First Grade Stinks!

by Mary Ann Rodman

Book Overview

A relatable, funny back-to-school tale for rising first graders and young children facing new experiences.

★ "Rodman handles the turmoil of school transitions with realism and humor. A good jumping-off book for discussions about differences and change." ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

It's the first day of school, and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She's a first grader Hayley quickly finds...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561453773
• ISBN13: 9781561453771
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.4" x 10.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

1st graders love this book!

My first graders loved this story. Before I read it, they were saying how much they liked 1st grade better than kinder and this just wrapped it all up in a story. After reading it, we talked about what they hoped first grade would be like and what they hoped to learn this year.

A must for the beginning for first grade

After leaving the secure feeling of kindergarten, this book will calm the nerves and reassure students that it will be an exciting year in first grade. I read the book to my class and they continued to relate back to various parts of the book throughout the year. My favorite part is when the first grade teacher closes the read aloud book at the most exciting part, a trick used by most first grade teachers. It should be part of the beginning of the year ritual in every first grade class.

I've been teaching elementary school for 20 years

....and I've yet to find a children's book that is so perfect...and absolutely gorgeous! Ms. Spiegel's illustrations add wit and charm to a lovely read-aloud experience that completely enchanted my students (now BIG second graders!) who remember the monumental transition from kindergarten to first grade very well. I look forward to more collaborations between this gifted author and her brilliant illustrator!

The Book Every Teacher Needs in her Classroom!

As a former elementary teacher, this delightful book is one that warms my heart. First grader Haley desperately wants to go back to Ms. Lacy's kindergarten class where things are fun, that is, until she discovers the best thing about being in first grade. Author Mary Ann Rodman's sense of humor is evident from the first page to the last and my heart glows like Haley's orange sky whenever I thumb through this wonderful book. The illustrations by Beth Spiegel are perfect in every way, too! Perfect combination. Definitely a keeper!

No Stinker Here

First Grade Stinks! is a wonderfully realistic look at the awkward transition from being a somewhat coddled kindergartener to being a first grader who must learn more and play less. Rodman's fresh, believable characterizations of Haley and her new teacher, Ms. Gray (!), are a true delight. Beautiful illustrations by Beth Spiegel add to a great reading experience.