Trouble Next Door

The Carver Chronicles #4

by Karen English, Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

In the fourth book in the Carver Chronicles series, third grader Calvin is dealing with his next door neighbors moving away—and the school bully moving in. Meanwhile, competition at the school science fair is heating up, and Calvin must decide what to do when his data doesn't prove his theory. This lively installment in a chapter book series about a diverse group of elementary schoolers by Coretta Scott King Honoree Karen English offers spot-on storytelling, relatable characters and situations, and plenty of action.

Genres: Juvenile, Realistic Fiction

144 pages, Hardcover

Published December 6, 2016

About the author

Karen English is a Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winner and the author of the Nikki and Deja and The Carver Chronicles series. Her novels have been praised for their accessible writing, authentic characters, and satisfying storylines. She is a former elementary school teacher and lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

New neighbors are always a big deal, but moreso when you fear the new neighbor. This story has it all: science fair, bullies, and social issues both in and out of an elementary school. The main character Calvin is dealing with his Mom away caring for a grandparent, school expectations, friend expectations, and long time neighbors moving away. That seems enough until his greatest fear for a new neighbor comes true. This story is a nice peak into the mind of elementary children. Though the outcomes are expected, the writing is not preachy and the characters are engaging.

A good purchase if you need more chapter books in your collection.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

11/14/2018 ~ Of all the Carver Chronicles and Nikki & Deja books, this is my favorite. I loved how both Calvin and Harper grew. I appreciated having Calvin's (and readers) assumptions about someone who is homeless disrupted. (Though people in the foster care system may be upset about the portrayal of Harper's foster mother.) This book would make a fabulous read aloud in a primary / early intermediate class. The story will spark interesting conversations about bullies, victims, and assumptions.

[Alaase Mahalah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book as part of the boys #summerreading curriculum. I am a big fan of #thecarverchronicles and this story about learning to look beyond what we assume about people based on their difficult life conditions is yet another reason why I do! I love that the characters are intelligent, interesting and relatable. This book is a great read for 4th graders and beyond!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my 6 year old daughter. This was a wonderful lesson in not judging a book by it's cover; and anyone can be a friend. By listening and not judging a new friend was made and some insight into his situation was gained. This should be required reading for middle school children!

[Andrena G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful Story About Friendship

Calvin learns that people are not always what they seem as he navigates through life, school, family ties, and blossoming friendships.

[Crystal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because its about a young boy name Calvin that was dealing with a couple of things at one time and he basically had to figure out how to keep going and face his challenges

[BiblioBickie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book; I like that the words are race-neutral but that the illustrations show black characters. I also like that the bully's backstory is shown and that the main character develops a friendship with him. I did not find the main character particularly endearing, though perhaps he was somewhat realistic; he lied a lot about where he was going and why without consequences and was sneaky about playing video games. I also did not like how his friend was so comfortable snooping around the bully's mother's dwelling in the community garden. This could fill a hole in a collection, but I hope there are better options. Best for ages 9-11.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvin is not pleased that his neighbors have moved to Florida, but what's even more disturbing is that the school bully, Harper Hill, is moving in next door. Calvin does all he can to avoid Harper, while working on his science fair project. As the weeks progress Calvin learns some startling facts about Harper, and his living arraignments, and current family lifestyle. This story uncovers how and what people think about others when they make wrong assessments based on perceived perceptions, and not knowing the true facts.

[Mayra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little book for second & third grade students, I liked how the main character (Calvin) has a change of heart in his perception of another character when he begins to know more about his life and think less about his reputation.

[Cristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calvin is saddened when he hears that the neighbors are moving away. They are going to Florida to be closer to their grandkids, who he used to play with when they visited them every summer. He is curious to see who is moving in once they leave. Calvin gets the surprise of his life when he realizes that one of the schools biggest bullies, Harper Hall has moved in next door! He loves to fight and just be plain mean to anyone who gets in his path. Calvin vows to make sure that Harper never knows that he lives in the house next door. I would recommend this for any collection owning the other three in the series. The reader does not need to read them in order and this could be a stand alone title.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #4 in the Carver Chronicles series, about a 3rd grader dealing with the school "bully" moving in to the house next door. When his father invites the new neighbor to go to the movies with them, Calvin begins to realize that there is more to the story behind Harper and his bullying. Great story for discussions about homelessness & foster parents. Good read aloud for grades 3-4.