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Junie B. Jones #6
Junie B. Jones and That Meanie Jim's Birthday
Barbara Park’s New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, is a classroom favorite and has been keeping kids laughing—and reading—for more than twenty years. Over 60 million copies in print and now with a bright new look for a new generation!
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday—except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It’s a Small World After All in Disneyland?
USA Today :
“Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set.”
Publishers Weekly :
“Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun.”
Kirkus Reviews :
“Junie’s swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud.”
Time :
“Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty.”
Meet the World’s Funniest Kindergartner—Junie B. Jones! That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday—except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It’s a Small World After All in Disneyland?
USA Today :
“Junie B. is the darling of the young-reader set.”
Publishers Weekly :
“Park convinces beginning readers that Junie B.—and reading—are lots of fun.”
Kirkus Reviews :
“Junie’s swarms of young fans will continue to delight in her unique take on the world. . . . A hilarious, first-rate read-aloud.”
Time :
“Junie B. Jones is a feisty six-year-old with an endearing penchant for honesty.”
85 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
494 people are currently reading
2212 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Park
380 books1,085 followersBarbara Lynne Park was an American author of children's books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
January 29, 2011
Bestiestiest book ever told on account of it's about my favorite person...Junie B!
April 8, 2020
This is my first review. I have been waiting for this for years. I wanted to review the first chapter book I have ever read. Mom read this to me when I was in preschool. I loved it. I still have memories of jumping on my trampoline while she read it to me. I remember the first time she told me about it. I was taking out my dishes after dinner. She told me that she was going to read me a chapter book called Junie B Jones. I imagined this big, thick grown-up book. I laugh when I think about it now. I finished this in one day. I would come home from preschool and eat lunch in front of the TV. Then, a little after that, Mom would call me into the piano room to read. We are a huge reading family. I have so many memories from those times. Now, as I am older, I think it’s fun to read this book and think about how I have changed since I first read it. When I first read this, I thought Junie B was so grown-up. NOW, I realize that she’s just a little kindergartner who doesn’t always know what she’s talking about. For example, once, she said something about how the definition of unruly was, “the grown-up word for not being Ruly.“ I think my favorite part is when Junie B realizes that being the only one can sometimes be fun. I agree with that. I’m the only one who doesn’t watch America‘s Got Talent, but I don’t mind. It’s too confusing for me. I also like how Barbara Park makes her sound like a kindergartner when she’s narrating. For example, not using correct grammar. The downside to this is that if you are reading the book to a preschooler or kindergartner, they might think that she’s correct. Once, I thought that the principal actually did live at the school. When I told this to Mom, she said she didn’t think so. I didn’t think that was worth taking a star off for, though. NOW, I am going to ask Mom a few questions. Well, maybe only one. She has not read this book in a long time, so it might just be more about the series itself.
What’s something that you like about the Junie B Jones books?
Mom: I think they’re funny. It’s been a long time since I’ve actually read Junie B Jones.
OK, back to me on the living room couch. I realize that I forgot to give a summary of the book. I think that I like to put summaries in reviews. This book was about a girl named Junie B Jones. They celebrated a birthday in her class, and after that, she started talking about her own birthday. She made a boy named Jim mad, and he didn’t want to invite her to his birthday. He did because his mother made him at the end.
Hey, by the way, if you don’t want any spoilers, you should stop READING right here. I am about to give one. Junie B realized that she did not want to go to the party after all, and she was very very excited to be helping her grandpa fix his upstairs toilet. That part made me laugh. That is the opposite of me. I do not think that sounds like that much fun. I recommend this book to people. I don’t just mean for people kindergarten to third grade. I mean everybody. It’s fun to look back on your childhood.
What’s something that you like about the Junie B Jones books?
Mom: I think they’re funny. It’s been a long time since I’ve actually read Junie B Jones.
OK, back to me on the living room couch. I realize that I forgot to give a summary of the book. I think that I like to put summaries in reviews. This book was about a girl named Junie B Jones. They celebrated a birthday in her class, and after that, she started talking about her own birthday. She made a boy named Jim mad, and he didn’t want to invite her to his birthday. He did because his mother made him at the end.
Hey, by the way, if you don’t want any spoilers, you should stop READING right here. I am about to give one. Junie B realized that she did not want to go to the party after all, and she was very very excited to be helping her grandpa fix his upstairs toilet. That part made me laugh. That is the opposite of me. I do not think that sounds like that much fun. I recommend this book to people. I don’t just mean for people kindergarten to third grade. I mean everybody. It’s fun to look back on your childhood.
July 19, 2022
Cute but Junie B is a little spoiled. Some parts were funny, though.
July 5, 2011
This doesn't really deserve the one star. We just got a big stack of these books as a hand-me-down and we were excited because I know they are popular and thought they would be fun summer reading.
We just finished Meanie Jim's Birthday and I'm not only disappointed but completely shocked that people like this drivel. If you can look beyond how awful the grammar is there is nothing left but a bratty six year old who calls everything stupid and makes up cruel nicknames for the kids in her class. I'm with Jim who didn't want Junie at his birthday party, I wouldn't want her at mine either.
We just finished Meanie Jim's Birthday and I'm not only disappointed but completely shocked that people like this drivel. If you can look beyond how awful the grammar is there is nothing left but a bratty six year old who calls everything stupid and makes up cruel nicknames for the kids in her class. I'm with Jim who didn't want Junie at his birthday party, I wouldn't want her at mine either.
October 26, 2012
Once again, Junie B. is back and her bad attitude is once again turning on her. Because of how she's treated "that Jim that I hate" he doesn't want to have her at his birthday party.
This book comes with a plot lots of kids can identify with. Everyone knows how much it stinks to be left out, and no one likes it. The book also brings up a really good point. Junie B. only wants to go to the party because everyone else got invited and it hurts to be left out. It doesn't even matter that she doesn't like the boy at all, she just wants to be included. The feeling of being left out is so much stronger than her feelings for Jim. I think we all know how that feels.
Once again, the book addresses the issue with humor. The series isn't one of those kinds of stories that teaches a lesson through the obvious inclusion of morals. Instead it teaches through working through emotions that every kid understands, even if they don't express them in the same strong, loud, and even quite rude way that Junie B. expresses them. I can even remember a time when I kind of wished I could have done some of what Junie B. does. I was the one left out, or I was dragged to a birthday party for someone I didn't like and I wished I could have kept the present instead of having to give it to that kid I really didn't like. Sure, it was years ago when I was a kid, but I get it. I think a lot of kids do. That's part of the reason why so many kids identify with Junie B.
This book comes with a plot lots of kids can identify with. Everyone knows how much it stinks to be left out, and no one likes it. The book also brings up a really good point. Junie B. only wants to go to the party because everyone else got invited and it hurts to be left out. It doesn't even matter that she doesn't like the boy at all, she just wants to be included. The feeling of being left out is so much stronger than her feelings for Jim. I think we all know how that feels.
Once again, the book addresses the issue with humor. The series isn't one of those kinds of stories that teaches a lesson through the obvious inclusion of morals. Instead it teaches through working through emotions that every kid understands, even if they don't express them in the same strong, loud, and even quite rude way that Junie B. expresses them. I can even remember a time when I kind of wished I could have done some of what Junie B. does. I was the one left out, or I was dragged to a birthday party for someone I didn't like and I wished I could have kept the present instead of having to give it to that kid I really didn't like. Sure, it was years ago when I was a kid, but I get it. I think a lot of kids do. That's part of the reason why so many kids identify with Junie B.
April 17, 2025
she’s a freak… I love weird women in fiction
October 4, 2011
Junie B. Jones is a very highly recommended series for primary readers, whom I found to be defined as kindergarten through third grade readers. The wording was perfect for that of a kindergartener. She wrote EXACTLY how they speak, and plus also, it was hilarious to read. I think the most important parts of the book, the parts taht make it good for primary readers, is the fact that it deals with an issue that every kid faces, as well as being written in their jargon. Everyone knew how important someone's birthday party was; it was the number one sign of social acceptance. If you weren't invited, you knew that people did not like you as much as other people, and there is nothing worse than that feeling, even in college. This was a great book to re-read, and definitely good for younger readers.
December 7, 2025
Kindergarten hellion Junie B. Jones has met her match: That Meanie Jim, a classmate in Room 9 who gives even better than he gets. Junie B. is right that he’s mean; he’s also more astute and more rude than she. They’ve been tussling through most of the books, and now Jim wants to have the ultimate revenge: invite all of his classmates except Junie B.
Junie B. frets at the snub and spends the book trying to figure out how to save face. Move to the Small World ride at Disneyland? Host a competing birthday party even though her real birthday is months away? Steal someone else’s invitation?
I’ve really loved the books so far, but I’m beginning to tire of Junie B. Yes, she learns her lessons in each book, but she returns in the next as stubborn and manipulative as ever. It’s been a great ride so far, but I think I’ll be moving on. I didn’t even finish this book.
Junie B. frets at the snub and spends the book trying to figure out how to save face. Move to the Small World ride at Disneyland? Host a competing birthday party even though her real birthday is months away? Steal someone else’s invitation?
I’ve really loved the books so far, but I’m beginning to tire of Junie B. Yes, she learns her lessons in each book, but she returns in the next as stubborn and manipulative as ever. It’s been a great ride so far, but I think I’ll be moving on. I didn’t even finish this book.
December 12, 2022
1.5/5
Junie B. is a bully who never apologizes for her actions and expects to be rewarded for her behaviour. This was probably the worst Junie B. Jones book that I've read so far and would have given it a 1-star. I'm only bumping up my rating on the account of cute relationship with her grandpa.
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Part of a personal challenge to read all of my boyfriend's and his sister's childhood books before we donate and give them away.
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My average rating for this series so far: 1.88/5
My reviews for the books I've read in this series:
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones and Little Monkey Business (1.5/5) | June B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peaky Spying (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake (2/5) | Junie B. Jones and That Mean Jim's Birthday (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren (2.5/5) | Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed (3/5)
Junie B. is a bully who never apologizes for her actions and expects to be rewarded for her behaviour. This was probably the worst Junie B. Jones book that I've read so far and would have given it a 1-star. I'm only bumping up my rating on the account of cute relationship with her grandpa.
----------------------------------------------
Part of a personal challenge to read all of my boyfriend's and his sister's childhood books before we donate and give them away.
----------------------------------------------
My average rating for this series so far: 1.88/5
My reviews for the books I've read in this series:
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones and Little Monkey Business (1.5/5) | June B. Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peaky Spying (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake (2/5) | Junie B. Jones and That Mean Jim's Birthday (1.5/5) | Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren (2.5/5) | Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed (3/5)
October 1, 2020
Junie B. Jones is rude to the boy she hates and is disinvited to his birthday party, so Junie B. does whatever it takes to not be the only one that isn't going.
We will probably continue what we have of this series but I also think we are ready to move on!
We will probably continue what we have of this series but I also think we are ready to move on!
February 12, 2019
I have so much fun reading these to my daughters at bedtime. I laughed so hard in this one, I may have enjoyed Junie B. Jones antics more than they did this time.
March 10, 2024
“I still would like a goat”
August 2, 2011
My stepson wanted to read to me today and chose this book. I made him stop reading after the second page because the grammar in this book is excruciatingly bad, and I do not want him to pick up bad speaking habits. Adjectives where there should be adverbs, use of fake words like "bestest" (I was very proud of my boy for saying "that's not a word, is it?")
The author should be ashamed of herself. Just because the protagonist is a five year old, it is completely inappropriate to have a children's book written in such piss-poor English. If this is what America's youth is reading, no wonder so many are illiterate. It is very possible to write a simple, age appropriate book using small words in proper English. How this book was accepted by a publisher baffles the mind. I hope all her other books are not this poorly written but we will never know, because I will not waste my child's time on another.
The author should be ashamed of herself. Just because the protagonist is a five year old, it is completely inappropriate to have a children's book written in such piss-poor English. If this is what America's youth is reading, no wonder so many are illiterate. It is very possible to write a simple, age appropriate book using small words in proper English. How this book was accepted by a publisher baffles the mind. I hope all her other books are not this poorly written but we will never know, because I will not waste my child's time on another.
March 20, 2019
It's okay. I think that there are several kids who would like it. I've read a lot of childrens' books and I've been an avid reader since I was little, but I don't think this is one I would've liked much. The writing is simple and easy to understand for kids, which is good. It sometimes sounds like little kids, but I think I was a bit above average and the sentence structure and phrasing would've driven me a little crazy. Junie B. was really popular when I was a young reader, but I never picked it up and I can't say I'm surprised. Young me and current me still have plenty in common when it comes to our reading it seems.
June 20, 2016
I LOVE these Junie B. Jones books; she is so cheeky and naughty! I loved the part when Junie and her mum went to the shops to get a birthday present for that "Meanie Jim" and Junie B. saw a wonderful tool-belt with a hammer, a screwdriver, pliers, a torch, a spirit level and a pocket containing nails. She adored this present so much, she literally nailed her bedroom door shut using the toolkit, so her parents couldn't take it away from her to wrap and give to that "Meanie Jim".
This is my mum's favourite Junie B Jones book.
This is my mum's favourite Junie B Jones book.
July 6, 2017
Junie B. is honestly a terrible person and likely not the best role model for children. Name-calling and self-entitlement are never resolved and that Jim was forced to give an invitation to an unpleasant girl who does not even try to be nice to him is not a good lesson. The grammar is intentionally terrible, which can be grating and insulting.
However, it is hilarious to read from the point of view of this flawed heroine. Her obliviousness to the repeated head-desking really sells the comedy.
Maybe, just do not give this to your kids.
However, it is hilarious to read from the point of view of this flawed heroine. Her obliviousness to the repeated head-desking really sells the comedy.
Maybe, just do not give this to your kids.
Read
August 26, 2021junie b. my comedy queen <3
and meanie jim ? watch your back .
and meanie jim ? watch your back .
April 6, 2023
This one was super interesting because I disagreed with almost every decision the adults made in the book.
The conflict is That Meanie Jim is having a birthday party. As is well established by this point That Meanie Jim and Junie B hate one another. Jim is generally a rude little boy. Junie B can be - and often is - grating though, at least in her defense, she tries to be a nice person.
On the bus from school, the two get into one of their arguments when That Meanie Jim reveals his birthday his Saturday and due to her behavior he is uninviting her. Junie B tries to immediately backtrack on what she said, but unfortunately for her Jim's not budging.
Junie B mopes around her house, tries to move to avoid the embarrassment of being the only one to not get an invitation, and steals Cry Baby Warren's invitation. When caught she's sent to the principal's office, who after hearing her story, has a private talk with That Meanie Jim. It's then revealed that Junie B's mother called his mother the day before and he was supposed to give her an invitation, but chose not to. Junie B is overjoyed to now be invited.
My issue is that That Meanie Jim isn't merely being mean - admittedly that is part of it - nor is he trying to get back at Junie B after a minor spat. He legitimately does not care for Junie B in general. As such, I don't think it's right his mother forced him to give her an invitation or her principal shamed him for not doing so. Why invite a kid he doesn't like? Even if she would be the only kid in class not invited - if she's going to take away from his birthday experience then why should she come?
This is where the modern requirement of only allowing invitations outside of school hours stems from. Jim weaponizing his invitation is undoubtedly an issue, but that doesn't mean he's wrong for not inviting her - it's the way he goes about it, that's the central issue.
I think the conflict here is that as a reader you're supposed to be amused by Junie B and automatically side with her. I absolutely do not feel that way. I love Junie B, but she's a total brat most of the time. I understand why That Meanie Jim can't stand her so I wasn't upset that she didn't get invited. Kids tend to like Junie B so I'm sure that this is only an Adult Reader problem.
