The Biggest Test in the Universe

by Nancy Poydar

Fearful of taking the Big Test that he is certain is as bad as everyone says, Sam's nerves begin to get the best of him as he worries about what he will soon be forced to face, in an amusing tale about test-taking hype gone awry with full-color illustrations.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[The Book Consultant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just ok for me, nothing crazy or special (though, to be fair, my almost-6 year old son seemed to really enjoy it and wanted me to give it a 5, so take that into consideration). For me, however, it just didn’t really stand out. And the art style was really not my favorite.

It was interesting....these poor kids all feeling so super stressed about an upcoming test (the biggest one in the universe!), and all the older kids confirming how awful it is. Then, once they’re done with the test and talking to the YOUNGER kids about it (who are worried about taking it next year), their response is.... Well, I guess you have to read the book to find out. I don’t want to give it all away!

So, for me (the mama), it was a just-ok 3 stars.

For the true audience (the almost 6 year old son) it was a solid 5 stars. I’ll give my boy’s voice some weight and round up to 4!

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the huge emphasis on assessment in schools now, kids must have more than the usual text anxiety. This book should help them cope!

[Stacia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great message / topic for a picture book! ...but I really wish it had wrapped up with a different ending and different overall message.

[Salsabrarian]

The Big Test is coming and Sam and his friends are worried. Other kids who have taken the test spin horror stories of test booklets being the size of a phone book, arms falling off and nobody finishing the test. Sam worries and worries and finally test time arrives. Sam is tense and on edge during the test but survives, admitting afterwards it was easy. Now it's his turn to spin tall tales for the rest of the untested kids. Could be a reassuring read-aloud before standardized testing sessions; on the other hand, why generate such stress in the kids?

[Michelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I actually ended up buying this book after reading it. The book tells the story of a boy that is haunted by fears of testing. He hears lots of rumors and stories about this test. The boy is overwhelmed with anxiety. This is a great book to read to elementary students to help calm their fears regarding CRCT testing. The helps the students put testing in perspective. The morale of this story is that "This too will pass."

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and extremely relevant to what children of today are going through with the heavy emphasis on standardized testing. Even elementary students are facing test anxiety, this book allays those fear while actually offering some good test taking strategies.

[Stacie Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so funny! The illustrations went perfectly with the words and added humor. It would be useful in the classroom when talking about test taking, especially at the end of the year with standardized testing. Good read!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be added to every elementary school library. Nancy Poydar doesn't belittle the concerns that students have about taking tests, but she let them know that there is in fact life after The Biggest Test in the Universe.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a child about to take a test.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam worries about the big test. He is happy to have his teacher and lived through the test.