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Why Did the Underwear Cross the Road?
Determined to win his class's Good Deed Contest, Justin outdoes himself with his good intentions, which have a disconcerting and hilarious way of backfiring. Reprint.
112 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1994
About the author
Gordon Korman
238 books4,697 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2024
This was the 50th volume I have read from the masterful pen of Gordon Korman. My son who is 16 still loves his books, my daughter in 13 picks and chooses, But I am trying to work my way through his complete catalogue, in my 50’s.
Most of the titles by Korman I have read, I read over the last 5 year. I had read a few back in 2009 when the 39 Clues first came out. I do not recall reading any when I was young, but with my dual form of dyslexia I did not read many Children’s or Middle Grade books. It was only later I learned to really read.
My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together five years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book.
When reading Korman books; some he reads to me, some we use adaptive technology and listen to in the car, and some I just read on my own. This one I started listened to in the car with my son on trips to and from his play rehearsals out of town, and to see a production in Stratford.
The description of this book states:
“Fourth-grader Justin Zeckendorf has tons of ideas for scoring the most points in the Good Deed Contest, especially since the prize is a trip to the Tidal Wave Water Park. But his problem is his team -- Jessica Zander and Margaret Zachary are two of the drippiest girls on the planet. And Justin's crazy plans always seem to backfire, earning the team negative points!
Korman's trademark zany style -- short, snappy, and fun -- makes this book perfect for middle-grade readers, avid and not-so-avid alike.”
According to Goodreads there are over 6 editions of this book, as of the writing of this review. In Canada the original publisher was Scholastic, in 1994and the most recent reprint with a new cover was in 2003. To date there has not been an eBook edition of this story.
This was one of those Korman stories that has some in fact there are a lot of laughs as the Z’s attempt to do grandiose good deeds keep backfiring with serious consequences! From creating an incredible traffic incident with an old lady’s bloomers blowing all over the street and even causing an accident. Flooding a house not realizing a window was open when they went to clean it. To training the wrong kindergartners for the sports day. One mix-up after the other and soon they have more negative points the first place has positive. But with the goal of try, try again they just might be able to turn it around. To find out if and maybe how read this fun story.
This was another really fun story and one that I can easily recommend. Another great Middle Grade read from Korman!
Most of the titles by Korman I have read, I read over the last 5 year. I had read a few back in 2009 when the 39 Clues first came out. I do not recall reading any when I was young, but with my dual form of dyslexia I did not read many Children’s or Middle Grade books. It was only later I learned to really read.
My son and I started reading Gordon Korman books together five years ago, when he was given one as an end of year gift by his teacher. She gave the whole class the same Scholastic edition and wrote a note to each student in their copy of the book.
When reading Korman books; some he reads to me, some we use adaptive technology and listen to in the car, and some I just read on my own. This one I started listened to in the car with my son on trips to and from his play rehearsals out of town, and to see a production in Stratford.
The description of this book states:
“Fourth-grader Justin Zeckendorf has tons of ideas for scoring the most points in the Good Deed Contest, especially since the prize is a trip to the Tidal Wave Water Park. But his problem is his team -- Jessica Zander and Margaret Zachary are two of the drippiest girls on the planet. And Justin's crazy plans always seem to backfire, earning the team negative points!
Korman's trademark zany style -- short, snappy, and fun -- makes this book perfect for middle-grade readers, avid and not-so-avid alike.”
According to Goodreads there are over 6 editions of this book, as of the writing of this review. In Canada the original publisher was Scholastic, in 1994and the most recent reprint with a new cover was in 2003. To date there has not been an eBook edition of this story.
This was one of those Korman stories that has some in fact there are a lot of laughs as the Z’s attempt to do grandiose good deeds keep backfiring with serious consequences! From creating an incredible traffic incident with an old lady’s bloomers blowing all over the street and even causing an accident. Flooding a house not realizing a window was open when they went to clean it. To training the wrong kindergartners for the sports day. One mix-up after the other and soon they have more negative points the first place has positive. But with the goal of try, try again they just might be able to turn it around. To find out if and maybe how read this fun story.
This was another really fun story and one that I can easily recommend. Another great Middle Grade read from Korman!
July 7, 2017
Justin is an "Idea Man". He has BIG plans for everything he does. His school has declared that the month of April is "Good Deed" month and the team that earns the most points for doing good deeds will win a trip to the water park. Justin is determined to win, but he is paired with teammates who don't share Justin's drive and desire...and then there are all those BIG IDEAS that all seem to go wrong - in BIG WAYS.
This is a fun book for the 3rd-4th grade reader. Justin's plans are pretty hilarious when they backfire and they always do. The book is a bit far-fetched, but the farce makes it a fun read.
This is a fun book for the 3rd-4th grade reader. Justin's plans are pretty hilarious when they backfire and they always do. The book is a bit far-fetched, but the farce makes it a fun read.
December 1, 2023
Add a couple of stars if you're thinking of giving it to someone in the target demographic, somewhere between 4th and 6th grade. For adults, it's a bit too slight, if with amusing moments, and there's no standout character, like Mr. Huge in the similar "The Sixth Grade Nickname Game", to make it worth reading anyway.
August 1, 2023
This one was just ok. Not as much fun as the other Gordon Korman books we’ve read. Everything is constantly going wrong for the main character and while he learns some lessons and things turn out right in the end, it just wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been.
June 23, 2018
As I was reading this book, I kept thinking, THIS is why boys should not be in charge.
June 25, 2018
I read this one to the children. They enjoyed it.
A group of fourth graders are trying to win a good deed contest, but none of their good deeds turn out how they expect.
A group of fourth graders are trying to win a good deed contest, but none of their good deeds turn out how they expect.
May 26, 2019
The book was good but I think Justin was a little too extreme
January 2, 2021
Not as humorous as the tittle says. I think that one of the main characters makes some dumb choices though.
May 31, 2021
Cute & fun. Will probably read out loud to my kids. Not as good as I Want to Go Hime or McDonald Hall, but still unpretentiously funny.
July 13, 2012
I really like most of Korman's books. This is a cute little book written on a 4th grade level about three kids who are trying to do good deeds, but everything turns out wrong. Instead of being the winning team, they are 27 points in the hole. It seems that whatever plan they come up with backfires on them. I laughed through the book.
August 1, 2013
This book has been in my classroom for years! Anyone who knows me also knows that the title would appeal to me, so why did it take me 7 years to read it?
Oh well, it's done. I can now answer they question, "Why Did the Underweard Cross the Road?"
You'll have to read to find out, but I'm hoping my students will enjoy the read as well as the answer to the question as well!
Oh well, it's done. I can now answer they question, "Why Did the Underweard Cross the Road?"
You'll have to read to find out, but I'm hoping my students will enjoy the read as well as the answer to the question as well!
October 19, 2009
I read this with my kids and we loved it! Gordan Korman is fast becoming one of our favorite authors for kids. We laughed so hard at the kindergarten training chapter.
October 12, 2010
very funny book really good for new readers i love all of gorgon kormans books but this one is by far the best
March 26, 2014
I enjoyed this book in its entirety but it was a little predictable. however, a funny read
April 22, 2015
Epic book as being 10 I luv Gordon korman he rocks
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews