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The Best Seat in Second Grade: A First Day of School Book for Kids
Sam has the best seat in second grade—right next to George Washington, the class pet!
Sam brings his hamster buddy on the class field trip to the science museum…but disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam’s pocket into the museum’s Hamster Habitat.
“Carter’s expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life,” commented Kirkus.
The Best Seat in Second Grade is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
Sam brings his hamster buddy on the class field trip to the science museum…but disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam’s pocket into the museum’s Hamster Habitat.
“Carter’s expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life,” commented Kirkus.
The Best Seat in Second Grade is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
1413 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 8, 2021
Read for my toddler’s nap time. Sam thought he had the best seat in second grade because he sat at the back near the hamster. The teacher picked out a name to assign hamster helper and Sam was not picked. He felt disappointed so he took the hamster out to the school’s field trip to the museum. At first no one noticed what’s in Sam’s pocket. But later at the hamster habitat, the hamster jumped into the hamster habitat and they all looked alike. Sam’s trouble was noticed by the whole class.
Read from kindle unlimited.
Read from kindle unlimited.
May 12, 2016
Personal Response: When I read this book to a five year old boy on the bus, I was very surprised by how intrigued he was by the book. He seemed to be very concerned about the pictures in the book more than the story itself. He also seemed to really enjoy how I read the book to him. When I read the book with more detail, he seemed to pay attention more to me than the pictures. I felt that this helped him understand the book more. Overall, I thought the book was a cute book that helped to show responsibility.
Plot: Sam was in second grade and sat in the back of the classroom next to the class pet, George Washington. George Washington was a round, blonde hamster. Sam was very distracted by George Washington and really wanted to be chosen by his teacher as the class pet helper. When he wasn’t chosen as the helper Sam was very sad. Instead he decided to take George Washington on their field trip. He found out how difficult it was to keep the hamster hidden. When it was time for Sam to eat he couldn’t eat, because he didn’t want the hamster to smell the food and come out of his pocket. Sam decided it was a good idea to go visit the animal zone. He showed George Washington all the animals. Then all his friends went over by him and scared him. They didn’t know he snuck George Washington with them on the field trip. They were very surprised by this. Then while the kids were all fighting George Washington jumped out of Sam’s hands and into a giant hamster tank. In this hamster tank there was a bunch of hamsters that all looked like George. Sam knew he was in big trouble then. When Sam finally found George Washington he told his teacher and decided it was a good idea for the hamster to sit next to the teacher in class. Everyone then voted Sam to sit in the front next to the hamster.
Recommendations: I recommend this book to boys and girls at the age of five to seven. I think at this age the book will be intriguing to the child as they progress in their reading. I also think it will get too easy for anyone older than seven so from five to seven is the perfect age.
Plot: Sam was in second grade and sat in the back of the classroom next to the class pet, George Washington. George Washington was a round, blonde hamster. Sam was very distracted by George Washington and really wanted to be chosen by his teacher as the class pet helper. When he wasn’t chosen as the helper Sam was very sad. Instead he decided to take George Washington on their field trip. He found out how difficult it was to keep the hamster hidden. When it was time for Sam to eat he couldn’t eat, because he didn’t want the hamster to smell the food and come out of his pocket. Sam decided it was a good idea to go visit the animal zone. He showed George Washington all the animals. Then all his friends went over by him and scared him. They didn’t know he snuck George Washington with them on the field trip. They were very surprised by this. Then while the kids were all fighting George Washington jumped out of Sam’s hands and into a giant hamster tank. In this hamster tank there was a bunch of hamsters that all looked like George. Sam knew he was in big trouble then. When Sam finally found George Washington he told his teacher and decided it was a good idea for the hamster to sit next to the teacher in class. Everyone then voted Sam to sit in the front next to the hamster.
Recommendations: I recommend this book to boys and girls at the age of five to seven. I think at this age the book will be intriguing to the child as they progress in their reading. I also think it will get too easy for anyone older than seven so from five to seven is the perfect age.
August 14, 2017
I have my early read alouds ready to go and on display! Our year begins on Wednesday, and this will be one I share. I teach second grade, so naturally, there's a strong connection to my students and myself for this Second Grade Series. I love that the teacher in this book, class, is a male. There's also a class pet. All strong connections and make this one a must for sharing to my class!
January 18, 2021
It's a big fat hamster!!!!! Biiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggg fat hamster. I like the book. This book is more than 5 stars. And I like the hamster, hamster, ham-ham-ham-hamster.
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July 11, 2022Borrowed this from Amazon prime reading to get the stamp for $10 off on prime purchases 😝
December 19, 2016
Sam has the best seat in the entire classroom because he sits right beside the hamster, George Washington. He has yet to be chosen as the hamster helper, but he desperately wants to be, and can barely stand it when someone else is picked instead. Unable to resist the temptation, he hides George Washington in his pocket and brings him on the class trip to the science museum. Naturally, the hamster gets lost, and winds up stuck in the hamster exhibit! Thankfully, because George is Sam's favorite subject, Sam is able to identify him as the one honey-colored hamster in the cage who sneezes, and he brings him back out to safety before any harm is done. Mr. Hopper is very forgiving, but he makes sure to move both Sam and the hamster closer to the front of the room.
Each of the three books in this series demonstrates the importance of both class unity and individual pride. The children in these books make mistakes and have fears that are common to the average second grader, but they sort out their problems and each book ends on a positive note. The illustrations of the class are warm and inviting, filled with varying faces, whose actions and reactions help to set the mood in each story. These stories are very gentle, and they deal with real-life school situations that any child could face. I also really like the way each book exposes the reader to new vocabulary on a particular subject - hamsters, or space, or cooking - while embedding the lessons in a greater story. The short chapters divide the book into nice, manageable passages, and also prepare the reader for the chapter books he or she will soon read.
Each of the three books in this series demonstrates the importance of both class unity and individual pride. The children in these books make mistakes and have fears that are common to the average second grader, but they sort out their problems and each book ends on a positive note. The illustrations of the class are warm and inviting, filled with varying faces, whose actions and reactions help to set the mood in each story. These stories are very gentle, and they deal with real-life school situations that any child could face. I also really like the way each book exposes the reader to new vocabulary on a particular subject - hamsters, or space, or cooking - while embedding the lessons in a greater story. The short chapters divide the book into nice, manageable passages, and also prepare the reader for the chapter books he or she will soon read.
August 2, 2015
The Best Seat in the Second Grade
By Katharine Kenah
Illustrated by Abby Carter
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this resource: Easy -
Estimate of age level of interest: 4-8
Estimate of reading level: Grades PreK-2 - An I Can Read Book – Level 2 –
Guided Reading Level L
Brief description: Sam has the best seat in class – right next to George Washington, the class pet. Sam decides George needs to go along on the class field trip to the science museum.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre(s) and subgenre and discuss how they appear:
This early reader is very appropriate in that it is easy, but still enjoyable. The language flows well and will help build fluency too. There is a male protagonist who gets in a bit of mischief, which will make it even more appealing to boys who may struggle with reading up through second grade. As a picture book, the illustrations and text match well together to tell the story.
In what ways and how well does this resource as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book serves its audience well by being an easy read with simple sentences, but also a funny story with engaging illustrations.
Awards if any:
None
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
http://sharingsoda.blogspot.com/2011/...
By Katharine Kenah
Illustrated by Abby Carter
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this resource: Easy -
Estimate of age level of interest: 4-8
Estimate of reading level: Grades PreK-2 - An I Can Read Book – Level 2 –
Guided Reading Level L
Brief description: Sam has the best seat in class – right next to George Washington, the class pet. Sam decides George needs to go along on the class field trip to the science museum.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre(s) and subgenre and discuss how they appear:
This early reader is very appropriate in that it is easy, but still enjoyable. The language flows well and will help build fluency too. There is a male protagonist who gets in a bit of mischief, which will make it even more appealing to boys who may struggle with reading up through second grade. As a picture book, the illustrations and text match well together to tell the story.
In what ways and how well does this resource as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book serves its audience well by being an easy read with simple sentences, but also a funny story with engaging illustrations.
Awards if any:
None
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
http://sharingsoda.blogspot.com/2011/...
July 26, 2017
Title: The Best Seat in Second Grade
Author: Katharine Kenah; Pictures by Abby Carter
Categories/Genres: Easy Reader/Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Copyright date: 2010
Estimate of age level of interest: Age 6-8
Estimate of reading level: Level 2, Reading With Help
Brief description: Sam loves his seat in 2nd Grade because it is right next to the hampster named George Washington. Sam decides to bring George Washington with a field trip and things do not go as planned.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
This is a humorous, school, contemporary realistic fiction story that is perfect for students in the 2nd grade. The characters are very credible and convincing to readers. Students will relate to the frustration of having to wait to do things, just as Sam has to wait to be the Hamster Helper. The illustrations in the story can help the readers work through some of the text they may struggle with.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book is great book for students going into 2nd grade. The book will get them excited about the start of the new school year. Students reading this book will be excited because they can relate to being the same age and how exciting it is to go on school field trips.
Author: Katharine Kenah; Pictures by Abby Carter
Categories/Genres: Easy Reader/Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Copyright date: 2010
Estimate of age level of interest: Age 6-8
Estimate of reading level: Level 2, Reading With Help
Brief description: Sam loves his seat in 2nd Grade because it is right next to the hampster named George Washington. Sam decides to bring George Washington with a field trip and things do not go as planned.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
This is a humorous, school, contemporary realistic fiction story that is perfect for students in the 2nd grade. The characters are very credible and convincing to readers. Students will relate to the frustration of having to wait to do things, just as Sam has to wait to be the Hamster Helper. The illustrations in the story can help the readers work through some of the text they may struggle with.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book is great book for students going into 2nd grade. The book will get them excited about the start of the new school year. Students reading this book will be excited because they can relate to being the same age and how exciting it is to go on school field trips.
October 3, 2016
Sam sits in the back of the classroom, right next to the class hamster, George Washington. Each week, his teacher draws a name from a bowl to determine who that weeks hamster helper is. Sam gets impatient, feeling like he will never get a turn, right around the time his class takes a field trip. Sam decides to take things into his own hands and sneaks George Washington on the trip. Things work out until he accidentally loses the hamster in a cage full of hamsters! With the help of his class, they are able to find the right hamster and take it back to the classroom safely. Once there, Sam moves his desk to the front of the room, then the class moves George Washington up next to him as well.
This was a cute book, I liked it.
This would be a good way to teach responsibility and consequences in a classroom. Would also be good if there was a class pet.
This was a cute book, I liked it.
This would be a good way to teach responsibility and consequences in a classroom. Would also be good if there was a class pet.
January 25, 2011
Sam has the best seat in the room...next to the hamster cage. The second graders go on a field trip to a children's museum and Sam has to bring the class hamster who happens to have a cold(George Washington)along--it's a secret! The museum has an animal room and Sam introduces GW to all the other creatures...including a boa constrictor. The snake doesn't get GW but GW does get lost in the hamster cage he's quickly found because he's the only one sneezing.
October 4, 2013
This is a "Reading with help Level 2" book. It has 4 short chapters: Hamster Helper, Pocket Rider, The Animal Zone, and Sam's Favorite Subject.
Excerpt from the book:
Sam had the best seat in second grade.
He sat at the back of Room 75.
He did not sit near the globe,
or the dinosaur models,
or the paper pioneer fort.
Sam sat beside George Washington.
George Washington was small and round
and the color of honey, and he sneezed.
George Washington was a hamster.
Excerpt from the book:
Sam had the best seat in second grade.
He sat at the back of Room 75.
He did not sit near the globe,
or the dinosaur models,
or the paper pioneer fort.
Sam sat beside George Washington.
George Washington was small and round
and the color of honey, and he sneezed.
George Washington was a hamster.
June 11, 2025
The Best Seat in Second Grade is a fun and heartwarming early reader book that follows Sam, a young boy, and his mischievous class pet, George Washington the hamster, on a surprising field trip adventure. There's some challenging sounds and more than just sight words included, as a step up from the first level. Young readers will enjoy the mix of humor, chaos, and Sam's discovery of responsibility in this classroom tale!
November 30, 2011
This book is about a boy names Sam who thinks he has the best seat in class by the hamster cage. Sam decides that he wants to take the hamster on the field trip and then his secret comes out that he brought the hamster with him. I would let my students read this book for in class. It will help them learn certain rules and lessons.
October 10, 2012
I thought the best seat in second grade was funny because the part about the mirrors said " gorge washton looked like a furry beach ball" .When Sam brought him to the animal zone thay look at the boa constrictors and the boas wanted to eat gorge washington.Sam brought gorge washton to the hamsters that look like him. [Esai]
November 29, 2012
This book is a great for students that are entering or just starting second grade. I found this book on the shelf in my second grade placement. Because it's a chapter book, it's not the best book to read aloud. However, its great to have in the classroom library for students to read during free time.
February 23, 2016
This book requires you to make several logical leaps and suspend disbelief. Throw aside everything you thought you knew about hamsters and little boys, this book's flights of fancy about seating arrangements and natural consequences will push the boundaries of believability. Think Hamster Helper is what's for dinner? Think again, this book will blow your volcano-loving child's mind.
November 30, 2016
This is a great book when you are transitioning from picture books to chapter books. The chapters are not long and the words are very big. The words are also very easy to pronounce. I would not read this book to a child who was not in second grade since it is about second graders. I also really like how Sam took George Washington and put him in his pocket for the day.
November 24, 2012
This book was ok. The idea is cute but it didn't really teach anything. The little boy loved the hampster but also did a bad thing and never got in trouble but rewarded. I may not have seen the true meaning behind this book.
April 26, 2013
This is an "I can read" book. Sam is tired of waiting for his turn to be the Hamster Helper. So when they are preparing to take their field trip, Sam decides to take something extra along. This would be a book that first and second graders would enjoy.
January 27, 2016
A little boy likes the school pet a little 'too much' and he sneaks him into his jacket when they go on a trip. After almost loosing the furry thing he loved he realized how important it was to listen to older people.
