The Zippity Zinger

Hank Zipzer #4

by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver, Carol Heyer (Illustrations)

Hank LOVES baseball. L-O-V-E-S it! Unfortunately, though, he's not very good at the game. So everyone is surprised--including Hank himself--when Hank throws a zinger pitch at a practice for P.S. 87's annual School Olympiad baseball game. Hank knows how he pitched the "Zippity Zinger"--it must have happened because he accidentally wore his sister Emily's lucky monkey socks! Because of that stellar pitch, Hank has been chosen to pitch for P.S. 87 for the Big Game. The pressure is on--Hank's got to wear those socks again, or risk blowing the biggest ball game of his life. The only problem is, Emily wants to wear the lucky monkey socks herself since she's competing in the Brain Buster for the Olympiad. Will Hank be able to pull off another Zippity Zinger--or will he strike out?

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Humor, Realistic Fiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2009

About the author

Henry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.

Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.

Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm happy to say that my copy of this book was not a misprint!

(See my review of the previous volume if you don't know to what I'm referring.)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and hilarious story about Hank and his friends. In this story, Hank's best friend, Ashley, wants Hank to pitch softball for her Olympiad team. Unfortunately for Ashley, Hank knows he can't pitch unless he is wearing his sister's Emily, lucky monkey socks. Or can he, Hank invents a new pitching style called, The Zippety Zinger.

I have a feeling, this story, was a blast for Henry Winkler to write. During his Happy Days years, the whole cast was part of a softball team that if you watch some of Henry's interviews and the team is brought up, he usually has such fun stories to tell and you can tell, he had the best time playing on the team.

Looking forward, to reading the next book in this series.

[Jeff Grosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all need to have a Zippity Zinger in our repertoire, or at least a lucky pair of monkey socks. Thanks for another great story Henry Winkler.

[Chris Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank Zipzer is a boy who struggles to do what others find easily, especially read and write. Since boys sometimes struggle academically in their early years, Hank's problems are something that anyone can relate to and feel good about knowing they're not alone. Hank's academic struggles are secondary to the main plot in this story, which is about his struggles in throwing a good pitch for his school's upcoming baseball game. Upper elementary level kids may find it amusing that Hank's good luck charm ends up being his sister's pink monkey socks, and that's more important than whether adults find it amusing. Some jokes are mildly amusing for adults, but no doubt younger kids will find something to laugh at in every page.


Hank's dilemmas and family feel real and believable, but they do have their quirks. Particularly the sister's pet iguana and the dachshund named Cheerio. The sequence when Hank's friends dress up as Hopi Indians is bizarre, but since Hank is studying for his history test about the Hopi, it makes at least some sense. The characters themselves aren't particularly colorful (I mean in terms of personality - they are a diverse bunch in terms of race and gender, though), but that's probably not going to matter to the target age group of these books. If you have a son who you are struggling to find a book for, this might be something he enjoys. The series has been a big hit in my classroom of ESL learners.

[Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Zippity Zinger is a very comical book. It has its twists and turns. Hank Zipzer visions himself as a failure and outcast when it comes to things that normal people his age do, including: sports, girls, and academics. In the story, he sees that he is naturally not good at sport, starting with baseball. He realized he didn't have the coordination, skills, and ability to succeed in those sports. He always has hope and always tries his best. But he knows he wont be great because he has problems with dexterity. Until That one day when he couldn't find his baseball socks. At that moment, he was panicked because of his up coming game was soon. So he took his sisters "Monkey socks". And low and behold, they make him pitch better. The socks gave him the mental drive and ability to think past his disabilities. He actually started believing that he had the ability and that he could succeed in baseball. This story is a very childish story, but it sends out a great message. It says to never lose hope and faith in yourself. Always do your best. It should be an inspiration to all struggling kids out there.

[M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank Zipzer sees himself as an academic and athletic loser although he's optimistic and cheerful by nature, with parents who help him to achieve as best he can and good friends who accept him as he is. A bratty sister,her spoiled pet iguana, and a school bully keep the book from being too sweet. Hank is dyslexic and generally klutzy but he ends up being a pretty good baseball pitcher and he saves the day by winning the big game competition. I liked a lot of the book--Hank's angst, his superstitions (his sister's lucky socks, etc.) and his relationships. They all seem true to his age. While I think the book gives hope to kids with learning disabilities and gives insight to everyone else, I do wonder about the kids who never find a way to save the day. Still, there is always hope.

[Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Hank Zipzer is forced by necessity to wear his sister’s pink monkey socks, an amazing thing happens, he can pitch baseball perfectly, something he’s not been able to do before. Suddenly, pitching in his school’s baseball Olympic-esque baseball game! But then Hank’s sister Emily starts moaning that she can’t find her lucky monkey socks anywhere. Can Hank still play in the game without the magic socks?

This was a cute enough story, but nothing to get excited about. A decent option for sports-loving boys (or girls!). Henry Winkler as a narrator (I listened to this on disc) might’ve killed it for me; some of his voices were comically horrible.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I told you I enjoyed the first Hank Zipzer I ever read. So I moved on to 'Zippity Zinger.' I was surprised by how similar and yet how much different this book was from the third book, Day of the Iguana. In this sequel, you are introduced to Hankie's bad throw, and the Super Special Lucky Monkey Socks. Papa Pete is a main character in this book, and you will find that in the rest of the series he is quite an encourager. Again, this is a quick read for a quick reader like me but I found it just as exciting and humorous, with a few turns and twists, as a 300 page book that I've read before.

[Dominic Onate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Zippity Zinger

The writing of this book is funny because the characters are funny. The strengths of this book are that it is suspenseful. There are no weaknesses. I recommend this book to a classmate because it talks about sports. The other reason I would recommend this book to a classmate is because it has action in it. The reason why I would recommend this book to a classmate is because it has softball in it. The book I read is part of a series and I am planning to read all of the books.

[10-11 Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy named Hank is going to play baseball with his grandpa. But he has no socks to play with so he grabbed the top pair in the hamper. When he got to the pickers moaned he found out they were his sisters monkey socks. He throws the ball faster than he had ever before. But that was his sister lucky socks and she has the spelling bee to do the same day as his big game. So he has to find out a way to get them and not let her know he took them.

[Jacob Rothstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Hank, as usual. Hank loves baseball however he is not good at it. A series of lucky events happen , that put Hank pitching in his big school game. I always love Winkler books. This book is great and really funny. I recommend this book to everyone. If you want to laugh, read this book

[Courtney Umlauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's plenty to recommend this series: humor, positive (but still realistic) friendships and family relationships, and a main character with learning differences who isn't defined by them.

TpT Store | Pinterest

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Hank Zipzer and facing his fears of being a pitcher for his school's Olympiad. You have to love Hank and the humor of Henry Winkler. He is a character all kids can love! Can totally see Hank wearing the red monkey socks!!!

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew I would not love this book, even though I love the Hank Zipzer series. Any book that has sports in a larger % of the book bores me and my daughter to tears. My O.C.D. prevents me from skipping over any book in a series though.

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hank. I love them more when Henry Winkler reads them because he does such an excellent job.

This was a much needed break in the long, long, LONG list of young adult novels that are a little too heavy.

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love baseball ,and the Mets.Me and the main caracter are most a like, but He got a creeapy sister like my sister.

[Taija]

children's/young adults

[Gilan Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. it made me laugh until I cried. it was the best book. I want to finish the series.

[Squemmy]

Pink and red monkey socks are lucky

[Mikail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank wants to show the world that he's the worlds best pitcher

[Characters With Disabilities]

LD

[Ian]

book

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continues to be a good series with strong, likable characters.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I really like this series. This one highlights a great relationship with his grandpa, and the power of the right people believing in you.

[Parker Towles · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok …for a kids book

[Mas5thgrade2011]

that was a great book but I didd;t finsh it but I will


well it was petty funny

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry Winkler's books are great!!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My whole family loves the Hank Zipzer books. If you want to REALLY enjoy them, listen to the audiobooks read by the author, Henry Winkler. Hilarious!

[Alec Bleeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gr8 Book juicy details and very funny, i think we could all relate 2 ths book