My Secret Life as a Ping-Pong Wizard #9: Hank Zipzer the World's Greatest Underachiever

by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver

Book Overview

Hank thought that getting through summer school to get to the fifth grade would be hard enough, but little did he know that it would get worse! Everyone in the fifth grade is starting to focus on a sport--and they're really good. Everyone, that is, except Hank. When Papa Pete suggests that Hank take up Ping-Pong, he decides to give it a try but keeps it top secret, as he thinks the other kids will tease him about it not being a "real" sport. Hank...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 044843749X
• ISBN13: 9780448437491
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.1" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

another in a good kids series

my 11 yr old 5th gr daughter is a devoted Hank Zipzer fan; she had read thru #7 & wanted the next few in the series for her Dec bday/Christmas; these are quick easy reads for her, but very enjoyable; I even like when she reads out loud to me; they help her better understand her Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & learning disabilities (LD) in a fun way; Henry Winkler turned his negative childhood experiences into a positive thing for his children & ours

Zipzer hits back

What do you do when you discover you love something but most people do not understand it, or they think it is lame? Well if you're Hank Zipzer you try to hide it. It's the beginning of the 5th grade and Hank has joined the soccer team, but he's not very good, and does not really enjoy it. Then his grandfather takes him to a Ping-Pong Emporium, and not only does Hank like it, he can actually see some skill developing. But when he tries to feel out his friends on the subject of Ping-Pong they leave the impression it is lame, and the school bully McKelty mocks it the most. So he tries to hide his newfound love of the sport Ping-Pong. Unfortunately he loves Ping-Pong so much he keeps skipping soccer practice to play; when his father finds out he gets a big lecture. His father lets him know he does not think Ping-pong is a real sport and he is disappointed in Hank for letting his soccer team down by not following through on his commitment. The story comes to a head when at PS 87's Parade of Athletes, McKelty mocks a kindergarten kid about Ping-Pong and makes him cry. Little Sam Chin will try again if Hank will play with him, but to do so will be to admit his love for the sport. Can he overcome his fear of ridicule? Can he change his father's attitude about Ping-Pong? Can he rise above and help Sam? Read and find out why being a Ping-Pong wizard helps Hank with more than just developing hand-eye co-ordination.

Henry Winkler does it again

Another excellent addition to the Hank Zipzer collection. Any child will be sure to relate to Hank's excitement of learning and succeeding at a new sport, as well as his apprehensiveness of telling his friends for fear of their reaction. Your child will be cheering for Hank all the way as you read of his finally telling his friends of his new talent, his getting to see that bully Nick McKelty put in his place, and then seeing Hank get his chance to show off his talent to his friends, teachers, and parents. Looking forward to book #10...