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Andy Shane #1
Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle
With insight and humor, Jennifer Richard Jacobson explores a common childhood anxiety and finds a quiet way to boost self-esteem, aided by Abby Carter’s expressive illustrations.
Andy Shane did not want to be in school. He did not want to be at morning meeting. He did not want to sit up straight on the rug. Andy Shane would much rather be home catching bugs with Granny Webb than sitting in class with the likes of know-it-all Dolores Starbuckle. Any minute, Dolores is likely to shout out, 'Ms. Janice, someone's not sitting properly!" or "Ms. Janice, someone's misusing the math materials!" (meaning him, of course). At rhyme time, the words bug and rug get stuck in Andy's throat while Dolores yells out of turn, "Hullabaloo and Kalamazoo!"
"I hate school," he blurts out at the end of the day to Granny Webb, who is sympathetic but firm. But when Granny makes a surprise visit to school with a monarch caterpillar, everyone is mesmerized and Andy remembers how much he knows about insects himself. Even Dolores Starbuckle can’t help but be impressed!
Andy Shane did not want to be in school. He did not want to be at morning meeting. He did not want to sit up straight on the rug. Andy Shane would much rather be home catching bugs with Granny Webb than sitting in class with the likes of know-it-all Dolores Starbuckle. Any minute, Dolores is likely to shout out, 'Ms. Janice, someone's not sitting properly!" or "Ms. Janice, someone's misusing the math materials!" (meaning him, of course). At rhyme time, the words bug and rug get stuck in Andy's throat while Dolores yells out of turn, "Hullabaloo and Kalamazoo!"
"I hate school," he blurts out at the end of the day to Granny Webb, who is sympathetic but firm. But when Granny makes a surprise visit to school with a monarch caterpillar, everyone is mesmerized and Andy remembers how much he knows about insects himself. Even Dolores Starbuckle can’t help but be impressed!
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
9 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Richard Jacobson
44 books186 followersJennifer has spent three decades writing award-winning fiction and nonfiction for children. Amongst her titles are picture books: THIS IS MY ROOM (NO TIGERS ALLOWED) and OH, CHICKADEE!; chapter books: Andy Shane series and Twig and Turtle series; middle grade novels: SMALL AS AN ELEPHANT, PAPER THINGS, THE DOLLAR KIDS, CRASHING IN LOVE; and young adult novels: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF WHY I HATE HER and STAINED. Her awards and honors include ALA Best Books For Young Adults, Publishers Weekly Best Books, NYPL Best Books for Teens, Parents Choice Gold Award, IRA Young Adult’s Choice, ILA Social Justice Award, NTCE Charlotte Huck Honorable Mention, Bank Street Best Books of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Selections as well as many state awards. She lives in mid-coast Maine with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 19, 2018
4.5 really
This was an excellent tale of patience and jealousy. I like how they became friends in the end.
This was an excellent tale of patience and jealousy. I like how they became friends in the end.
July 2, 2011
Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle
Written by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Illustrated by Abby Carter
2005 Candlewick Press
ISBN: 076361940X
Genre: Easy Reader
Level: K-3
Ever have a know-it-all, tattle-tale type in your class? That's Dolores Starbuckle. She gives Andy Shane that feeling as if "words were stuck in his throat like fruit flies in maple syrup," during morning meeting when his teacher asks him a question. Because of Dolores, Andy does not want to go to school. When Andy's grandmother shows up at school with a monarch caterpillar will he be able to become friends with the bossy Dolores?
I was a little disappointed with the black and white illustrations, but I do like that Andy has a non-traditional family. He is being raised by his grandmother and when he is stubborn all she must do is give him her Granny Web stare.
Written by Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Illustrated by Abby Carter
2005 Candlewick Press
ISBN: 076361940X
Genre: Easy Reader
Level: K-3
Ever have a know-it-all, tattle-tale type in your class? That's Dolores Starbuckle. She gives Andy Shane that feeling as if "words were stuck in his throat like fruit flies in maple syrup," during morning meeting when his teacher asks him a question. Because of Dolores, Andy does not want to go to school. When Andy's grandmother shows up at school with a monarch caterpillar will he be able to become friends with the bossy Dolores?
I was a little disappointed with the black and white illustrations, but I do like that Andy has a non-traditional family. He is being raised by his grandmother and when he is stubborn all she must do is give him her Granny Web stare.
June 1, 2022
Dolores reminded me of all those bossy little girls that irritated me as a child. Cute story
November 30, 2017
Awards the book has received (if any):none
Appropriate grade level(s):1-3rd
Original 3-line summary: When Andy Shane is in a classroom with a know-it-all, he often feels bad about going to school. Dolores Starbuckle is the common kid in the classroom who is the teachers pet which annoys Andy. When Andy goes home he tells his grandma how much he hates school. The next day, his grandma comes in with a Monarch butterfly. After this Andy realizes that he isn't less than Doloroes just because he doesn't know everything, but knows about insects!
Original 3-line review: This book really reminded me of children in Kindergarten (or any class) because you're always going to have the child who wants to suck up to the teacher, and your also gonna have the kids who can't stand still.
2-3 possible in-class uses: Use it as a read aloud to show kids that you don't have to tell the teacher everything a child is doing wrong.
- Could be used for children with adhd who love that one topic and show that its okay because everyone has one thing they are good at
Appropriate grade level(s):1-3rd
Original 3-line summary: When Andy Shane is in a classroom with a know-it-all, he often feels bad about going to school. Dolores Starbuckle is the common kid in the classroom who is the teachers pet which annoys Andy. When Andy goes home he tells his grandma how much he hates school. The next day, his grandma comes in with a Monarch butterfly. After this Andy realizes that he isn't less than Doloroes just because he doesn't know everything, but knows about insects!
Original 3-line review: This book really reminded me of children in Kindergarten (or any class) because you're always going to have the child who wants to suck up to the teacher, and your also gonna have the kids who can't stand still.
2-3 possible in-class uses: Use it as a read aloud to show kids that you don't have to tell the teacher everything a child is doing wrong.
- Could be used for children with adhd who love that one topic and show that its okay because everyone has one thing they are good at
August 2, 2023
There’s nothing super special about this story but it is an accurate depiction of a super annoying and bossy classmate. The content is relevant for second and third grade students and the book reads easily. Andy Shane lives with his grandmother which mirrors the lives of some students in my classroom.
Any adult reading this book will recognize that this teacher should do a better job of setting expectations and healthy boundaries for Dolores Starbuckle, however, a child may glaze past this.
I did find it unrealistic that Andy Shane and Dolores Starbuckle suddenly become friends as she’s somewhat maliciously quizzing him and his grandmother on the names of insects. Either way, this is an appropriate early chapter book read for young readers.
Any adult reading this book will recognize that this teacher should do a better job of setting expectations and healthy boundaries for Dolores Starbuckle, however, a child may glaze past this.
I did find it unrealistic that Andy Shane and Dolores Starbuckle suddenly become friends as she’s somewhat maliciously quizzing him and his grandmother on the names of insects. Either way, this is an appropriate early chapter book read for young readers.
August 2, 2025
This is a "cute" story about dealing with a bossy classmate, but I don't think it's that cute. I get that younger readers in particular have a way with wanting to be Right About Everything* all the time, but it isn't charming.
Sure, the story teaches a nice lesson about how to deal with bossy types, though I don't know how effective this strategy is for introverts, haha. (Andy does seem to be one—based on the fact I have similar hang-ups when the words are on my lips but for some reason they don't come out when under the microscope, as it were—but that's not really addressed.)
*not that older readers don't ALSO want to be Right About Everything, but a lot more of them find out it's easier to just Not Be Right if it saves time and headache
Sure, the story teaches a nice lesson about how to deal with bossy types, though I don't know how effective this strategy is for introverts, haha. (Andy does seem to be one—based on the fact I have similar hang-ups when the words are on my lips but for some reason they don't come out when under the microscope, as it were—but that's not really addressed.)
*not that older readers don't ALSO want to be Right About Everything, but a lot more of them find out it's easier to just Not Be Right if it saves time and headache
March 1, 2024
This teaches the important lesson of being patient with those who annoy you. I would have this book in my personal bookshelf since Andy Shane realizes that he can be friends with the bossy Dolores, and that is a valuable lesson.
December 22, 2018
Is Dolores really bossy or just insecure and overcompensating for it? Andy is having problems dealing with Dolores and her behavior. Great resolution skills on the part of Andy's grandmother.
June 21, 2019
Very cute beginning chapter book with a good message of standing up to bullies.
April 29, 2021
Loved this. Good lesson for 1st graders.
May 2, 2025
Read with my class and they loved it. Super cute, especially if you have some “bossy” kiddos 🤣
July 3, 2020
My 7 year old really liked this one. I think it’s because the main character says he doesn’t like school. :-) It was an easier read than he’s been reading lately, but he still really enjoyed it and asked for the rest of the books with this main character.
December 7, 2020
As a future teacher, I could teach a 1st grade class about bullying using this realistic fiction book as a reference and guiding point. We could do small literature circles where my students sit in a circle and take turns reading each page out loud while the other students follow along. After the book is over, we could have a discussion about bullying and discuss different kinds of feelings while relating them to what happens in the book. I think that this would be a great way to introduce the subject of bullying and start to think about peoples' feelings and the many ways that we can be more kind to each other. This book does not contain any issues of diversity or equity.
July 19, 2016
This is a review for book 1 to 6. The books are quite short so I thought I would do one review, especially since I binge-read this series (yes, I started with one, liked it, and just continued on to the next and the next and so on).
The books are about Andy Shane, about his life at school, at home. He apparently lives with his Granny (though I kind of forgot already if she was really his grandmother or not, and I also still wonder where his real parents are, which never really got mentioned in any of the books up to now, maybe a new book will give some enlightenment on it, it would be really nice). We see Andy go through various seasons, see him talk and make friends to various kids (including a very annoying girl).
I really liked Andy, though I wish he was a bit braver. He often (tried) to run away or not do something, I would also like to see the teacher help him in class (since he seems to just go silent when someone pays attention to him or asks him something).
But he was a fun kid, and I liked how nice he was to people.
Dolores was the only character that I absolutely disliked. Even when we get through the cringey first book with her awful personality and we get to know her a bit better, I still never liked her once in the entire series. She is a terrible girl, always wanting attention, won't shy away from tattling on someone, or making them feel inferior. She just doesn't seem to get the hint either and will draw conclusions from the most stupid things.
Lark was a really fun character and I was instantly liking her. She was sweet, cool, and friendly. She didn't treat Andy bad, she just immediately saw him as a friend. I was delighted that she was introduced and added to the books. We could use a good character who is friendly, kind and lovely to Andy.
The book is also full of gorgeous illustrations (yes, gorgeous, they are really beautiful). I had a lot of fun looking at them and they enhanced the story some more.
All in all, I would highly recommend this series to everyone. Looking for a fun, snack-sized read? Then try this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
The books are about Andy Shane, about his life at school, at home. He apparently lives with his Granny (though I kind of forgot already if she was really his grandmother or not, and I also still wonder where his real parents are, which never really got mentioned in any of the books up to now, maybe a new book will give some enlightenment on it, it would be really nice). We see Andy go through various seasons, see him talk and make friends to various kids (including a very annoying girl).
I really liked Andy, though I wish he was a bit braver. He often (tried) to run away or not do something, I would also like to see the teacher help him in class (since he seems to just go silent when someone pays attention to him or asks him something).
But he was a fun kid, and I liked how nice he was to people.
Dolores was the only character that I absolutely disliked. Even when we get through the cringey first book with her awful personality and we get to know her a bit better, I still never liked her once in the entire series. She is a terrible girl, always wanting attention, won't shy away from tattling on someone, or making them feel inferior. She just doesn't seem to get the hint either and will draw conclusions from the most stupid things.
Lark was a really fun character and I was instantly liking her. She was sweet, cool, and friendly. She didn't treat Andy bad, she just immediately saw him as a friend. I was delighted that she was introduced and added to the books. We could use a good character who is friendly, kind and lovely to Andy.
The book is also full of gorgeous illustrations (yes, gorgeous, they are really beautiful). I had a lot of fun looking at them and they enhanced the story some more.
All in all, I would highly recommend this series to everyone. Looking for a fun, snack-sized read? Then try this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 8, 2009
Andy Shane would rather be at home than at school with his classmate Dolores Starbuckle. Everywhere he goes Dolores is there to boss him around and annoy him. That is of course until his Granny Webb steps in and makes a surprise visit to his school. Dolores can’t stand the fact her classmates are paying more attention to Granny Webb than to her. When Dolores tries to boss Andy around again, Andy uses a Granny Webb fail proof tactic that will change her tune.
This chapter book is geared for students in grades K-3. This book made me laugh because we have all had a Dolores Starbuckle in our class at one time or another.
This chapter book is geared for students in grades K-3. This book made me laugh because we have all had a Dolores Starbuckle in our class at one time or another.
April 2, 2008
Cute. I think I know Dolores....
Andy Shane hates going to school because he’s always being bossed around by know-it-all tattletale Dolores Starbuckle, until his lively Granny Webb visits his classroom and turns the tables on Dolores. Shy students will identify with poor Andy’s plight as he is bullied by Dolores and will cheer when he takes a cue from Granny Webb and finally stands up for himself in this beginning chapter book. The black pencil and black watercolor wash illustrations capture Dolores’ domineering facial expressions and Granny’s exuberance nicely.
Andy Shane hates going to school because he’s always being bossed around by know-it-all tattletale Dolores Starbuckle, until his lively Granny Webb visits his classroom and turns the tables on Dolores. Shy students will identify with poor Andy’s plight as he is bullied by Dolores and will cheer when he takes a cue from Granny Webb and finally stands up for himself in this beginning chapter book. The black pencil and black watercolor wash illustrations capture Dolores’ domineering facial expressions and Granny’s exuberance nicely.
August 13, 2015
Interesting story about the interpersonal dynamics in school and how to deal with bossy children. It's the first book in the Andy Shane series by Jennifer Richard Jacobson.
Andy's Granny is a breath of fresh air and shows one way to help without interfering. We also learned that a dragonfly is an Anax junius. Good book for intermediate readers or for parents to read aloud and we enjoyed reading it together.
Andy's Granny is a breath of fresh air and shows one way to help without interfering. We also learned that a dragonfly is an Anax junius. Good book for intermediate readers or for parents to read aloud and we enjoyed reading it together.
December 16, 2013
Andy Shane doesn't like school much, he'd rather stay home with Granny Webb. Granny Webb wonders why, since he likes math, science, and stories at home. Finally, Andy Shane tells Granny about Delores Starbuckle...and her bossiness.
Granny knows just what to do and goes to school with Andy Shane to show him the way. Andy Shane and Very Boss Delores Starbuckle is a great introduction to early chapter books and very tricky situations at school. The black and white illustrations are endearing and expressive.
Granny knows just what to do and goes to school with Andy Shane to show him the way. Andy Shane and Very Boss Delores Starbuckle is a great introduction to early chapter books and very tricky situations at school. The black and white illustrations are endearing and expressive.
January 1, 2021
This book is perfect for the kid who’s frustrated in a traditional classroom. 4 super short chapters with a few pages without pictures and nice large font make this a great early chapter book introduction. Granny doesn’t exactly follow the rules, and the kid learns to stand up for himself. I laughed till I cried while reading it aloud. It does include the phrase “I hate school,” which I’d have had a problem with a year ago. Not now. This is a terrific book.
January 25, 2012
This is a super cute first chapter book about a bossy girl and a little boy who lives with his grandma. I actually thought that part was done well, when Andy was born he needed someone to care for him and his grandma needed someone to share the hills with and enjoy things with and that was just how it was.
January 11, 2010
I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
This is a series of (at least) 3 books we've read so far.
What we have enjoyed most is watching how the relationship between Andy and Dolores develops through each book.
This is a series of (at least) 3 books we've read so far.
What we have enjoyed most is watching how the relationship between Andy and Dolores develops through each book.
Read
May 8, 2013Poor Andy! Dolores is always making his life miserable by telling on him constantly. She just won't leave him alone it seems and he is tired of it. This book is a cute book appropriate for beginning readers. It is not too long and the vocabulary is not too advanced for the younger crowd.
March 24, 2009
Delightful!!
April 3, 2009
2010 Monarch Nominee
May 8, 2009
With a little help from the bug-loving Granny Webb, Andy makes peace with the class know-it-all and learns to love school again.
December 4, 2009
Love the Grandma.
Lots of connections for a real classroom- morning meeting, math centers, etc.
Not a lot of meaty discussion, though.
Lots of connections for a real classroom- morning meeting, math centers, etc.
Not a lot of meaty discussion, though.
Read
April 29, 2011I really liked this book and could see how it made the Monarch list in 2010. The pictures are realistic as is the story and characters. That might be the best part is the realism.
July 2, 2013
Who would this be for?
December 30, 2014
Really enjoyed all three characters and how two people can figure out how to be friends/kind.
August 20, 2016
Cute as a bug, an anax junius perhaps, children's book written by a friend of a friend. I may have to read a few more... I love Andy and Granny Webb!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews