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Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader)
Sometimes a weekend can seem like a lifetime to a growing child. He may experience like, fear, anticipation, and other emotions without smooth transition or even realizing it. This is the life of Bobo, a fifth grader, who loves his family, the Superfriends, and chocolate milk. As he introduces himself, get to know him, and you will absolutely love him!!
- GenresChildrens
38 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 17, 2014
Hi, My Name Is Bobo by James Gordon is an engaging glimpse into the mind of a fifth grader as he ruminates upon his life and times. That may sound highfaluting from an adult’s perspective, but for those with far-reaching memories (or those who are still there), we tend to forget how restricted that frame of reference can be. An hour is a full sixty minutes, sometimes a day never ends, and a couple of years leads to another lifetime. That’s how a TV wrestling match becomes a cataclysmic epic, church becomes a momentous test of faith and endurance, and Sunday NFL football is a strange ordeal through which grownups agonize over the destiny of an eleven-inch long ball as if the fate of the universe depended on it.
Gordon’s book captures the essence of those formative years and provides a bridge for parents, teachers and relatives who forget how a child can become so absorbed by mindless cartoons, yet become excruciatingly impatient in a supermarket checkout line. Although there are hundreds of thousands of parents who delight in rediscovering their inner child in connecting with their offspring, there are just as many whose drive to get their child ready for the rat race that forget how childhood is a time to be savored like fine wine. It is eighteen years of life that can never be recaptured.
Pick up a copy of Hi, My Name Is Bobo by James Gordon and relish the memories. It’s a reminder that if you don’t stop and smell the roses, they may as well not be there at all.
Gordon’s book captures the essence of those formative years and provides a bridge for parents, teachers and relatives who forget how a child can become so absorbed by mindless cartoons, yet become excruciatingly impatient in a supermarket checkout line. Although there are hundreds of thousands of parents who delight in rediscovering their inner child in connecting with their offspring, there are just as many whose drive to get their child ready for the rat race that forget how childhood is a time to be savored like fine wine. It is eighteen years of life that can never be recaptured.
Pick up a copy of Hi, My Name Is Bobo by James Gordon and relish the memories. It’s a reminder that if you don’t stop and smell the roses, they may as well not be there at all.
May 14, 2014
Hi, my name is Bobo is a heartwarming short memoir of a man who remembers the early days of his childhood. It was most interesting to read about what he and his brother did growing up in the late 70s.I could really relate to many of the shows and music author Gordon talked about in his story. I’d like to mention that real photos were used of he and his brother so it gave a real connection for the reader. Being a teacher I read this story with a sixth grade student who was really drawn into the story. He wanted to know about some of the games and music mentioned. It had piqued his interest so we did some Google searching after the story. He left me with this comment. “Bobo really had a good life.” And I have to agree! This is a great short read for children ages seven on up. It is nice to see good christian material available these days for our youth to enjoy. A big shout out to author James Gordon!
June 5, 2014
Hi, my name is Bobo is a cute and nostalgic tale of the weekend of a 5th grader living in Chicago. The story takes you back to the late 70’s (possibly early 80’s) where The Love Boat and Superfriends were the ideal weekend splendor. It’s truly is a trip down memory lane and takes you back to when life was just a little more fun and simple. By the end of the story, you feel invested in this boy’s life as if you are his friend. I especially enjoyed the shout out to his mother’s cooking…smart kid. I also like rice, corn and broccoli. Whether it is drinking gobs of chocolate milk, mixing the flavors of Kool Aid for delicious refreshment or watching television with the family, Bobo is always finding fun things to do. This story was unique and quite funny at times. I would give it 4 stars.
November 5, 2014
Memorable, Exciting, Cute Read
Author James Gordon story about a weekend through the eyes of Bobo brought back so many memories of my fifth grade weekends. The creativeness of using past television shows and to show what the word “family” really stood for back then from going to the movie theater with our parents too sitting around the dinner table, it was a delightful cute read.
I truly enjoyed this short but great read and I recommend it to any parent out there that wants to share what their weekends were like back in the 5th grade.
Reviewed by: Stacie at Double Decker Books
Author James Gordon story about a weekend through the eyes of Bobo brought back so many memories of my fifth grade weekends. The creativeness of using past television shows and to show what the word “family” really stood for back then from going to the movie theater with our parents too sitting around the dinner table, it was a delightful cute read.
I truly enjoyed this short but great read and I recommend it to any parent out there that wants to share what their weekends were like back in the 5th grade.