In the end Junie B doesn't even go to the party. She throws a tantrum because the gift she picks out is 'too good for That Meanie Jim' and she doesn't want to have to get dressed up. Her parents explain that if she's going to the party purely to avoid being the only one who doesn't, she's making herself miserable for no reason since it doesn't matter what the other kids think of her not attending.
If she wasn't going to go in the long run then I don't see why Barbara Park couldn't have tweaked it so that Junie B just isn't invited and realizes the lesson anyway. The same lesson can be learned either way, but only one is an actually good one.
A middling Junie B Jones book overall; of the four I read in March, this is my least favorite.
The conflict is That Meanie Jim is having a birthday party. As is well established by this point That Meanie Jim and Junie B hate one another. Jim is generally a rude little boy. Junie B can be - and often is - grating though, at least in her defense, she tries to be a nice person.
On the bus from school, the two get into one of their arguments when That Meanie Jim reveals his birthday his Saturday and due to her behavior he is uninviting her. Junie B tries to immediately backtrack on what she said, but unfortunately for her Jim's not budging.
Junie B mopes around her house, tries to move to avoid the embarrassment of being the only one to not get an invitation, and steals Cry Baby Warren's invitation. When caught she's sent to the principal's office, who after hearing her story, has a private talk with That Meanie Jim. It's then revealed that Junie B's mother called his mother the day before and he was supposed to give her an invitation, but chose not to. Junie B is overjoyed to now be invited.
My issue is that That Meanie Jim isn't merely being mean - admittedly that is part of it - nor is he trying to get back at Junie B after a minor spat. He legitimately does not care for Junie B in general. As such, I don't think it's right his mother forced him to give her an invitation or her principal shamed him for not doing so. Why invite a kid he doesn't like? Even if she would be the only kid in class not invited - if she's going to take away from his birthday experience then why should she come?
This is where the modern requirement of only allowing invitations outside of school hours stems from. Jim weaponizing his invitation is undoubtedly an issue, but that doesn't mean he's wrong for not inviting her - it's the way he goes about it, that's the central issue.
I think the conflict here is that as a reader you're supposed to be amused by Junie B and automatically side with her. I absolutely do not feel that way. I love Junie B, but she's a total brat most of the time. I understand why That Meanie Jim can't stand her so I wasn't upset that she didn't get invited. Kids tend to like Junie B so I'm sure that this is only an Adult Reader problem.
In the end Junie B doesn't even go to the party. She throws a tantrum because the gift she picks out is 'too good for That Meanie Jim' and she doesn't want to have to get dressed up. Her parents explain that if she's going to the party purely to avoid being the only one who doesn't, she's making herself miserable for no reason since it doesn't matter what the other kids think of her not attending.
If she wasn't going to go in the long run then I don't see why Barbara Park couldn't have tweaked it so that Junie B just isn't invited and realizes the lesson anyway. The same lesson can be learned either way, but only one is an actually good one.
A middling Junie B Jones book overall; of the four I read in March, this is my least favorite.
September 16, 2022
Just so stinking cute! This is one of the best Junie B. Jones books!
Junie B. says the cutest things! When she spilled ice cream on her friend’s new dress, she gulped! “Then I put my head down on my table. And I covered up with my arms. ‘Cause that is called laying low. And laying low is what you do if you know what’s good for you” (7). 🤪
Junie B. has a baby brother. “His name is Ollie. I love him a real lot. Except I wish he didn’t live at my actual house” (16).
Super cute idiom example on pages 21 and 22.
Grandma: “He’s just trying to get your goat.”
Junie B.: “Goat? What goat, Grandma? Do I have a goat? Is it a surprise goat? Are you keeping it a secret at your house?” 🤪
Junie B. says the cutest things! When she spilled ice cream on her friend’s new dress, she gulped! “Then I put my head down on my table. And I covered up with my arms. ‘Cause that is called laying low. And laying low is what you do if you know what’s good for you” (7). 🤪
Junie B. has a baby brother. “His name is Ollie. I love him a real lot. Except I wish he didn’t live at my actual house” (16).
Super cute idiom example on pages 21 and 22.
Grandma: “He’s just trying to get your goat.”
Junie B.: “Goat? What goat, