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The Dunderheads
The Dunderheads Behind Bars
Everyone's favorite underdogs are back! Can they land work on a movie set - and foil a cat burglar - with their unusual and motley skills?
School is out for the summer, and the Dunderheads are finally rid of the awful Miss Breakbone. Or so they thought! Teen star Ashley Throbb-Hart is shooting a movie nearby, and who should show up as an extra but their formidable former teacher! She's not the only Breakbone on the scene, either; after a string of burglaries strikes town, Miss Breakbone steers her barrel-chested brother, Police Chief Breakbone, toward those meddling, good-for-nothing Dunderheads. And when Spider ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, the blowhard chief has all the evidence he needs to lock him up. Can Einstein, Wheels, Nails, Spitball, Google-Eyes, Clips, Junkyard, Pencil, and Hollywood combine their talents to catch the real criminal before they join their friend behind bars? Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman and illustrator David Roberts reunite for a delightfully triumphant sequel to The Dunderheads.
School is out for the summer, and the Dunderheads are finally rid of the awful Miss Breakbone. Or so they thought! Teen star Ashley Throbb-Hart is shooting a movie nearby, and who should show up as an extra but their formidable former teacher! She's not the only Breakbone on the scene, either; after a string of burglaries strikes town, Miss Breakbone steers her barrel-chested brother, Police Chief Breakbone, toward those meddling, good-for-nothing Dunderheads. And when Spider ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time, the blowhard chief has all the evidence he needs to lock him up. Can Einstein, Wheels, Nails, Spitball, Google-Eyes, Clips, Junkyard, Pencil, and Hollywood combine their talents to catch the real criminal before they join their friend behind bars? Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman and illustrator David Roberts reunite for a delightfully triumphant sequel to The Dunderheads.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2012
About the author
Paul Fleischman
68 books203 followers Paul Fleischman grew up in Santa Monica, California. The son of well-known children's novelist Sid Fleischman, Paul was in the unique position of having his famous father's books read out loud to him by the author as they were being written. This experience continued throughout his childhood.
Paul followed in his father's footsteps as an author of books for young readers, and in 1982 he released the book "Graven Images", which was awarded a Newbery Honor citation.
In 1988, Paul Fleischman came out with "Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices", an unusually unique collection of poetry from the perspective of insects. This book was awarded the 1989 John Newbery Medal. Factoring in Sid Fleischman's win of the John Newbery Medal in 1987 for his book "The Whipping Boy", Paul and Sid Fleischman became to this day the only father and son authors to both win the John Newbery Medal.
Paul followed in his father's footsteps as an author of books for young readers, and in 1982 he released the book "Graven Images", which was awarded a Newbery Honor citation.
In 1988, Paul Fleischman came out with "Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices", an unusually unique collection of poetry from the perspective of insects. This book was awarded the 1989 John Newbery Medal. Factoring in Sid Fleischman's win of the John Newbery Medal in 1987 for his book "The Whipping Boy", Paul and Sid Fleischman became to this day the only father and son authors to both win the John Newbery Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 18, 2019
Mystery
The Dunderheads Behind Bars takes you along on another adventure with the Dunderheads. School is out for the summer, and a movie is being shot in town...starring THE Ashley Throbb-Hart! So, of course, the Dunderheads - as well as their tyrannical teacher, Miss. Breakbone - audition as extras (in the movie). But one day during shooting, news breaks out that there is a jewelry thief in town. Unfortunately, one of the Dunderheads - Spider - is accused and arrested by Chief Breakbone...who happens to be Miss. Breakbone's brother (shocker). The book takes you along on a ~mysterious~ mission to catch the actual thief.
I would use the book for Grades 2-4. One way I would use the book in my classroom is as an engaging and exciting read aloud. Every so-and-so pages, I would have students predict what will happen next in the book. First, students would "turn and talk" about their predictions with another student. Then, as a class, we would share out their predictions. As we discuss different predictions, we would create a comparison chart - "What I Predict" vs. "What Actually Happens".
Another way I would use the book in my classroom is as a writing activity. For the writing activity, I would have students write an alternate ending to the story...their own ending to the story. For example, they could create their own mission to catch the actual thief, decide if (or if not) the actual thief is caught, etc. The primary purpose of the activity is to get students' - as the saying goes - "creative juices flowing."
This book is a WOW book to me because if I am being honest, I did not hold high expectations (for this book). But, this book ended up being so fun! It does a great job getting students thinking - thinking about what will happen next. I especially enjoyed the illustrations (of this book). The thing I enjoyed most about the illustrations was that (NOTE: SPOILER ALERT!) when they catch the actual thief, it is revealed that there are actually "hints" in the illustrations on the previous pages. Not to mention, The Dunderheads Behind Bars is a story about children working together to solve a mystery...aka teamwork - which will be a theme in my classroom, without a doubt!
The Dunderheads Behind Bars takes you along on another adventure with the Dunderheads. School is out for the summer, and a movie is being shot in town...starring THE Ashley Throbb-Hart! So, of course, the Dunderheads - as well as their tyrannical teacher, Miss. Breakbone - audition as extras (in the movie). But one day during shooting, news breaks out that there is a jewelry thief in town. Unfortunately, one of the Dunderheads - Spider - is accused and arrested by Chief Breakbone...who happens to be Miss. Breakbone's brother (shocker). The book takes you along on a ~mysterious~ mission to catch the actual thief.
I would use the book for Grades 2-4. One way I would use the book in my classroom is as an engaging and exciting read aloud. Every so-and-so pages, I would have students predict what will happen next in the book. First, students would "turn and talk" about their predictions with another student. Then, as a class, we would share out their predictions. As we discuss different predictions, we would create a comparison chart - "What I Predict" vs. "What Actually Happens".
Another way I would use the book in my classroom is as a writing activity. For the writing activity, I would have students write an alternate ending to the story...their own ending to the story. For example, they could create their own mission to catch the actual thief, decide if (or if not) the actual thief is caught, etc. The primary purpose of the activity is to get students' - as the saying goes - "creative juices flowing."
This book is a WOW book to me because if I am being honest, I did not hold high expectations (for this book). But, this book ended up being so fun! It does a great job getting students thinking - thinking about what will happen next. I especially enjoyed the illustrations (of this book). The thing I enjoyed most about the illustrations was that (NOTE: SPOILER ALERT!) when they catch the actual thief, it is revealed that there are actually "hints" in the illustrations on the previous pages. Not to mention, The Dunderheads Behind Bars is a story about children working together to solve a mystery...aka teamwork - which will be a theme in my classroom, without a doubt!
February 25, 2020
The The Dunderheads Behind Bars is a great mystery book for grades 3-4. It is a book about how young kids work together to help their friend out, Spider, who has been wrongly arrested for a crime he didn't do. It all started when the kids got out of school for the summer, they were excited to get away from their teacher Miss Breakbone, until they found themselves waiting in line to be extras in a movie with her. That is when their summer took a turn. Their friend Spider was arrested for stealing a necklace from a third story bedroom, because Miss Breakbone told her brother, Chief Breakbone, that Spider is a climber. The Dunderheads had to work together to save Spider from jail and keep themselves out while trying to find the real thief. Since this book is a mystery book, using it as a read aloud and stoping while reading would allow students to make predictions about what will happen next in the story. It would also be the opportunity to outline the events in a story. Another way the book could be used in the classroom is to have students create their own mystery story similar to The Dunderheads Behind Bars. This is a WOW book for me because it is a great story about children working together to solve a problem. I want to promote collaboration in my own classroom, so this would be a great book to discuss team work.
February 24, 2026
Not a big fan of this children's book, as a parent. As a pretty open-minded person who doesn't agree with a lot of the 'book bans' etc. in school libraries, this one is one I wish my daughter hadn't checked out. We read a book together every night and to my surprise, she picked this one.
Characters & Story:
We haven't read any other of these books, so I was confused by who the characters were. The story & plot-line were incredibly confusing, as it jumps from these kids who start summer vacation, become extras on a movie set, and then a kid gets arrested after their teacher sets him up for a crime he didn't commit? Followed by the rest of the cast of characters to visit him in jail, where his cellmate is in prison *for cannibalism* (in a children's book??? Listen, I'm fine with my kid knowing that actual criminals go to jail, and that sometimes people are falsely accused because of our poor justice system, but maybe they didn't need to include cannibalism in a book marketed to 6-9 year old kids). The unimprisoned friends (the Dunderheads, I suppose) then set a trap for the real criminal by breaking into someone else's home to lay the trap and try to catch them (classic kid-tries-to-solve-case children's stuff) to exonerate their friend. Cue the excitement when the police chief realizes he got it wrong and releases the kid "before he's his cellmate's dinner" (their words, in case you were trying to avoid explaining what cannibalism is to your young child).
All in all, not a book I'd recommend for children.
Characters & Story:
We haven't read any other of these books, so I was confused by who the characters were. The story & plot-line were incredibly confusing, as it jumps from these kids who start summer vacation, become extras on a movie set, and then a kid gets arrested after their teacher sets him up for a crime he didn't commit? Followed by the rest of the cast of characters to visit him in jail, where his cellmate is in prison *for cannibalism* (in a children's book??? Listen, I'm fine with my kid knowing that actual criminals go to jail, and that sometimes people are falsely accused because of our poor justice system, but maybe they didn't need to include cannibalism in a book marketed to 6-9 year old kids). The unimprisoned friends (the Dunderheads, I suppose) then set a trap for the real criminal by breaking into someone else's home to lay the trap and try to catch them (classic kid-tries-to-solve-case children's stuff) to exonerate their friend. Cue the excitement when the police chief realizes he got it wrong and releases the kid "before he's his cellmate's dinner" (their words, in case you were trying to avoid explaining what cannibalism is to your young child).
All in all, not a book I'd recommend for children.
Read
July 21, 2019Liked this one a little bit less than the original. I really noticed one woman's absolutely wasp-thin and impossible waist, and I hate those kind of illustrations, for one thing. Still, I'm always glad to see a story that piques kids' interest without an overwhelming amount of words.
December 10, 2019
The Dunderheads are back.
This time, they are trying to solve a case of robbery where Spider got arrested unfairly thanks to Ms. Breakbone's brother.
Using everyone's skills the kids attempt to get the real thief!
I liked the first more.
This time, they are trying to solve a case of robbery where Spider got arrested unfairly thanks to Ms. Breakbone's brother.
Using everyone's skills the kids attempt to get the real thief!
I liked the first more.
October 6, 2018
Fans of the series won't be disappointed in this sequel which finds the Dunderheads behind bars charged with theft.
December 4, 2018
Readers should definitely read the first book in the series first. Students have found it confusing.
February 26, 2017
I would like Paul Fleischman to write more Dunderheads, please!
May 3, 2012
Just as in the case of the previous title, The Dunderheads, this title follows the school losers as they work together to help a friend. When Spider is arrested for jewel theft, Einstein and his fellow misfits band together once again to catch the real thief and free Spider. Although there is a mishap or two, it will take the unique skills of all of the Dunderheads to do so. Savvy readers will know that the presence of teen film star Ashley Throbb-Hart has something to do with the jewelry heist. The watercolor, pen, and ink illustrations have a cartoonish look to them with panels and dark shades across the pages, highlighting the personalities and special talents of this band of friends. Young readers are likely to chuckle at the appearances of their larger-than-life former teacher Miss Breakbone and her brother who happens to be the police chief. His chest is so enormous that his shirt buttons strain at the seams, allowing glimpses of his chest to be seen. Although it is helpful to have read the previous title introducing these characters, readers will be able to figure out what's going on quickly.
January 8, 2013
(Mommy's review from 5/2/12)
We must have missed the first few books. What, exactly, IS a "dunderhead"? And why, praytell, are these kids named things like "Pencil" and "Clip" and "Hanger"? I'm not following? Am I officially old? Me think not because guess what? My 6-year-old-cool-girl-in-love-with-Justin-Bieber-daughter says the same thing. (I'm not one of those wretched parents who tries to influence their kid into thinking a certian way... not usually. Well, not about books. How about that - that's honest.)
We're in the dark here. Ashley Throbb-Hart? Ick. Double ick. Triple ick even almost.
The only thing I liked about the illustrastions was the black and white & color combo. Julia's more an all-color girl so she wasn't entirely happy either.
The story was jumpy as any I've ever read. Reading it out loud is awful because you don't know who is speaking. I highly doubt we'll be doing any more "dunderhead" reading.
We must have missed the first few books. What, exactly, IS a "dunderhead"? And why, praytell, are these kids named things like "Pencil" and "Clip" and "Hanger"? I'm not following? Am I officially old? Me think not because guess what? My 6-year-old-cool-girl-in-love-with-Justin-Bieber-daughter says the same thing. (I'm not one of those wretched parents who tries to influence their kid into thinking a certian way... not usually. Well, not about books. How about that - that's honest.)
We're in the dark here. Ashley Throbb-Hart? Ick. Double ick. Triple ick even almost.
The only thing I liked about the illustrastions was the black and white & color combo. Julia's more an all-color girl so she wasn't entirely happy either.
The story was jumpy as any I've ever read. Reading it out loud is awful because you don't know who is speaking. I highly doubt we'll be doing any more "dunderhead" reading.
January 23, 2013
A group of misfit kids come to the aid of their friend Spider after he is mistakenly accused of stealing jewelry. I thought this book was mediocre. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't amazing. I think it is primarily because it was a bit sporatic and the storyline wasn't that appealing to me.
I would recommend this book to 2nd-3rd graders or a 4th grade reluctant reader. I would also recommend this book to those who are just making the transition from picture books to chapter books. Those who like graphic novels may also find this book appealing. If you like the Mo Willems books, especially "Your Pal Mo Willems presents Leonardo the Terrible Monster" or the Roscoe Riley Rules series by Katherine Applegate, then you may like this title.
I would recommend this book to 2nd-3rd graders or a 4th grade reluctant reader. I would also recommend this book to those who are just making the transition from picture books to chapter books. Those who like graphic novels may also find this book appealing. If you like the Mo Willems books, especially "Your Pal Mo Willems presents Leonardo the Terrible Monster" or the Roscoe Riley Rules series by Katherine Applegate, then you may like this title.
March 28, 2012
The Dunderheads are still up against their teacher, Miss Breakbone and her sheriff brother, while acting as extras in a Hollywood movie. But this time, Spider gets accused of being a jewel thief. The gang has to get together to clear his name. All in the span of about 60 pages. This is a quick caper for children in grades 1-3 and doesn't follow a traditional picture book or chapter book or easy reader format. Rather, the Dunderheads is a category all to itself. Just a great book for early-ish readers that have a quirky streak.
August 8, 2015
I found this bookat the 99 cents store! Its the second in the series but very easy to follow.The Dunderheads are a group of students whose nicknames reflect their passions : Clips loves paperclips, Hollywood loves movie , Einstein is the planner etc. The kids are enjoying summer and evensign up to be extras on a film set.
Things go bad however when Spider is arrested for tgeft. Now the kids come together to solve the crime and free their friend. I realky enjoyed this book. The kids have great personalities and it was nice to see two racially diverse kids in the group. A fun read.
Things go bad however when Spider is arrested for tgeft. Now the kids come together to solve the crime and free their friend. I realky enjoyed this book. The kids have great personalities and it was nice to see two racially diverse kids in the group. A fun read.
June 5, 2012
Once again each classmate's unique talents are required for them to succeed. This time to solve a mystery for which one of them has been framed. Excellent art and still subversive, but I didn't find it as funny (and fun) as I did the first one. Still worth reading, though.
Want to Read
November 13, 2015Title: The Dunderheads
Author: Paul Fleischman,
Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date: June 9th 2009
Genre: Fiction
I think this book would be a great read aloud. It is a little longer. I could expand it over the length of two days. It is about kids getting their stuff back from a mean teacher. What kid wouldn’t love this?!
Author: Paul Fleischman,
Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date: June 9th 2009
Genre: Fiction
I think this book would be a great read aloud. It is a little longer. I could expand it over the length of two days. It is about kids getting their stuff back from a mean teacher. What kid wouldn’t love this?!
January 29, 2022
The dunderheads are a group of 'weird' kids who all have specific talents and likes that give them their names. When one of their own is arrested unjustly, they all use their specific talents to find the real culprit. It was fun and quirky. I may have been better off reading the first one of the series first as I might have understood all their strangeness a bit better.
February 2, 2012
The Dunderheads need to track down a jewel thief to get one of their own out of jail (naturally he was wrongly accused). Bold colorful illustrations add to the story, filling in blanks intentionally left out of the text. A fun story for 1-2 graders.
April 25, 2012
This doesn't have the same tension as the first Dunderhead book. Their problems are kind of strange: one of them ends up in jail for something not jail-worthy and he needs to get rescued. Then they feel compelled to solve a mystery involving theft from one of their pop star idols.
April 26, 2012
I'd give this a 2.5, if I could. I was eagerly awaiting this one after reading the original Dunderheads, but I was a bit disappointed. It felt choppy and didn't flow as well, to the point on a few pages I was confused. The creativity of the original is going to be a hard act to follow.
May 9, 2012
I loved the first Dunderheads book and was anxiously anticipating the arrival of this one. I'm afraid I'm a bit disappointed with it. I felt the story was choppy and lacked the cleverness that the first one had. I've read it to a few of my classes and they've had the same reaction.
May 12, 2012
A group of kids with unique talents joins forces over summer vacation to thwart a jewel thief and get back at their former teacher, the aptly named Miss Breakbone. Quirky, expressive illustrations and smartly comic text combine to tell the story in this short mystery.
May 21, 2012
Fun and very engaging, but not, I don't think, a stand-alone. Unless you've read "The Dunderheads" and know all about the individual quirks and talents of the kids, this book might fall a bit flat. For those of us who do--it was great to revisit our Dunderhead friends.
October 4, 2013
This kind of made me think of the Stupids, but I don't think it was nearly as funny as those classics. Perhaps by not having read the first one I missed the point. The illustrations were great and perhaps the kids will enjoy it more than I did.
June 15, 2014
I don't know what was more fascinating, the character collection or the illustrations, but it definately was a remarkable pairing of author and illustrator. Makes me want to check out more of their award winning work.
April 18, 2012
Story of teamwork and kid power! It is a picture book for older kids. I think boys will love it.
April 27, 2012
I'm not sure what to make of this book. I enjoyed it, but found the illustrations a little disturbing. I need a kid's opinion.
May 8, 2012
I liked the retro 70s-style illustrations, but the busy storyline and constantly introduced new characters will likely confuse the younger set.
May 11, 2012
I'm liking the "Dunderheads" series. The kids have cool talents that aren't TOO unbelievable. I think kids 7-9 will enjoy reading about kids "defeating" adults.
June 20, 2012
Not a fan
July 25, 2012
Fun for mature first to third graders.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews