Maxie, Rosie, and Earl-Partners in Grime

Geek Chronicles #1

by Barbara Park

At first it seems as though Maxie, Rosie, and Earl have nothing in common. Maxie is too smart for his own good, Rosie is a born tattler, and Earl can't stop cracking up when he reads out loud in class. But when all three kids land outside the principal's office in disgrace, they can't help comparing notes.Just when they think there's no chance of a reprieve, the fire alarm goes off. There's only one thing for three doomed nerds to do -- head straight for the exit doors and dive into the Dumpster!From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Chapter Books, Humor, Childrens

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 1990

About the author

Barbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a kid, liked it, and decided to reread it today. Only took me about an hour and a half. Might have finished it sooner, but I was laughing too much. Which is kinda funny, since the humor didn't really strike me as funny when I was a kid, rather I simply took it a face value.

I was a serious kid, though, so don't mind me.

Anyway, this is a slice of life story in its purest form. That is, it literally has no plot other than one basic event: three unpopular nerds from three different classes, each the least popular kid in their class, get in trouble for dumb things and sent to the principal's office, and decide to ditch school.

That really is basically it. The plot follows a basic 3-act arc:
Act 1: We're introduced to each of the kids, one for each chapter, learn what they're like and why they're unpopular at school, and see them get in trouble.
Act 2: The kids discover their opportunity and ditch school, figuring out the best way to do it and not get caught.
Act 3: The kids get together and agonize about whether or not they're in trouble, and become friends along the way.

The characters can be summed up quickly, although they do reveal more personality as they interact more:
Maxie: Smart kid, picked on for getting perfect grades in class. Gets in trouble when he tries to get back at one of his tormentors by cutting a hole in his shirt.
Earl: New kid, picked on for being awkward. Gets in trouble for refusing to read during reading class, due to his fear of being laughed at.
Rosie: Bespectacled girl, disliked for being a colossal tattletale. Gets in trouble when her tattling gets out of hand.

Having very actual little plot to fill its 117 pages with its somewhat larger than usual font, the book moves along surprisingly quickly anyway, filling it with true-to-life (if somewhat exaggerated) humor and fun, quirky events and entertaining character interactions.

At one point, for example, a kindergartner spots the kids about to ditch school, and tries to proudly show off her ability to skip. They try to distract her - "skip back to your classroom and we'll watch" - and run out the door as soon as her back is turned and she's far enough away. Earl later attempts to deal with her by finding her in the phone book, calling her, and telling her not to report them or the bogeyman will get her (her response: "I can skip!").

The characters themselves are just a lot of fun, and their interactions are just enjoyable to read. When Maxie and Earl ditch school, Rosie's instinct is of course to report it. She only runs out the door after them to tell them to change their minds, and ends up having to ditch with them once it becomes clear that she'd get in trouble as well and they all have to hide. She keeps insisting she did nothing wrong, but Maxie brings her back to reality, upsetting Rosie's sense of justice now that she realizes that she's just as bad as the other kids she tells on.

The kids argue like kids do, but they also get along like friends do, and it's surprising to see elements of character growth in what's essentially a short book in which only one major thing happens. The characters feel surprisingly alive.

The ending is as anticlimactic as you can get, but this story isn't about the destination, it's about the journey. It's not about the plot, but the characters, their interactions, the humor, and how it plays out. Even as a kid, though I was annoyed at the ending, I still really liked the book. It reads fast, is fun while it lasts, and makes a great quick read.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impulse at a tiny library in rural N. WI. Terribly dated, a bit problematic, but also funny. And the vocabulary words are fun, too; great idea to insult someone by calling them a niblick (teacher can't get angry because all you did was call them a golf club). Read it for your inner child if your library still has it, then decide for yourself if you want to share.

I liked it well enough to look for (but not hunt down) others by the author... so long as they're not Junie B. Jones.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a Barbara Park book that did not literally have me howling with nearly uncontrollable laughter, and this book is no exception. Buoyed by some soft and tender moments that really give the story substance, "Rose, Maxie, and Earl-Partners in Grime" is most definitely a Barbara Park original, an endlessly creative book that was an immense pleasure to read. I am practically overjoyed that there are two more in this mini-series for me to experience. In my book, more Barbara Park is always a good thing. Yes!

[Jaylynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't seem to read the book. Please fix it,

[Karina Venable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this aloud to my boys, ages 7 and 8. I remember cracking up throughout this book when my 5th grade teacher read it to us. It still made me laugh out loud this time around.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maxie gets bullied and teased in class all the time, so when he finally can't take it anymore, he takes maters into his own hands. Rosie is a tell-tale, but this time she's taken it too far. As for Earl, he just doesn't want to read. So these three very different people all meet up in the same place, the yellow seats in front of the Principal's office. Their worlds are going to collide in the most ridiculous way yet. A book that shows all the wrong decisions you can ever make in life, with funny and witty comments and contrasting characters. A great short novel read.

[Alyce Dougan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in the third grade, but had no idea what it was about. So I decided to read it again and I understand now why I liked it so much. The cover on the book is quite different than its original cover. The book is very humorous and entertaining. Children will definitely be able to relate to it.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il aughes out loud many times reading this great book by Barbara Parks!

[Sylvia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three kids become unlikely friends due to circumstances stemming from a trip to the principal's office.

[10-11 kacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book. Barba Park is a really good writter cause she makes it feel like your acctually in the book with the main charaters.

[Kathy McC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as a possible novel for my 6th grade class. Wasn't nearly as good as the other novel about this trio.

[darnfeinbookthoughts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a horrible book- I have a couple students who might like it but most certainly not Park's best work.

[Joanne Palin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick, cute tale about three misfits who find each other. I did not like any of the characters, however, and did not feel invested at all in the story.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as a kid. It was just OK.

[Ann Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all Barbara Park books.

[jzmcdaisy · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the few books I read in gradeschool that I enjoyed. I could actually relate to the three geeks.

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laughed out loud reading this with my 10 year old son. I love Barbara Park's sense of humor.