The Best School Year Ever

The Best School Year Ever is a funny, warm-hearted follow-up to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, once again spotlighting the unforgettable Herdman kids—the “worst kids in the history of the world.” Narrated by Beth Bradley, the story follows the Herdmans as they cause chaos in every corner of Woodrow Wilson Elementary. From outrageous classroom antics to unexpected moments of kindness, the book shows that even the most troublesome students have hidden strengths.

Barbara Robinson’s writing is fast, witty, and full of personality, making it perfect for young readers and read-alouds. While the Herdmans are wild, their unpredictability also brings humor and surprising heart to the story. Beneath the mischief is an uplifting message show more about compassion, looking beyond first impressions, and understanding that everyone has something special to offer. show less

First read this in the 1990s, probably soon after it was published in '94. Re-read many times. Now reading it aloud to my almost-9-year-old and enjoying it all over again ("Beware of Gladys"). It's aged well enough, with a few exceptions.

The story starts at the beginning of the school year and ends at the end; chapters are episodic, and each includes some Herman antics, from putting frog spawn in the drinking fountain to using paperclips as braces to buttering a kid's head to get him unstuck from a bike rack. Through it all, narrator Beth worries about how she'll come up with a compliment for Imogene Herdman to complete the year-long "Compliments for Classmates" assignment (Imogene is "resourceful").

I read this short, funny, episodic novel with my 12-year-old and we both enjoyed it thoroughly. Taking place over the course of their 6th grade year, the stories focus on the narrator Beth's classmate, Imogene, one of the Herdmans, who "told lies and smoked cigars and set fire to things and hit little kids and cursed and stayed away from school whenever they wanted to and wouldn't learn anything when they were there." In the 6th grade, the teacher assigns "Compliments for Classmates" and, while Beth is assigned to Imogene, the chapters relate the shenanigans and outlawry of the Herdmans, "one of them in each grade." Naturally, despite her canny scheming, Imogene eventually emerges as somewhat admirable ("Nobody else thought of buttering show more Boyd's head or washing their cat at the laundromat."), challenging Beth to see the good in her--not a bad assignment for any class. show less

I read this short, funny, episodic novel with my 12-year-old and we both enjoyed it thoroughly. Taking place over the course of their 6th grade year, the stories focus on the narrator Beth's classmate, Imogene, one of the Herdmans, who "told lies and smoked cigars and set fire to things and hit little kids and cursed and stayed away from school whenever they wanted to and wouldn't learn anything when they were there." In the 6th grade, the teacher assigns "Compliments for Classmates" and, while Beth is assigned to Imogene, the chapters relate the shenanigans and outlawry of the Herdmans, "one of them in each grade." Naturally, despite her canny scheming, Imogene eventually emerges as somewhat admirable ("Nobody else thought of buttering show more Boyd's head or washing their cat at the laundromat."), challenging Beth to see the good in her--not a bad assignment for any class. show less

A funny, creative, and (for me at least) very nostalgic read. The Herdmans cause a lot of trouble but I actually quite like them, particularly Imogen. I know I would much rather spend time with her than Alice Wendlekin.

One thing I don't think I noticed reading as a kid, this book is randomly fatphobic which was not appreciated.

I kinda want to give it four stars but I'm beginning to think that I'm a bit too generous with those. This is funny, and has happy lessons about the kids who can't quite live up to their reputations. Gracefully told so the lessons don't feel preachy. I should reread Best Christmas Pageant sometime, and look for more by the author.

The Herdmans are terrible trouble makers at their school. They take you on a journey of their shenanigans throughout their day and somehow are able to get out of trouble for what they cause. As you continue to read, you can’t help but wonder what is really under that tough exterior. As a teacher, my students have loved these books and they pair extremely well when talking about our difference and not knowing what is going on behind the scenes in people’s lives. We are all important, we are all special and we all can do amazing things. Love these books and the deep conversations they can bring to a classroom!