Reviewed by: Stacie at Double Decker Books
April 3, 2014
A well written slice of life!
Although the author and I are from different cultural backgrounds, we clearly have much in common. James Gordon's well crafted prose swept me away and carried me joyously thru reflections of my own past. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised by the story’s ability to hold my interest and by the immediate and strong connection I felt with the author. I highly recommend this slice of life, next I plan to read some of the Mr. Gordon's poetry.
Although the author and I are from different cultural backgrounds, we clearly have much in common. James Gordon's well crafted prose swept me away and carried me joyously thru reflections of my own past. Frankly, I was pleasantly surprised by the story’s ability to hold my interest and by the immediate and strong connection I felt with the author. I highly recommend this slice of life, next I plan to read some of the Mr. Gordon's poetry.
May 17, 2014
“Hi, My Name is Bobo” by James Gordon is a fun children’s book that I think is really written for adults. Otherwise, how in the world did it take me back into my childhood so easily if it wasn’t written for my age group? The book was a fun memoir of a weekend in the life of Bobo, a fifth grader. The pictures inside are endearing and heartwarming and the stories made me smile time and again. By the way, Bobo, I totally agree with you: Batman was, and still is, the man!
May 13, 2014
Hi, My Name is Bobo is a throwback book. It is well written and beautifully illustrated. Often, I found myself drifting back to times when things were simpler, life was simpler. From these early adventures, Bobo has many exciting experiences in front of him. And, I will be glad to read about them.
July 11, 2014
To this 43-year-old reviewer, “Hi, My Name is Bobo” is a look back at what weekends was like when I was a kid. Saturday morning cartoons and trips out on public buses to the movies. The story is dated to 1978 by a viewing of “Superman” at the theatre. The imagery of Bobo and Smiley flying around like “Superman” as they leave the theatre gives a sweet throwback to what many of us who are older may remember and cause us to think fondly of the characters we emulated. Written in an easy free form style of prose, the author intersperses the tale with sweet and charming family photographs. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
The 12-year-old who read along with me had a slightly different view. The book is listed as having a target audience of 8-14 so Alex falls squarely in the desired demographic. Alex felt that the formatting of the book reads more as a picture book and thought the demographic should lean toward readers just starting out.
At its heart, “Hi, My Name is Bobo” is a happy and open story of a boy and his brother as children and growing up in the inner-city. It’s an innocent story of a simpler time when Minecraft and Xbox weren’t the go-to on every fifth-grader’s after-school list.
The 12-year-old who read along with me had a slightly different view. The book is listed as having a target audience of 8-14 so Alex falls squarely in the desired demographic. Alex felt that the formatting of the book reads more as a picture book and thought the demographic should lean toward readers just starting out.
At its heart, “Hi, My Name is Bobo” is a happy and open story of a boy and his brother as children and growing up in the inner-city. It’s an innocent story of a simpler time when Minecraft and Xbox weren’t the go-to on every fifth-grader’s after-school list.
February 10, 2015
Can you remember "back in the day" when life was simple, donuts were a celebration, and Saturday morning was reserved for all-morning cartoon viewing? Well this wonderful, heartwarming book will provide a trip down memory lane and a jumping off point to converse with your child as to how your childhood was spent as opposed to his present day one.
James Gordon documents a typical weekend in the life of a 5th grader. Bobo and his brother Smiley are immersed in viewing television shows that the whole family rallied around, sibling rivalry (and camaraderie ) at its best, scrumptious food that mom prepared, and of course, going to church as a family on Sunday. He unwraps a nostalgic, slice of life that takes you back to the 70's and highlights how kids were allowed to be kids and how they revelled in the importance of family relationships and what made them happy at that time.
The inserted photos are a great addition to the narrative and the fact that the main character is an African American boy is a very important component to the book, as the picture book industry seems to be lacking in that area. I highly recommend this book.
James Gordon documents a typical weekend in the life of a 5th grader. Bobo and his brother Smiley are immersed in viewing television shows that the whole family rallied around, sibling rivalry (and camaraderie ) at its best, scrumptious food that mom prepared, and of course, going to church as a family on Sunday. He unwraps a nostalgic, slice of life that takes you back to the 70's and highlights how kids were allowed to be kids and how they revelled in the importance of family relationships and what made them happy at that time.
The inserted photos are a great addition to the narrative and the fact that the main character is an African American boy is a very important component to the book, as the picture book industry seems to be lacking in that area. I highly recommend this book.
