In case you are not familiar with Junie B. Jones, she is a popular book series with the older first to younger third grade reader. She has several books in her series, take-offs and more. However, parents are not always a fan. She uses the words “dumb” and “stupid” to talk about things and people. Her actions are not “parent friendly” as well.
(book 5) was my first, and most likely, last read in the Barbra Park series.
I am torn about promoting this book. I know why kids like it: Junie is every kid. She says and does things we all wish we could do. She tests the boundaries and is funny to kids because of it. I am torn about pushing it to get kids reading. I feel get a kid to read something fun and you will have a reader. We push books that kids cannot “relate to” or do not like just because they are “classic” or “award winning” but that does not mean they are good fits for readers. I am the aunt who read a Spiderman board book to my nephew so many times I was almost ill. But he wanted me to read this shameful use of a lovely tree and I was not going to stop his interest in a book. But the fact Junie is a brat who never learns a lesson makes me unable to, with a good conscious, promote these books. Yet, getting a kid to read is the goal….
The story is about a fruitcake. Well, it was supposed to be, but what it is all the dumb, mean, stupid stuff Junie does to “win at all costs.” (Yes, I use the negative wording as this is what she does. If you are a smart parent, you could explain why Junie is wrong by using them, therefore, use it as a learning tool. But they are legitimate words that can be used.) The fruitcake does not come in until the very end. Something tells me the rest of the series is the same way. A lot of build up to Junie getting her way in the end and then going onto the next book to do it again.