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12th out of 20 books
—
9 voters
All Shook Up
WHEN 13-YEAR-OLD JOSH finds out he has to stay with his dad in Chicago for a few months, he’s not too thrilled. But when he arrives at the airport, he’s simply devastated. His father—who used to be a scatterbrained, but pretty normal, shoe salesman—has become a sideburn-wearing, hip-twisting, utterly embarrassing Elvis impersonator. Josh is determined to keep his dad’s ide...more
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
May 13th 2008
by Knopf Books for Young Readers
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All Shook Up is about a boy named Josh whose life changes the summer he turns thirteen. Josh’s parents are divorced; he lives with his mom in Boston and visits his dad every summer in Chicago. Before starting the seventh grade, Josh’s grandmother, who lives in Florida, breaks her hip. His mom decides to go and take care of his grandmother and ships Josh to Chicago to live with his dad. So, Josh is forced to leave his school and friends in Boston and go live in Chicago for a few months. A surpri...more
Josh, thirteen, has to go live with his father in Chicago when his mom has to go stay with her mother in Florida (after she breaks her hip). He misses his friends in Boston, and his life there, but Josh finds that the worst thing about coming to Chicago is the fact that his dad has become an Elvis impersonator after losing his job (shoe salesman). It’s so embarrassing that Josh can’t even tell his mom about it. It’s so embarrassing that he forbids Ivory (his dad’s girlfriend Viv’s daughter) to t...more
I have recently become a HUGE fan of this author. She writes everything from amazing historical fiction to contemporary fiction, to stories based on current, real-life events. I first became aware of her when her book ALL OF THE ABOVE showed up on the Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominee list for 2010-11 in Division II (5th -7th grade).
Having read ALL OF THE ABOVE and enjoyed it so thoroughly, I went looking for more of Ms. Pearsall’s work. I also visited her website, which is quite informative and...more
Having read ALL OF THE ABOVE and enjoyed it so thoroughly, I went looking for more of Ms. Pearsall’s work. I also visited her website, which is quite informative and...more
This book looked like it was going to be awful when I saw the cover and read the book jacket. It wasn't as bad as I thought and I had a good time reading it.
It was, however, a formula book. In that way, it was completely, outrageously, predictable. I understand why writers write this kind of book - it is easy to do. Think of a kid who would have a problem, think of a crazy scheme that's going to really hurt someone in his life, have him do it and feel very guilty for the rest of the book. Ugh. I...more
It was, however, a formula book. In that way, it was completely, outrageously, predictable. I understand why writers write this kind of book - it is easy to do. Think of a kid who would have a problem, think of a crazy scheme that's going to really hurt someone in his life, have him do it and feel very guilty for the rest of the book. Ugh. I...more
A fairly standard read that might extend down to a strong 4th grader, this is a tale of Josh, a 13 year old boy who has to spend 4 months living with his father in Chicago while his mother tends to a sick grandmother. Josh has to enroll in a strange school where no one knows him and cope with the fact that dad has lost his job and is trying to make it as an Elvis impersonator. As you would expect, Josh slowly learns to accept dad and not be so self-focused. Has a few funny moments, but isn't too...more
Seventh-grader Josh has to go live with his dad in Chicago while his mother leaves Boston to go take care of his grandmother in Florida. To Josh's great consternation, he discovers that the shoe store where his dad had worked for years has closed down. Dad is now making a living as an Elvis impersonator! Josh does fine at his new school, makes some friends, and muddles through without too much embarrassment until the possibility of his friends finding out about Elvis looms ahead. This is a good...more
This book probably deserves five stars, but the problem is with my taste in books rather than the book.
I am not sure what to say about this book. It should definitely appeal to all the kids whose parents have ever done something that embarrasses them. I guess that means everybody.
I really liked how Josh came to realize that everything was not about him. I couldn't blame him for being self-centered. I think that is human nature and it is especially strong in a teenager.
I grew up as an Elvis fan a...more
I am not sure what to say about this book. It should definitely appeal to all the kids whose parents have ever done something that embarrasses them. I guess that means everybody.
I really liked how Josh came to realize that everything was not about him. I couldn't blame him for being self-centered. I think that is human nature and it is especially strong in a teenager.
I grew up as an Elvis fan a...more
A breezy little YA novel about Josh, an average 13 year old boy who goes to live with his Dad for a few months, only to discover that Dad has recently embarked on a new career as a professional Elvis impersonator. Josh's mortification at the prospect of Dad performing at an upcoming school dance is a pretty straightforward case study in the psychological phenomenon of the "imaginary audience," and his attempts to negotiate the cliques of junior high should resonate with anyone who's survived it....more
My son is trying to read all 20 "Rebecca Caudill" 2011 book nominees for an award at his school. We've always been impressed by the books on the list - usually just right for ages 9-12 or so. This one was fine, but I become frustrated by books/shows where there is a problem caused by someone's dishonesty that could be cleared up if they would just tell the truth. But that rarely happens and so they dig themselves a deeper hole trying to cover up their lie... You know how it goes.
