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Bobby
Bobby Vs. Girls
Meet Robert Carver Ellis-Chan -- a perfectly normal fourth-grader who gets into perfectly crazy situations! Like when he was running for class president and discovered his big sister's panties (static-)clinging to the back of his sweater. Or when he got stuck to the rare sticky (and stinky) Koloff tree on a field trip. . . . Then there's his family -- busy mom, ex-pro football player dad, a bossy older sister and an adoring younger one -- and best friends (one of whom is a secret, because she's a *girl*). Life may be complicated for Bobby, but it's going to turn out just fine.
172 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
27 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Yee
41 books558 followersLisa Yee has written over 20 novels. Her most recent book, Maizy Chen's Last Chance, is about a fifth-generation Chinese American girl, and is a National Book Award Finalist, Newbery Honor, and the Asian Pacific American Children's Literature Award winner.
Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.
Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.
Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.
You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.
Lisa's debut novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the prestigious Sid Fleischman Humor Award. Other books include Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time, Absolutely Maybe, and a series about a 4th grader, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) and Bobby the Brave (Sometimes), illustrated by Dan Santat.
Lisa is also the author of several American Girl books and the DC Super Hero Girls series. A Thurber House Children’s Writer-in-Residence, Lisa's books have been named a NPR Best Summer Read, Sports Illustrated Kids Hot Summer Read, and USA Today Critics’ Top Pick.
Lisa lives In Western Massachusetts, but spends a lot of time in Los Angeles, especially when it's cold. Her next book, an awkward and hilarious mystery, is called The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, and is illustrated by Dan Santat.
You can visit Lisa at www.lisayee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 5, 2009
I have a theory. A theory about why boy v. girl books are so popular with the youngsters. It goes like this: When you’re a kid you find that sometimes the only way to feel real and included in a group is to point out the other kids that (for whatever reason) cannot be included. Now kids cannot help but notice too that human beings are neatly divided into two groups: men and women. By dint of your sex you instantly belong to a group of like-gendered people. And if you band together against the other group then it’s even better because you immediately have easily identifiable “enemies” and “allies”. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor has gotten a lot of leverage out of this idea with her The Boys Start the War/The Girls Get Even titles. Bobby Vs. Girls is of a similar stripe, but takes place a couple years down the road. Right about at that time when you’re on the cusp of puberty and that other gender is about to appear to have a lot to offer . . . but not quite yet. It’s a tricky time and one that Lisa Yee manages to wrestle into some kind of shape. The kids’ll laugh with this one, and some of that may be due to sheer recognition more than anything else.
Bobby and Holly are friends. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the two take care not to advertise the fact to their OTHER friends. Every day they walk a little ways to school and every day they split up before they arrive so that no one will see them walking together. The trouble between them, however, begins when Holly starts doing all these girly activities, like straightening her hair and doing her nails. Things pretty much go downhill from there. Bobby runs again Holly for student council representative, he gets stuck to a tree, she gets her dress ruined (by him), and egged on by their respective peers the two end up in an all out war. But when push comes to shove it’s hard to truly abandon your real friends. Particularly when they come through for you in the end.
When it comes to her writing there are a couple things Ms. Yee likes. She likes herself a good description, that’s one thing for sure. For example, there is the moment when Bobby finds himself in the presence of his true enemy. “Jillian Zarr towered over Bobby. She was freakishly tall for someone who was nine years old. Even her pigtails looked intimidating.” Another things Ms. Yee likes? Humor. I can’t think of many books where boys get stuck to trees because they’re in particularly huggy moods, so here’s the first. Finally, Ms. Yee enjoys adding elements to her books that you may not have seen before. I mean, stop me if you’ve already read a middle grade novel where the stay-at-home dad is a gigantic ex-football pro who fails utterly at his domestic duties but keeps on trying no matter what. She makes the potentially embarrassing also endearing, and there’s much to be said for that.
When you consider how much material stand-up comedians get from the war between the sexes, I suppose it’s strange that there aren’t even more middle grade novels out there examining boy/girl relationships, particularly those before hormones kick in. As far as I can tell, the average pattern of boy/girl relationships consists of them (1) being friends, (2) splitting far apart once they realize that they’re different, and then (3) coming back together when they hit puberty. This book takes place in that awkward stage near the end of (2) but not so far that it’s really (3). This is a story where the boys are getting one last all-male hurrah out of their systems before puberty hits them over the head and cancels out their anti-girl tendencies.
The notable thing about this book is the fact that the characters are starting fourth grade. That’s not a particularly popular age category for fiction. Fifth or sixth grade and you have crushes. Second or third grade and you have a lot of early chapter book tales. Fourth grade’s right in the middle and it’s rare. Rare but necessary, and I was happy to read something for once that involved a series of misunderstandings without making me cringe all that often.
Another advantage of a fourth grade novel? You get some pictures. Dan Santat has generally relegated himself to full-color lush picture books like Chicken Dance or The Secret Life of Walter Kitty until now. With Bobby Vs. Girls (Accidentally) he has to limit himself to the seventeen or so spot illustrations that crop up throughout the story. Still, Santat has a good feel for the material. I appreciated that in those few scenes where you see the boys and the girls on a level piece of ground, the girls are almost always taller than the guys. Chalk that up to another detail of fourth grade living. Bobby and Holly generally have to look befuddled and angry since that’s the way they act and react in the book, but Santat is careful to include plenty of scenes where they’re friendly, both before an after the hostile incidents, so that you don’t always have to visualize Bobby as a doofus or Holly as a shrew.
There have been a couple 2009 books about kids who hit pre-adolescence or adolescence proper and suddenly find their friendships straining. The Kind of Friends We Used to Be by Frances Roark Dowell looked at girl friendships and how two people deal with growing into different personalities. Bobby Vs. Girls is a little more basic, since it’s taking that old boys vs. girls notion and tying it into how kids grow not just into different types of people, but different genders entirely. What it really reminded me of were the Minn and Jake books by Janet Wong. Same mixed-up feelings. Same misunderstandings. I’d also love to pair this with Jenny Han’s Shug, since that’s a book about a boy/girl friendship from the unrequited girl’s p.o.v. But if you’ve kids looking for a fun book to read just for reading’s sake, Bobby Vs. Girls (Accidentally) has much to offer both genders. And despite their differences, I’m pretty sure both boys and girls will find much to enjoy.
Ages 8-12.
Bobby and Holly are friends. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but the two take care not to advertise the fact to their OTHER friends. Every day they walk a little ways to school and every day they split up before they arrive so that no one will see them walking together. The trouble between them, however, begins when Holly starts doing all these girly activities, like straightening her hair and doing her nails. Things pretty much go downhill from there. Bobby runs again Holly for student council representative, he gets stuck to a tree, she gets her dress ruined (by him), and egged on by their respective peers the two end up in an all out war. But when push comes to shove it’s hard to truly abandon your real friends. Particularly when they come through for you in the end.
When it comes to her writing there are a couple things Ms. Yee likes. She likes herself a good description, that’s one thing for sure. For example, there is the moment when Bobby finds himself in the presence of his true enemy. “Jillian Zarr towered over Bobby. She was freakishly tall for someone who was nine years old. Even her pigtails looked intimidating.” Another things Ms. Yee likes? Humor. I can’t think of many books where boys get stuck to trees because they’re in particularly huggy moods, so here’s the first. Finally, Ms. Yee enjoys adding elements to her books that you may not have seen before. I mean, stop me if you’ve already read a middle grade novel where the stay-at-home dad is a gigantic ex-football pro who fails utterly at his domestic duties but keeps on trying no matter what. She makes the potentially embarrassing also endearing, and there’s much to be said for that.
When you consider how much material stand-up comedians get from the war between the sexes, I suppose it’s strange that there aren’t even more middle grade novels out there examining boy/girl relationships, particularly those before hormones kick in. As far as I can tell, the average pattern of boy/girl relationships consists of them (1) being friends, (2) splitting far apart once they realize that they’re different, and then (3) coming back together when they hit puberty. This book takes place in that awkward stage near the end of (2) but not so far that it’s really (3). This is a story where the boys are getting one last all-male hurrah out of their systems before puberty hits them over the head and cancels out their anti-girl tendencies.
The notable thing about this book is the fact that the characters are starting fourth grade. That’s not a particularly popular age category for fiction. Fifth or sixth grade and you have crushes. Second or third grade and you have a lot of early chapter book tales. Fourth grade’s right in the middle and it’s rare. Rare but necessary, and I was happy to read something for once that involved a series of misunderstandings without making me cringe all that often.
Another advantage of a fourth grade novel? You get some pictures. Dan Santat has generally relegated himself to full-color lush picture books like Chicken Dance or The Secret Life of Walter Kitty until now. With Bobby Vs. Girls (Accidentally) he has to limit himself to the seventeen or so spot illustrations that crop up throughout the story. Still, Santat has a good feel for the material. I appreciated that in those few scenes where you see the boys and the girls on a level piece of ground, the girls are almost always taller than the guys. Chalk that up to another detail of fourth grade living. Bobby and Holly generally have to look befuddled and angry since that’s the way they act and react in the book, but Santat is careful to include plenty of scenes where they’re friendly, both before an after the hostile incidents, so that you don’t always have to visualize Bobby as a doofus or Holly as a shrew.