January 12, 2015
James is not a typical 5th grader. This boy’s a real thinker. Wondering if God’s gonna get mad for this reason or that and why adults can do things that kids are told not to…. His life is one of rituals – dinner with the family, just like the white kids on t.v.; watching great t.v. shows like Love Boat and Fantasy Island; and playing Monopoly while listening to Marvin Gaye, Teena Marie and the Bee Gees. It’s also got some grand adventure like riding on the Metra to see the movies… and exposing his heart to the love of his life in a letter. The colored photos from James’ childhood, sprinkled throughout the pages, bring the characters into the room with you. This is a heartwarming look into the lives to two brothers who talk each other out of being scared when need be and who push each other really hard when it comes to everything. There’s a lot of love in that family and reading about it makes you smile with every word.
May 27, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I'm still fairly young (college-age), but I remember being a little kid. We had Saturday morning cartoons (which I'd watch with my mom and grandma while eating breakfast), played board games in the evenings and spent the afternoons outside all day long, playing every sport I could. The late nineties were a simpler time for kids. This book, of course, is set before my childhood time, but it still left me with a nostalgic feeling as I finished reading it. Just looking at the cover, with Superfriends, G.I. Joe, Monopoly and a Chicago Cubs cap makes me feel like I'm nine-years-old again!
It's quite short, and should be an easy read for a fifth grade kid, but this is not to be categorized as simply a children's book. This little piece of prose poetry is perfect for all ages. It can show kids what life was like before Xbox and YouTube, and make adults remember the good old days.
Utter perfection!
I'm still fairly young (college-age), but I remember being a little kid. We had Saturday morning cartoons (which I'd watch with my mom and grandma while eating breakfast), played board games in the evenings and spent the afternoons outside all day long, playing every sport I could. The late nineties were a simpler time for kids. This book, of course, is set before my childhood time, but it still left me with a nostalgic feeling as I finished reading it. Just looking at the cover, with Superfriends, G.I. Joe, Monopoly and a Chicago Cubs cap makes me feel like I'm nine-years-old again!
It's quite short, and should be an easy read for a fifth grade kid, but this is not to be categorized as simply a children's book. This little piece of prose poetry is perfect for all ages. It can show kids what life was like before Xbox and YouTube, and make adults remember the good old days.
Utter perfection!
November 2, 2014
Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) (Step into the World of Bobo Book 1) was simple read. For a young boy I believe they'll enjoy it the most. There was parts of the story I liked more then others. For example is starts of with Bobo and his brother watching wrestling. (I love wrestling) Then it went to church and then to football (Witch I love too) and then to an other thing. This story is just really fast pasting and never lingers on a topic more then a page really. There is also Superhero talk. Bobo clams Batman is "the man". (For me he's not bring on Spider-man or Iron Man ;D) There many more parts to this story, that was a quick read that pulled me into the mind of a 5th grader boy's mind. A place I never thought I would go but still it was a good read. Like I said, young boy will enjoy the wittiness that Bobo brings to these pages.
March 26, 2014
"Hi, My Name is Bobo" is an adorable little story that charmed me. It's fun to go back and see the life of a fifth grader. Gosh how I remember those days with "Super Friends" on Saturdays and Bugs Bunny. I enjoyed the ride back in time. Funny the things you forget until you are reminded once again.
I love the relationship between the two brothers and the family. Especially enjoyed the old photos. Makes you feel you are a part of Bobo's life. I found this story to be touching and heartwarming. A quick, delightful, entertaining read.
"Love Boat is funny because it has famous people looking for love.
These people don't look like they need help getting boyfriends or girlfriends, but it is easy to watch and not violent."
I love the relationship between the two brothers and the family. Especially enjoyed the old photos. Makes you feel you are a part of Bobo's life. I found this story to be touching and heartwarming. A quick, delightful, entertaining read.
"Love Boat is funny because it has famous people looking for love.
These people don't look like they need help getting boyfriends or girlfriends, but it is easy to watch and not violent."
April 6, 2014
The musings of a ten year old. I picked up this book out of curiosity, not expecting much from it. But Being Bobo wraps you in the warm cocoon of happiness. These are quirky, funny, sentimental memories of a child growing into a young boy. His thought are all over the place as only a child’s thoughts can be and irrelevant to adults, but they are so important to him. This is what makes the character utterly endearing. I loved the pictures that accompany the book. Many bought a lump to my throat.
They may not have much, but Bobo and his family appreciate the little things in life and each other. James Gordon has brought this endearing character to life in a charming way and I am waiting to read more stories of Bobo as he grows up!