This is an easy...more
This is an easy...more
Just before 7th grade begins, Josh goes to live with his dad in Chicago, because his mom goes down to Florida to help take care of his grandma for a few months. To his surprise, he finds out his father lost his job as a shoe salesman and is now working as an Elvis impersonator. On top of this embarassing development, he has trouble getting in with the popular kids and is befriended by his father's girlfriend's daughter, one of the "loser" kids. During his time in Chicago, just about everything i...more
All Josh wants to do is be a normal 13 year old kid, but that's seriously hard when your Dad is an Elvis impersonator. As Josh works to blend in at his new school it seems like everything is against him from his Dad's girlfriend's kooky daughter to the weird notes being left on his locker. When his Dad is asked to sing at his school it's the last straw, and Josh fights back.
This hilarious book is entertaining from start to finish. Josh's descriptions of the world around him, especially Chicago,...more
This hilarious book is entertaining from start to finish. Josh's descriptions of the world around him, especially Chicago,...more
Josh is not thrilled to find out that his father has lost his job as a shoe salesman - and has decided to make his living as an Elvis impersonator. Seriously. Now Josh is stuck with his dad for several months while his mother helps his grandma recover from a broken hip. What _normal_ teenager wants to be seen with a guy who has giant Elvis sunburns, wears shirts with parrots on them, and throws sweaty scarves to middle-aged women? Yuck. Josh just wants to blend in ('cause it's middle school, duh...more
Pearsall, Shelley. 2008. All Shook Up.
When you're thirteen, it doesn't take much for you to think your parents are embarrassing. Meet Josh. He normally lives with his mom in Boston, but when his grandmother falls and breaks her hip, Josh is sent to stay with his Dad in Chicago while his mom is off to Florida.
Looking back, I would say everything in my life changed the summer I turned thirteen and my father turned into Elvis.
I'd heard people say thirteen was an unlucky number, and from the very...more
When you're thirteen, it doesn't take much for you to think your parents are embarrassing. Meet Josh. He normally lives with his mom in Boston, but when his grandmother falls and breaks her hip, Josh is sent to stay with his Dad in Chicago while his mom is off to Florida.
Looking back, I would say everything in my life changed the summer I turned thirteen and my father turned into Elvis.
I'd heard people say thirteen was an unlucky number, and from the very...more
One day 13 year old Josh finds out he has to spends some time with his dad in Illionois. Now, that's bad enough. But when he finds out his dad,a former shoe sales man, is now an Evis impersonateator.This is so embrassing. Not only that but he is going to perform at his school. What will he do.
I like this book! This is because I can realate to being embrassed by my parents. It was funny. It also dealt with issue's of today. I wish there was anthoerer one. I would love it.
I like this book! This is because I can realate to being embrassed by my parents. It was funny. It also dealt with issue's of today. I wish there was anthoerer one. I would love it.
I read this one just to model reading for my kids, but really got into it. It's about a boy who's dad is an Elvis impersonator, so it was an interesting look into that field. Each chapter had a quote from an Elvis song which was fun, too. The only thing I didn't like was that the boy who is the main character was amazingly selfish -- although I think it's pretty appropriate for teen behavior. He came around by the end, but it was difficult understanding his attitude.
Josh, a 13-year-old, must go and stay with his father in Chicago while his mother cares for his ailing grandmother. His parents divorced when he was five because his father, a shoe salesmen, just couldn't get his act together. Josh's father loses his job and begins a career as an Elvis impersonator.
I thought that this was a very creative book, but I didn't find it to be extremely enjoyable. Shelley Pearsall is a crafty writer and created some great characters, but I just didn't like Josh all tha...more
I thought that this was a very creative book, but I didn't find it to be extremely enjoyable. Shelley Pearsall is a crafty writer and created some great characters, but I just didn't like Josh all tha...more
This book was OK. Josh was a likeable character and I did care about what happened to him. There was a lot of room for potential with the plotline. However, the book was pretty predictable. For those readers that like a comfortable book where everything turns out fine and like realistic fiction, I can see this being a possible fit but it is unlikely I would recommend this to a reader. Or maybe if I came across an Elvis fanatic in elementary school. . .
