't have much of a plot. It just explains Junie B.’s struggle in the 1st grade. The conflict that Junie B. runs into is she show more needs to get glasses and she is worried that her classmates will make fun of her. The illustrations in the book help depict the scenes in each chapter. It helps a young reader imagine a picture of the characters and what is happening in their head. Since this book is meant to be fun it doesn't really push readers to think about serious issues. The message of Junie B. Jones is to not be afraid what everyone will think about you. I think this is a great book for young readers who may be needing to get glasses and are afraid to see what their friends will think of them. Also, this book can help young readers keep a positive attitude if they may not like school. The last sentence Junie B. puts in her journal is, “Hey! What do you know?I think I might like first grade!” (Park, page 76). This shows how easy it can be to change your perspective on situations you may not like at first. show less

Junie B. Jones is not having a good first week of first grade. Her best friend, Lucille now has two other best friends and Junie B. can only be her regular friend. She has to sit next to snooty May, and Grace, who sat by her on the school bus everyday now wants to sit with another girl! But at least this boy Herb is nice and he wants to sit with her and she also meets some other nice boys in her class. It's good Junie B. has some friends, because now she learns she is going to need glasses and she's scared about what the other kids will say.

Barbara Park creates an authentic voice for Junie B., who for all her outward bravado, is a timid girl who does not like change. This first person story allows us to feel Junie B.'s pain, confusion, show more surprise and hope. Park presents realistic situations that many young students have to face. Park also brings a lot of humor through Junie B.'s narrative and reactions. This is a story that will appeal to many younger elementary students. It gives voice to their fears and encouragement that those fears can be overcome. show less