There have been a couple 2009 books about kids who hit pre-adolescence or adolescence proper and suddenly find their friendships straining. The Kind of Friends We Used to Be by Frances Roark Dowell looked at girl friendships and how two people deal with growing into different personalities. Bobby Vs. Girls is a little more basic, since it’s taking that old boys vs. girls notion and tying it into how kids grow not just into different types of people, but different genders entirely. What it really reminded me of were the Minn and Jake books by Janet Wong. Same mixed-up feelings. Same misunderstandings. I’d also love to pair this with Jenny Han’s Shug, since that’s a book about a boy/girl friendship from the unrequited girl’s p.o.v. But if you’ve kids looking for a fun book to read just for reading’s sake, Bobby Vs. Girls (Accidentally) has much to offer both genders. And despite their differences, I’m pretty sure both boys and girls will find much to enjoy.
Ages 8-12.
August 14, 2009
In a climate where you can't throw a dinner roll without hitting five or six new series, Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) is a middle grade school story (and first in a series) that stands out with humor, believability, and a subtle touch.
4th grade is about to begin and Bobby Ellis-Chan is feeling uneasy. Third grade was a disaster, his friend Holly Harper has started hanging around with girlie-girl Jillian Zarr, and his ex-pro football player father (a.k.a. "The Freezer") is having a tough time with the domestic duties of being a stay at home dad. To add insult to injury, his allergies are so bad that a pet dog is completely out of the question. As the school year begins and Bobby unintentionally stokes a boys vs. girls feud, the election for student council representative between he and Holly takes on heightened importance. If only Bobby could avoid embarrassing himself, he might have a shot. That goes down the tubes due to an unfortunate case of static cling.
While a fair share of craziness ensues, the friendship between Bobby and Holly is well executed. Yee doesn't suddenly throw a love/hate switch on the two main characters, but treats the relationship as one that is slowly strained. A touch of subtlety that is nice to see.
Speaking of subtlety, just about every character in Bobby vs. Girls is thoughtfully round. This avoidance of stereotypes results in some believable and memorable characters. Young readers will likely want to learn more about Bobby's unusual family and his friend Chess.
The illustrations (which were only in draft form in the uncorrected proof I read) look promising. Modern and bold, they should be a nice addition.
Interesting characters, funny situations, and an old fashioned boys vs. girls throw-down. Middle grade done right.
4th grade is about to begin and Bobby Ellis-Chan is feeling uneasy. Third grade was a disaster, his friend Holly Harper has started hanging around with girlie-girl Jillian Zarr, and his ex-pro football player father (a.k.a. "The Freezer") is having a tough time with the domestic duties of being a stay at home dad. To add insult to injury, his allergies are so bad that a pet dog is completely out of the question. As the school year begins and Bobby unintentionally stokes a boys vs. girls feud, the election for student council representative between he and Holly takes on heightened importance. If only Bobby could avoid embarrassing himself, he might have a shot. That goes down the tubes due to an unfortunate case of static cling.
While a fair share of craziness ensues, the friendship between Bobby and Holly is well executed. Yee doesn't suddenly throw a love/hate switch on the two main characters, but treats the relationship as one that is slowly strained. A touch of subtlety that is nice to see.
Speaking of subtlety, just about every character in Bobby vs. Girls is thoughtfully round. This avoidance of stereotypes results in some believable and memorable characters. Young readers will likely want to learn more about Bobby's unusual family and his friend Chess.
The illustrations (which were only in draft form in the uncorrected proof I read) look promising. Modern and bold, they should be a nice addition.
Interesting characters, funny situations, and an old fashioned boys vs. girls throw-down. Middle grade done right.
October 18, 2009
An excellent children's book. It was funny, warm, and well written. It never dragged and would be understandable for someone at the reading level of the book.
May 27, 2017
Loved meeting Bobby! The characters will feel like old friends to the reader and they'll love the realistic storyline.
January 27, 2010
It's unfortunate that I read this over the course of 2 months, because it really is such a quick read, and I'm sure it would be even more enjoyable if read it in one sitting. So, from what I remember about the whole thing...
It was really, really funny. I love it when children's books are genuinely funny, and don't just resort to potty humor for a quick laugh. I was impressed by how smoothly the two friends became "enemies," because it would have seemed odd and out-of-place if the change was so abrupt--which is funny to say because the book is pretty short, so it does happen quickly. It didn't feel forced to me though. It was a thoughtful look about a boy and a girl who are friends, and what happens when the girl (Holly) starts being interested in more feminine things, and how that seems a little threatening to the boy (Bobby). You can see that they are naturally growing up, and trying to understand each other, or rather not trying to understand each other. Mistakes are made, and the unfriendliness just snowballs. It made me a little sad, I guess, and I had almost wished for a heart-to-heart at the end about their misunderstandings, but that wouldn't be realistic at that age, so I was satisfied. I loved the side story about his pet. I don't want to say too much about the story because it's fun, and short enough that anything I could write would give away all the fun stuff. I highly recommend this to 3rd graders and 4th graders.