Entertaining read about 13 year old Josh who moves to Chicago to live with his dad while his mom takes care of his Grandmother in Florida. Upon arriving in Chicago Josh discovers his dad is no longer a shoe salesman but instead he's an Elvis impersonator. Enjoyed the journey of Josh trying to grow up, trying to be cool, trying to fit in and finally realizing he needed to walk in others shoes. I think several kids could identify with him.
13 year old Josh is the product of a divorce and when he finds out that he has to leave his home in Boston to stay with his dad in Chicago for an extended period of time, he is none too happy. But when he finds out that his dad has lost his job as a shoe salesman and has taken on the new "gig" of being an Elvis impersonator, Josh decides that something drastic must be done to keep him from ruining his life.
I got this as a bargain book at a recent warehouse sale. I originally picked it because I have family members who are Elvis fans and I simply roll my eyes at all that. The good thing about the book is that I think it accurately portrays how most adolescents feel about their parents - resentment, embarassment, frustration, and eventually appreciation, admiration, and respect in spite of their foibles.
This is a cute book about a boy and his dad who has decided to perform as Elvis since he lost his job. Josh is completely mortified about this acheivement, especially since it puts his social status at his new school in extreme jeoparady. Not only is he dealing with the Elvis situation,but his dad's new girlfriend and her hippy daughter as well. Includes lots of fun references to Elvis lyrics and history.
Due to his grandmother's illness in FL, Josh is sent to Chicago to live with his dad, while his mom goes to FL. Upon his arrival in Chicago, Josh finds out that this dad has lost his job and is now earning a living by being an Elvis performer. As a junior high student, Josh is embarrassed by his dad. In the six months that he lives in Chicago, Josh learns that the world does not revolve around him.
Fun read that deals with the many challenges a 7th grade boy with divorsed parents. Humor and a situation that is plausible allows the story to develope into a situation that your average student will be able to relate to. Thanks to the author for treading lightly with the language and sexual issues that often are overdone with this age group. This book is appropriate for all ages.
This is on the 2011 Caudill nominee list. But I have no idea why. It's an average book about a selfish tween who doesn't have an epiphany like they do in most books that it's okay to accept people the way that they are. *spoiler alert*
He only accepts his father being an Elvis impersonator after he goes to one of his performances and sees how much the audience likes him.
He only accepts his father being an Elvis impersonator after he goes to one of his performances and sees how much the audience likes him.
I love YA lit. It's so cute and refreshing. The book is about a boy who moves in with his dad when his mom moves away to help his grandma. When the boy gets to his dad's house, he realizes his dad is an Elvis impersonator. Best premise... ever.
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Totally cute coming of age novel. Josh has to come to grips that his dad is Elvis, find friends, and learn that being weird is A-Okay. Warm fuzzies.
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Totally cute coming of age novel. Josh has to come to grips that his dad is Elvis, find friends, and learn that being weird is A-Okay. Warm fuzzies.
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Last time 13-year-old Josh saw his father, the man was a shoe salesman. This time, he's Elvis.
Just a quick, humorous read that I enjoyed. The characters were fun and the concept was very intriguing. All Shook Up would be one of those books that could easily be turned into a summer movie. Recommended for: Kids and up
Just a quick, humorous read that I enjoyed. The characters were fun and the concept was very intriguing. All Shook Up would be one of those books that could easily be turned into a summer movie. Recommended for: Kids and up
When josh finds out he has to go to his dad's for a few months, he is not happy. When he gets to the airport he is completely humiliated by his father. he father was not working at the shoes store like he used to. he got fired when the shoe store closed. For a living his father impersonates ................... Elvis!?!?! Wow thats embarrassing!
I like All Shook Up because it definitely makes you laugh. Have you ever seen your dad dress exactly like Elvis Presley? Probably not. There are many goof...more
I like All Shook Up because it definitely makes you laugh. Have you ever seen your dad dress exactly like Elvis Presley? Probably not. There are many goof...more
This is a great book for middle school boys who divide their time between divorced parents. It hits on some of the issues teens face as they hit the age where their parents become "uncool." Main character, Josh, does change a lot from the beginning, but there's still work to do with him.
I would give this story a very strong 3.75, close to a 4. I found it to be an easy read (I know it's a YA and I'm a grown-up, but still!). I think what I enjoyed most was seeing Josh open his eyes a little and realize that at 13 the world doesn't revolve around him. Sure he seemed self-centered, but hey, he's 13! It was great seeing him grow through the story.
NO for our library.
This story is more appropriate for middle school.
At the same time, it's noticeable through her writing that Pearsall had a great time developing a character who, after a hard turn with losing his job, turns to a life of Elvis impersonation. Nicely done.
This story is more appropriate for middle school.
At the same time, it's noticeable through her writing that Pearsall had a great time developing a character who, after a hard turn with losing his job, turns to a life of Elvis impersonation. Nicely done.
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