Want to read
September 25, 2013South Brunswick Public Library
Call Number Copy Material Location
J E KEN BEGINNER BK. 1 Juvenile Book Juvenile Easy Collection
2 Juvenile Book Material has been checked/charged out
Call Number Copy Material Location
J E KEN BEGINNER BK. 1 Juvenile Book Juvenile Easy Collection
2 Juvenile Book Material has been checked/charged out
February 26, 2014
cute story. My 2nd grader loved the story and itwas perfect for her reading level but also had a few challenging words.
October 14, 2016
So sweet and wonderful!
November 29, 2016
Read this to use for my 2nd grader's AR test. He loved it! It was challenging for him and entertaining.
March 17, 2017
Cute and creative story about a student who sneaks the class hamster into his pocket and takes him on the class field trip!!
May 22, 2017
Great book in the series. Sam learns the hard way that the class hamster should stay in his own habitat.
June 28, 2023
Title- The Best Seat in Second Grade
Author- Katherine Kenah
Illustration- Abby Carter
Genre- Children's Non-Fiction, Level 2 Reading
Rating- Five Stars
Thoughts-
The Best Seat in Second grade is a level 2 book for children who are ready for the next level in reading, chapters. It's a good read that describes a dilemma in the classroom. Something that past and present children can relate to experiencing. There's a lot of things that can erupt in a classroom and Katherine Kenah was spot on when she created this book. The illustration done by Abby Carter was well-formed and made you feel like you were part of the action. I gave this book five stars because overall I enjoyed reading and the title resonates with a lot people. Have you ever entered a classroom and wanted the best seat to fit your personality? I know I have, right in the back. Near the windows, where I sat and thought about home. This book should be added to your children's book collection. Great job, Ladies!
Author- Katherine Kenah
Illustration- Abby Carter
Genre- Children's Non-Fiction, Level 2 Reading
Rating- Five Stars
Thoughts-
The Best Seat in Second grade is a level 2 book for children who are ready for the next level in reading, chapters. It's a good read that describes a dilemma in the classroom. Something that past and present children can relate to experiencing. There's a lot of things that can erupt in a classroom and Katherine Kenah was spot on when she created this book. The illustration done by Abby Carter was well-formed and made you feel like you were part of the action. I gave this book five stars because overall I enjoyed reading and the title resonates with a lot people. Have you ever entered a classroom and wanted the best seat to fit your personality? I know I have, right in the back. Near the windows, where I sat and thought about home. This book should be added to your children's book collection. Great job, Ladies!
April 4, 2020
i just read they said there are 125 books in this grouping ... i can't wait. well recommended!!
sometimes as an adult u grab up books that are extremely easy for your level of reading but it is so fun to just dive in and enjoy a read or 2 ...without any trouble. i am not the best speller and i try and try ... when English or writing is your thing ... best to you ... u r lucky for that. this was a great read, love the illustrations. I did read "The Best Chef in Second Grade" & "The Best Seat in Second Grade " from Katharine Kenah. not the first read from this collection or style of read. will always pick them up 'cause they are so so fun. enjoyable. fun times.
sometimes as an adult u grab up books that are extremely easy for your level of reading but it is so fun to just dive in and enjoy a read or 2 ...without any trouble. i am not the best speller and i try and try ... when English or writing is your thing ... best to you ... u r lucky for that. this was a great read, love the illustrations. I did read "The Best Chef in Second Grade" & "The Best Seat in Second Grade " from Katharine Kenah. not the first read from this collection or style of read. will always pick them up 'cause they are so so fun. enjoyable. fun times.
April 8, 2021
For the next generation of that time and I am so sorry for that you have been working with you and I will have you talk to you later on the phone and if I have ever it
I know I am so happy to hear you all the way up and you are not going through the same time and you are so much better I love the way I do and you have a great time I hope you’re you have fun and you are awesome I hope you have ever made you a wonderful wonderful beautiful beautiful wonderful beautiful woman and
I know I am so happy to hear you all the way up and you are not going through the same time and you are so much better I love the way I do and you have a great time I hope you’re you have fun and you are awesome I hope you have ever made you a wonderful wonderful beautiful beautiful wonderful beautiful woman and
June 15, 2020
Realistic fiction
Set is a classroom where Sam loves watching the class hamster. He has yet to be the hamster helper for the day. So Sam gets an idea to take George Washington the Hamster on their field trip. All is well until George Washington jumps into a cage full of hamsters at the museum. Due to George Washington’s sneezing they were able to spot him. A great story for cause and effect, problem solution, prediction and more!
Set is a classroom where Sam loves watching the class hamster. He has yet to be the hamster helper for the day. So Sam gets an idea to take George Washington the Hamster on their field trip. All is well until George Washington jumps into a cage full of hamsters at the museum. Due to George Washington’s sneezing they were able to spot him. A great story for cause and effect, problem solution, prediction and more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews