Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways! The classroom isn't as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn't seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher Ms. Lacey did. The work is hard and there isn't enough time to play outside. Worst of all her best friend Ryan says he likes first grade! Finally, Hayley has had enough. "First grade stinks!" she shouts. The classroom is suddenly very quiet. "You're in trouble now," Ryan whispers.
But to Hayley's surprise Ms. Gray doesn't look mad at all. Young readers will immediately empathize with Hayley and her increasing apprehension, as she tries to negotiate new expectations and challenges on the first day of a new school year in Mary Ann Rodman's perfectly-pitched story, while illustrator Beth Spiegel's full-color, expressive watercolor illustrations capture the spirited young protagonist and the rich school atmosphere.
"Entering first grade, with its increased structure and emphasis on reading, writing, and math, can be just as difficult a transition as starting kindergarten.... Soon Haley has had enough. 'First grade stinks!' she yells aloud, her face, mouth open wide, taking up most of a page, making sure the point gets across. When her teacher acknowledges her fears, Haley calms down and admits that first grade isn't so bad after all. Ink sketches filled in with splashy watercolors depict a worried, increasingly frazzled Haley as she copes with new challenges in a busy, active classroom." — Stephanie Zvirin, Booklist
Recommended Age | 5 - 8 |
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Author | Mary Ann Rodman |
Illustrator | Beth Spiegel |
ISBN | 1561453773 |
Publication Date | Jun 29, 2006 |
Publisher | Peachtree Pub Ltd |
Language | English |