They may not have much, but Bobo and his family appreciate the little things in life and each other. James Gordon has brought this endearing character to life in a charming way and I am waiting to read more stories of Bobo as he grows up!
February 15, 2015
Hi, My Name Is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) by James Gordon is a unique take on a childhood memoir and I so loved I or its originality and sheer pluckiness. The way the author intros each short chapter in Bobo's life with a family snapshot, priceless.
Sometimes a weekend can seem like a lifetime to a growing child. He may experience like, fear, anticipation, and other emotions without smooth transition or even realizing it. This is the life of Bobo, a fifth grader, who loves his family, the Superfriends, and chocolate milk. As he introduces himself, get to know him, and you will absolutely love him!!
If you love your books short and sweet then you're in f a treat. Very highly recommended.
Sometimes a weekend can seem like a lifetime to a growing child. He may experience like, fear, anticipation, and other emotions without smooth transition or even realizing it. This is the life of Bobo, a fifth grader, who loves his family, the Superfriends, and chocolate milk. As he introduces himself, get to know him, and you will absolutely love him!!
If you love your books short and sweet then you're in f a treat. Very highly recommended.
May 7, 2014
"Hi, My Name is Bobo: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader)" by James Gordon is a wonderful and insightful look into the all day life of a young boy, his family life, his worries, hopes and ideas.
In small chapters Gordon describes in excellent detail the microcosmos of Bobo's world, as if quoting from a photographic memory. This is a short but very captivating read, charming, funny and warm that will make you smile but also take you back to your own world. Go down memory lane and think about your own family table, your school life, family habits or rituals and your first crush.
Just beautiful.
In small chapters Gordon describes in excellent detail the microcosmos of Bobo's world, as if quoting from a photographic memory. This is a short but very captivating read, charming, funny and warm that will make you smile but also take you back to your own world. Go down memory lane and think about your own family table, your school life, family habits or rituals and your first crush.
Just beautiful.
June 3, 2014
My daughter and I read this story together. It was apparent to me that this tale occurred during a time in the past similar to when I was growing up. The Saturday morning cartoons as well as the ones after school are shows that I knew very well as a child. Definitely a story more than appropriate for children around the fifth grade, it gives an endearing insight into a loving and caring home. My daughter loved the Saturday morning donuts, something we ourselves do once a month. There was only one thing I would have liked to have known before the book ended-whether or not Mary said yes. Congrats to the authors, James Gordon and Becca Wolford, on a job well done.
April 4, 2014
A full of smiles 5*****
Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) (Step into the World of Bobo) by James Gordon
A wonderful read captured through the eyes of a child but will certainly reach out to young and older readers.
Smiles, giggles, cartoons and Bobo will pull you along with this super story.
I really loved the photos placed to enhance the reader's experience. An interesting adventure showing the diversity Gordon is capable of producing when compared to his other great works.
A full of smiles 5*****
Hi, My Name is Bobo.: (A Weekend in the Life of a 5th Grader) (Step into the World of Bobo) by James Gordon
A wonderful read captured through the eyes of a child but will certainly reach out to young and older readers.
Smiles, giggles, cartoons and Bobo will pull you along with this super story.
I really loved the photos placed to enhance the reader's experience. An interesting adventure showing the diversity Gordon is capable of producing when compared to his other great works.
A full of smiles 5*****
June 10, 2014
The Good Old Days
This is a sweet book about a fifth grade boy and his family. The brother's are Bobo and Smiley. They have what I think is a typical sibling relationship; they love each other but are competitive and love to play. The addition of photos throughout this charming little book adds to the fun of getting to know Bobo and his family.
My favorite chapter is, Donuts and Cartoons. A quote from this chapter: “Saturday mornings are always special!!! It means that there are glazed or assorted donuts on the table, and the Super Friends cartoon comes on at 9 am.”
This is a sweet book about a fifth grade boy and his family. The brother's are Bobo and Smiley. They have what I think is a typical sibling relationship; they love each other but are competitive and love to play. The addition of photos throughout this charming little book adds to the fun of getting to know Bobo and his family.
My favorite chapter is, Donuts and Cartoons. A quote from this chapter: “Saturday mornings are always special!!! It means that there are glazed or assorted donuts on the table, and the Super Friends cartoon comes on at 9 am.”
July 24, 2014
What a marvelous little story about a likeable young boy named Bobo. As an adult, reading this made me realize how much has changed in the last 40 years or so, and how unnecessarily complicated our lives have become. It helped me travel back to a simpler time, and maybe just slow down for a minute and enjoy some things that we rush through. This book is a book for all ages if you are looking for an easy, fun, and heartfelt family read. I will be reading this again and will be sure to tell my friends about it. I will have to look into what other books this talented author has available.
November 20, 2014
I guess for a child of a certain age, I'm pushing 70, this book might be a really interesting read about how one child spend his weekend. It was short and a quick read. A couple of commas were missed in editing it that should have been there.
I am used to reading non-fiction, almost exclusively; so I was a bit surprised by the disclaimer at the back of the book that it was all fiction made up by the author!
I could see where this would keep kids entertained reading it and that is what it was written to do.
I am used to reading non-fiction, almost exclusively; so I was a bit surprised by the disclaimer at the back of the book that it was all fiction made up by the author!
I could see where this would keep kids entertained reading it and that is what it was written to do.
December 17, 2014
As a mother of a 5th grader, i absolutely adored this book. My daughter enjoyed it too and we had fun reading it together at night. I especially loved it because it reminded me of my own childhood, growing up with my brother and simpler times. Life can get so chaotic when you grow up, and reading this with my daughter not only gave us both enjoyable evenings together, but it was a perfect read during the Christmas season, bringing me back home. We still watch cartoons together and play board games and there's always lots of chocolate milk around. Great read!
April 10, 2014
This isn't just a very refreshing recount of life through the eyes of a young boy, it is also a fascinating capsule in time displayed in intricate detail. This is how it was then. Not so long ago really, but time has a habit of speeding up as the years advance.
I can see this being popular with all ages and especially with grade school kids. It is funny, interesting, compelling and not to be missed. Highly recommended.
I can see this being popular with all ages and especially with grade school kids. It is funny, interesting, compelling and not to be missed. Highly recommended.
May 7, 2014
This was so on target and I really was impressed that kids and adults alike can and will enjoy this book.
I'm looking forward to reading about more of Bobo's adventures; which I am sure that he will be having due to his refreshing way of looking at things. This little guy has got a great attitude and I will definitely be reading more of Bobo and sharing it with my friends.
I see stardom for the little guy.
You rock Bobo...
I'm looking forward to reading about more of Bobo's adventures; which I am sure that he will be having due to his refreshing way of looking at things. This little guy has got a great attitude and I will definitely be reading more of Bobo and sharing it with my friends.
I see stardom for the little guy.
You rock Bobo...
May 23, 2014
What a fun stroll down memory lane! I really enjoyed reading Hi. My Name is Bobo and taking a journey back in time. Saturday cartoons, Fantasy Island, old games, some things I hadn't thought about in so long and the story brought a huge smile to my face. Whether you are still a kid, or a kid at heart, you will enjoy this story that follows a young man through his week in 5th grade! Oh for life to be so simple again!
January 3, 2015
This is an original approach to an account of “A Weekend in the Life of a Fifth-Grader”. It is written as if Bobo is writing the story, the way his thoughts process, and is nostalgic. His actions, thoughts, and observations of his parents are combined, the way a fifth-grade boy would think and write. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will be recommending it to friends for their children and grandchildren! Great job!
January 19, 2016
A look back at those days of youth we so fondly remember through the eyes of the child Bobo. From the first pages where he speaks of watching cartoons and football games with dad, the family atmosphere and the scary thoughts brought about from the strangest place (a Fantasy Island episode?) you will be taken back to your own childhood. The story is an enjoyable piece of writing and a fun glimpse into the past.
April 7, 2014
Read this on my morning train ride to work and was all smiles. This is very well done and Bobo pulls you right into his world. It is touching and real and even humorous. I cannot wait to read this to my little guy tonight. James Gordon really shows his ability to be versatile as this is a complete opposite end of the spectrum from his other works. Kudos to G.P.A.
April 18, 2014
This was a cute, fun book. I can’t say, as some of the other reviewers said, that it took me back to my childhood, but it sure took me back. Being a girl, I can’t relate, but for the way things were, it was on target. The simplicity of life, the enjoyment in the little things, those were the days my friend. Take a trip down memory lane with James Gordon.
May 9, 2014
This book took me back to a time when my only worry was getting to school and having money for the candy store. Ahhh, those were the days…
And that episode of Fantasy Island is clearly embedded in my memory. Bobo, I was scared too. We need more books for children, books that we don't have to worry about. And "Hi, My Name is Bobo" is one of those books.
And that episode of Fantasy Island is clearly embedded in my memory. Bobo, I was scared too. We need more books for children, books that we don't have to worry about. And "Hi, My Name is Bobo" is one of those books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews