Addison Addley and the Things That Aren't There

by Melody DeFields McMillan

Addison Addley hates math. He hates public speaking too. Actually, he hates anything that involves work, but he only has a couple of weeks to write and memorize his grade five speech. The problem is, he can't think of a single topic. When he finally comes up with an excellent idea for a speech, it almost writes itself, but it's his poor math skills that make speech day unforgettable.

Genres: Chapter Books, Canada

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Melody DeFields McMillan is a teacher who lives in Simcoe, Ontario, not far from where she grew up. She is the mother of two adult children. When she's not writing, she's enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Her first book about the irrepressible Addison (Addison Addley and the Things That Aren't There) was nominated for a Silver Birch Award.

Reviews

[Mehsi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short review:

Wow that kid was annoying and an idiot. I also don't get how he won that trophy, wasn't that handed out to the best speech? Not the worst or the just some kind of blabbering speech? I am confused

Other than that, Addison was a horrendous character. Throughout the book I was just shaking my head at how he acted/did/spoke. I am not sure how old he really was, but my feeling was around 5 or 6. I also wonder where his mom is, why is she not helping him? Why is she practically not there throughout the book. We know he has a mom, but for some reason she just disappeared.

Also a small cavity and immediately it gets fixed? Um no. That is not how it works... But I guess it was added to make sure kids will learn a lesson and that they should brush extra carefully and all that.

All in all, I was glad when I was done with the book and could throw it back on the pile of library books.

I would not recommend this book to anyone.

Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Children's Department · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addison hates math (especially fractions) and he really hates public speaking. When he finally comes up with an excellent idea for his grade five speech, it almost writes itself, but his poor math skills are what make speech day truly unforgettable

-- good one for young boys, fishing scenes (worms)!, snobby girl throwing up, kind of funny

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Addison Addley. He hates having to do homework. The book is about him having to write a speech. It takes place in a house, on the street, and at a school. My favorite part was when a girl named Tiffany spit-up fruit punch. The worst part is when Addison gave Tiffany his trophy.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read about a boy who would rather do anything but write his upcoming speech. His selected topic is an excellent one however, prompting reasonably deep thoughts and several humorous moments.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I would use this as a read aloud for personal essay writing and speech writing. It is fun and a quick read. My class will enjoy this book I think it will motivate my boys, especially the ones that hate to write. A girl throwing up won't hurt either!

[Becky033 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a teacher and I loved this book! Addison was such an interesting and unique character. I love the way he problem solved and handled the school bully (go Addison!). The way he thought and spoke was also totally relatable. I can't wait to share this book with my class in the new school year.

[Waleed Nasr · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like this book it's a little to boring for me. I ouldnt recommend it to some people.