It was really, really funny. I love it when children's books are genuinely funny, and don't just resort to potty humor for a quick laugh. I was impressed by how smoothly the two friends became "enemies," because it would have seemed odd and out-of-place if the change was so abrupt--which is funny to say because the book is pretty short, so it does happen quickly. It didn't feel forced to me though. It was a thoughtful look about a boy and a girl who are friends, and what happens when the girl (Holly) starts being interested in more feminine things, and how that seems a little threatening to the boy (Bobby). You can see that they are naturally growing up, and trying to understand each other, or rather not trying to understand each other. Mistakes are made, and the unfriendliness just snowballs. It made me a little sad, I guess, and I had almost wished for a heart-to-heart at the end about their misunderstandings, but that wouldn't be realistic at that age, so I was satisfied. I loved the side story about his pet. I don't want to say too much about the story because it's fun, and short enough that anything I could write would give away all the fun stuff. I highly recommend this to 3rd graders and 4th graders.
October 10, 2009
Bobby and Holly have been secret best friends since they were little kids. It's a secret because at their elementary school, boys and girls do not hang out together. But things start to change when they enter the fourth grade. Holly starts trying out some girly things and Bobby feels a bit left behind. And then Bobby accidentally starts a battle of the sexes.
Move over, Andrew Clements. This story of boys and girls and friendships and school is pitch perfect. The supporting characters are diverse and well-developed. I felt like I could see the story unfolding before my eyes. I'd definitely hand this to fans of Andrew Clements and others in that vein.
Read more at my blog: http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/200...
Move over, Andrew Clements. This story of boys and girls and friendships and school is pitch perfect. The supporting characters are diverse and well-developed. I felt like I could see the story unfolding before my eyes. I'd definitely hand this to fans of Andrew Clements and others in that vein.
Read more at my blog: http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/200...
September 14, 2009
Bobby and Holly are best friends at home but can't be seen talking to each other at school where girls and boys DO NOT play together - ewww cooties! When Holly becomes friends with a girly girl, the dynamics of her friendship with Bobby change until the two are at war. Bobby struggles not only with the sadness of losing a friend, but also the embarrassment of having a stay-at-home dad who used to be a famous football player, and the wish for a dog instead of a goldfish. Funny, authentic characters and situations will have kids laughing at this read that's perfect for 3rd to 4th grade.
September 20, 2009
This book may appeal to my fifth grade students for the mere fact that it is a story where the boys go up against the girls, which always seems to be popular. But the fact that Bobby, the main character, and his friends are only in the fourth grade may turn off some of my fifth grade students who seem to think they are so far away from fourth grade. (Even though they are not.) The story itself though is perfect for a third or fourth grade student.
July 11, 2013
Bobby Vs. Girls (Accidentally) by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat – Realistic Fiction, 3rd grade and up: Really loved the story. Beautiful friendship story packed with real-life turmoil. It has been a long time since I cried over a fish, but I certainly did this time. The tree hugging incident was my favorite part of this book! Just beautiful… This is a perfect book to partner with Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume.
January 31, 2010
This is a great book! This book has some really funny and also touching moments and the characters are written naturally. Bobby and his family are very endearing and funny. I especially liked his dad and his attempts at being homemaker after retiring from professional football. I highly recommend it to parents and kids - what an enjoyable read!
September 28, 2009
a fun girls vs. boys novel that realistically and sensitively covers the issues of co-ed friendships and the death of a pet. funny and sweet.
March 18, 2018
Children’s Humorous Realistic Fiction
The story takes place in an contemporary elementary school and tells a realistic story about navigating friendship and school-yard drama.
Target Audience: 3rd-5th grade
Summary:
Main Characters: Bobby (A fourth grade boy); Holly (A fourth grade girl); Chess (Bobby's good friend); Jillian (Holly's good friend)
Setting: Southern California
Narrative: Even though Bobby and Holly have been best friends for years, they have had to hide their friendship from the boys and girls at school to escape teasing. When Bobby spends the summer before fourth grade with his grandparents, Holly replaces him with Jillian who doesn't like any boys at all, especially Bobby. Outrageous misunderstandings abound as Bobby tries to navigate the new school year without his best friend.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Bobby is a very kind and sympathetic boy who faces situations that most elementary school students can relate to -- being excluded by friends, being forced to pick sides in school yard battles, and wanting to figure out where you best fit in with everyone else. Even the silliest situations he finds himself , feel believable and true to the story and the character.
The author name drops a lot of places in California, which a native would definitely know. However, children who aren't from California might wonder what some of them are.
Personal critique:
I read a lot of these school hi-jinx books when I was in elementary school and Lisa Yee still managed to find wacky scenarios I hadn't seen before. I would recommend this book to any students trying to navigate friend drama at school or just looking for a funny but truthful read.
Illustrations:
Black and White Illustrations
Notable awards:
None.
Lesson Planning:
This would be a good companion book when talking about gender roles, stereotypes, or identity for younger students.
The story takes place in an contemporary elementary school and tells a realistic story about navigating friendship and school-yard drama.
Target Audience: 3rd-5th grade
Summary:
Main Characters: Bobby (A fourth grade boy); Holly (A fourth grade girl); Chess (Bobby's good friend); Jillian (Holly's good friend)
Setting: Southern California
Narrative: Even though Bobby and Holly have been best friends for years, they have had to hide their friendship from the boys and girls at school to escape teasing. When Bobby spends the summer before fourth grade with his grandparents, Holly replaces him with Jillian who doesn't like any boys at all, especially Bobby. Outrageous misunderstandings abound as Bobby tries to navigate the new school year without his best friend.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Bobby is a very kind and sympathetic boy who faces situations that most elementary school students can relate to -- being excluded by friends, being forced to pick sides in school yard battles, and wanting to figure out where you best fit in with everyone else. Even the silliest situations he finds himself , feel believable and true to the story and the character.
The author name drops a lot of places in California, which a native would definitely know. However, children who aren't from California might wonder what some of them are.
Personal critique:
I read a lot of these school hi-jinx books when I was in elementary school and Lisa Yee still managed to find wacky scenarios I hadn't seen before. I would recommend this book to any students trying to navigate friend drama at school or just looking for a funny but truthful read.
Illustrations:
Black and White Illustrations
Notable awards:
None.
Lesson Planning:
This would be a good companion book when talking about gender roles, stereotypes, or identity for younger students.
November 15, 2020
Extremely refreshing and beautifully done.
Cover
The cover is fine. The cover characters are very loyal to the interior illustrations.(I think I like their colorless counterpart more) The amount of stars confused me until I realized a decent portion is about voting school rep.
I also have to say interesting choice on name location. My eyes keep going to Dan Santat before going to Lisa Yee. Typically Illustrators are more pushed to the side. I can't help but wonder if that was an overlook or intentional.
Interior
Text
The first thing I noticed is that the text is extremely well polished. Right off in first chapter you get relatable characters with strong personalities.
I love the communication and chemistry in this family. There's no distracting petty drama among the family. Even though the mother is barely in the story it's amazing how present she is with her family. I love the chemistry between Bobby and his little sister. In fact it goes to the point that this book takes time to breath and spend time building the friendship between him and his sister, father, and even classmates. (I absolutely love the heart of gold father.)
I also like how it's moral isn't entirely spelt out even if it pretty direct. focusing of peer pressure, and jealously and that it's more a consequence of circumstance and both their actions that Holly and Bobby are torn apart.
Using Rover not only to bring friends together but to be used as a therapy pet. Yes I did get emotional over Rover. The story is beautifully written and well polished.
Illustrations
These illustrations are amazing. Filled with personality and expressions. I love them. I think it's pretty daring that they actually leave the sketch outlines in the pictures. (Most notably on the second full page illustration. Bobby's shoulder's, arms, and fishbowl.
Final Thoughts
I love that Mr. Ed runs the pet shop. The is hilarious!
Cover
The cover is fine. The cover characters are very loyal to the interior illustrations.(I think I like their colorless counterpart more) The amount of stars confused me until I realized a decent portion is about voting school rep.
I also have to say interesting choice on name location. My eyes keep going to Dan Santat before going to Lisa Yee. Typically Illustrators are more pushed to the side. I can't help but wonder if that was an overlook or intentional.
Interior
Text
The first thing I noticed is that the text is extremely well polished. Right off in first chapter you get relatable characters with strong personalities.
I love the communication and chemistry in this family. There's no distracting petty drama among the family. Even though the mother is barely in the story it's amazing how present she is with her family. I love the chemistry between Bobby and his little sister. In fact it goes to the point that this book takes time to breath and spend time building the friendship between him and his sister, father, and even classmates. (I absolutely love the heart of gold father.)
I also like how it's moral isn't entirely spelt out even if it pretty direct. focusing of peer pressure, and jealously and that it's more a consequence of circumstance and both their actions that Holly and Bobby are torn apart.
Using Rover not only to bring friends together but to be used as a therapy pet. Yes I did get emotional over Rover. The story is beautifully written and well polished.
Illustrations
These illustrations are amazing. Filled with personality and expressions. I love them. I think it's pretty daring that they actually leave the sketch outlines in the pictures. (Most notably on the second full page illustration. Bobby's shoulder's, arms, and fishbowl.
Final Thoughts
I love that Mr. Ed runs the pet shop. The is hilarious!
April 5, 2021
When a book reduces me to tears over the death of a family pet, I have to say I am glad I read it. There are several threads in this story. First best friends are divided by petty gender loyalty at an elementary school. May as well grapple with the boy/girl friend frustrations in literature and hopefully use the story to discuss it as it will happen in real life at one point or another. (I love bibliotherapy and feel it is a real tool for children from which to learn and grow their thinking.) Then we have the pet issue for Bobby as he really wants a dog, but instead convinced his parents a fish pet would be okay. First there are amazing and interesting training situations. (I know. Weird, but super fun!) Of course there is tragedy initiated by a little sister who does not understand fish lives are delicate. Along with that is class elections where the once best friends are pitted against each other and discover they are still connected in many ways. Their resolution to the problem with the election is admirable and worthy of discussion. I tell my students this book is a fun story that rings true to elementary student experiences and will make them smile, even as it may make them cry towards the end. This is a feel good book and worthy of recommendation!
June 3, 2023
I do NOT like the typical boys vs. girls trope, and this book is - blessedly - not that. This story starts with a long term boy/girl friendship and investigates what happens next, with a deft touch and humor. The illustrations add to the fun.
Yee avoids some other tropes, too. The former football player stay at home dad is perfectly fine with his son the artist. The cool teacher screws up from time to time. The little sister is both pesty and endearing in equal measure.
The humor is what really sets this book apart. It weaves throughout - sometimes with guffaws and sometimes with giggles. Love the ancient crossing guard that the kids help across the street. When Bobby realizes his giant dad is following him on his maiden voyage walking to school alone (trying to hide in the shurbs), the crossing guard comments, "Aw, don't fret. On the first day of school, the plants are chock-full of parents."
Yee avoids some other tropes, too. The former football player stay at home dad is perfectly fine with his son the artist. The cool teacher screws up from time to time. The little sister is both pesty and endearing in equal measure.
The humor is what really sets this book apart. It weaves throughout - sometimes with guffaws and sometimes with giggles. Love the ancient crossing guard that the kids help across the street. When Bobby realizes his giant dad is following him on his maiden voyage walking to school alone (trying to hide in the shurbs), the crossing guard comments, "Aw, don't fret. On the first day of school, the plants are chock-full of parents."
August 18, 2017
I've been reading a lot of books for 3rd graders this summer - and sometimes that can be a bit fluffy and a bit boring. I almost stopped reading this - I'm trying to get the classroom ready and have the starting of school on my mind - but I am glad I didn't. This book is full of the boy-girl tension of school and will be wonderful to read together and talk about. Now I'm wondering should I get multiple copies for a book club, should I get a class set for a family read-aloud... Bobby and Holly's friendship is something to celebrate in so many ways. Bobby's family too... I can't wait to read more about them.
February 27, 2018
Confession. I picked this book up solely on the merits of the illustrator, Dan Santat. However, it didn't take long for me to be entirely absorbed by the story of this delightful fourth grade boy and his many dilemmas. I'm sure both boys and girls of this age will enjoy the story and I would even recommend it as a read-aloud at home or in the classroom.
March 31, 2019
I read Bobby vs. Girls Accidentally by Lisa Yee with my fifth grade reading group. It was a cute book about Bobby who needs to work through his feelings of being lonely when his best friend Holly makes some new girl friends. At first when the girls picked this book I was not excited about it but it has some nice life lessons in it.
October 31, 2018
It was not very good
April 6, 2020
Great book for early 4th graders! Very funny, and very elementary. My students enjoyed it!
January 10, 2022
This was my favorite book as a kid. I’ve never forgotten it and the only memories I have with it are good ones.
March 14, 2022
I thought it was a good book. It did represent the struggles of a kid at school
July 12, 2022
Funny middle grade dynamics and friendship!
October 20, 2022
Great book about real kids experiencing real emotions and the trials and tribulations of friendships
March 2, 2024
3.5 stars
March 20, 2025
My third graders laughed through this book-
March 9, 2017
Cute book, colorful characters. Very realistic about boy/girl interactions in upper elementary grades.
June 8, 2017
I came across this book while volunteering in my kids' elementary school library. In the cover illustration, Bobby looked like maybe he could be Asian, and with the author's name being Lisa Yee, I decided to check it out for myself. I'm always interested in multicultural books for kids!
It took a while for Bobby's character to be fleshed out. His age (9) was not revealed until page 16, and even though we learn right away that his last name is Ellis-Chan, we don't find out for sure until page 49 that he is half Chinese. It really wasn't clear to me which parent was Chinese (it doesn't actually matter!), but I finally decided it was the mom, based on the illustration on page 164.
It's worth noting that there is zero reference to Chinese language or culture in this book, and I think that's fine. While books like those by Grace Lin, Lenore Look, and Andrea Cheng really embrace Chinese-American-ness, I think there's also a valid and important place for books in which characters just happen to be Chinese-American, and their Chinese-American-ness doesn't need to be front and center.
Besides Bobby's ethnicity, this book also embraces diversity in other ways. Mr. Ellis-Chan is a stay-at-home dad (whose former career as an NFL player is a bit over the top), and one of Bobby's friends is Indian. Also, Bobby has environmental allergies and asthma.
I really liked Bobby. He has heart and compassion. He's thoughtful and well-intentioned. He's just a real good kid.
Mostly, I like this book because it is a growing-up book about a boy suitable for lower to middle elementary grades. Children's literature is awash with growing-up stories featuring girls (e.g., Ramona Quimby, Betsy-Tacy, Little House, etc.), but there are fewer similarly themed chapter books with pictures that feature boys. So far, I've really only found Henry Huggins and Alvin Ho to be comparable. There is a sequel to this book, and I'm hoping I will like it just as much as this one.
Still, I'm giving this book 4 stars, instead of 5, for a couple reasons. First, the book is clearly set in modern times, yet, even while trying to buck old-fashioned narrow-mindedness, it seems to reinforce it. For example, it's great that Bobby's dad is an active member of the PTA, but would modern-day PTA members really even use the term "PTA Lady"?
Also, I love the way Bobby and Holly worked out their friendship, but I wish the book had further addressed Holly's friendship with Jillian Zarr. It's understandable that Holly would want some female friends with shared interests, but Jillian Zarr was downright mean and snooty. I sort of hoped she would get some sort of comeuppance.
I read this book aloud to my 3rd grade daughter and 1st grade son, and they both really enjoyed it!
It took a while for Bobby's character to be fleshed out. His age (9) was not revealed until page 16, and even though we learn right away that his last name is Ellis-Chan, we don't find out for sure until page 49 that he is half Chinese. It really wasn't clear to me which parent was Chinese (it doesn't actually matter!), but I finally decided it was the mom, based on the illustration on page 164.
It's worth noting that there is zero reference to Chinese language or culture in this book, and I think that's fine. While books like those by Grace Lin, Lenore Look, and Andrea Cheng really embrace Chinese-American-ness, I think there's also a valid and important place for books in which characters just happen to be Chinese-American, and their Chinese-American-ness doesn't need to be front and center.
Besides Bobby's ethnicity, this book also embraces diversity in other ways. Mr. Ellis-Chan is a stay-at-home dad (whose former career as an NFL player is a bit over the top), and one of Bobby's friends is Indian. Also, Bobby has environmental allergies and asthma.
I really liked Bobby. He has heart and compassion. He's thoughtful and well-intentioned. He's just a real good kid.
Mostly, I like this book because it is a growing-up book about a boy suitable for lower to middle elementary grades. Children's literature is awash with growing-up stories featuring girls (e.g., Ramona Quimby, Betsy-Tacy, Little House, etc.), but there are fewer similarly themed chapter books with pictures that feature boys. So far, I've really only found Henry Huggins and Alvin Ho to be comparable. There is a sequel to this book, and I'm hoping I will like it just as much as this one.
Still, I'm giving this book 4 stars, instead of 5, for a couple reasons. First, the book is clearly set in modern times, yet, even while trying to buck old-fashioned narrow-mindedness, it seems to reinforce it. For example, it's great that Bobby's dad is an active member of the PTA, but would modern-day PTA members really even use the term "PTA Lady"?
Also, I love the way Bobby and Holly worked out their friendship, but I wish the book had further addressed Holly's friendship with Jillian Zarr. It's understandable that Holly would want some female friends with shared interests, but Jillian Zarr was downright mean and snooty. I sort of hoped she would get some sort of comeuppance.
I read this book aloud to my 3rd grade daughter and 1st grade son, and they both really enjoyed it!
May 11, 2010
I recently went to the 2010 Children's Literature Council Spring Workshop. The theme this year was "Old Passions - New Technologies: Children's and Young Adult Literature in a Web 2.0 World." I had a great time listening to the speakers (who included Elizabeth Khuri Chandler, one of the co-founders of Goodreads!), but more importantly, like all good workshops, I was inspired to go and investigate some of the ideas mentioned in the presentations. One of the speakers showed us Lisa Yee's blog. I've added it to my Google Reader... and I suddenly realized why her name sounds so familiar! I just ordered her book Bobby vs. Girls Accidentally, and it was waiting for me on my desk.
As a children's librarian, I'm always on the look-out for great books that younger boys would like. Humor is a must -- and this book has it in bucketfuls. Good characters are also important. Bobby is a normal kid, identifiable to many of my young patrons. One of the boys in Bobby's class sums it up the best - "You're not the best at anything but not the worst. So no one's threatened by you. You're just there." We all understand that feeling.
I loved the addition of Rover, the pet fish. Bobby uses him as a sounding board at the end of the day, plus he discovers that Rover is a natural at learning tricks. And Bobby's dad, aka "The Freezer", brightens up the story with his baking misadventures. Who knew that an ex-NFL player could have such Martha Stewart ambitions?
Through a series of misunderstandings, Bobby faces off against his former best friend Holly in the student council election. I appreciate the good intentions of the two main characters. Despite the pressure of their peers, they still manage to see the good in each other.
A nice title to push for reluctant readers of all genders.
As a children's librarian, I'm always on the look-out for great books that younger boys would like. Humor is a must -- and this book has it in bucketfuls. Good characters are also important. Bobby is a normal kid, identifiable to many of my young patrons. One of the boys in Bobby's class sums it up the best - "You're not the best at anything but not the worst. So no one's threatened by you. You're just there." We all understand that feeling.
I loved the addition of Rover, the pet fish. Bobby uses him as a sounding board at the end of the day, plus he discovers that Rover is a natural at learning tricks. And Bobby's dad, aka "The Freezer", brightens up the story with his baking misadventures. Who knew that an ex-NFL player could have such Martha Stewart ambitions?
Through a series of misunderstandings, Bobby faces off against his former best friend Holly in the student council election. I appreciate the good intentions of the two main characters. Despite the pressure of their peers, they still manage to see the good in each other.
A nice title to push for reluctant readers of all genders.
April 18, 2013
Summary: (Amazon.com)
Bobby and Holly are friends. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the two take care not to advertise the fact to their OTHER friends. Every day they walk a little ways to school and every day they split up before they arrive so that no one will see them walking together. The trouble between them, however, begins when Holly starts doing all these girly activities, like straightening her hair and doing her nails. Things pretty much go downhill from there. Bobby runs again Holly for student council representative, he gets stuck to a tree, she gets her dress ruined (by him), and egged on by their respective peers the two end up in an all out war. But when push comes to shove it's hard to truly abandon your real friends. Particularly when they come through for you in the end.
My Comments:
I heard Lisa Yee speak at a literature conference and I was very impressed so I was expecting more from this book than it delivered. It’s an amusing read that a third or fourth grade boy or girl would enjoy. There are some more unusual elements that don’t fit the standard formula – Bobby is of mixed race – Oriental and Caucasian, his dad is a retired football player, who has since become the stay at home dad and the PTA “lady”, while Bobby’s mom works. There are some funny moments, but the real appeal of this book is the boy vs girl relationships that take place at about 4th grade when friendships between boys and girls transform almost overnight, and members of the opposite sex are seen as the “enemy.” At 170 pages, it’s a quick read and there are lots of black and white illustrations (many of them full page.) Could appeal to both boys and girls, but mostly a boy’s read. Best for grades 3-5
Bobby and Holly are friends. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the two take care not to advertise the fact to their OTHER friends. Every day they walk a little ways to school and every day they split up before they arrive so that no one will see them walking together. The trouble between them, however, begins when Holly starts doing all these girly activities, like straightening her hair and doing her nails. Things pretty much go downhill from there. Bobby runs again Holly for student council representative, he gets stuck to a tree, she gets her dress ruined (by him), and egged on by their respective peers the two end up in an all out war. But when push comes to shove it's hard to truly abandon your real friends. Particularly when they come through for you in the end.
My Comments:
I heard Lisa Yee speak at a literature conference and I was very impressed so I was expecting more from this book than it delivered. It’s an amusing read that a third or fourth grade boy or girl would enjoy. There are some more unusual elements that don’t fit the standard formula – Bobby is of mixed race – Oriental and Caucasian, his dad is a retired football player, who has since become the stay at home dad and the PTA “lady”, while Bobby’s mom works. There are some funny moments, but the real appeal of this book is the boy vs girl relationships that take place at about 4th grade when friendships between boys and girls transform almost overnight, and members of the opposite sex are seen as the “enemy.” At 170 pages, it’s a quick read and there are lots of black and white illustrations (many of them full page.) Could appeal to both boys and girls, but mostly a boy’s read. Best for grades 3-5
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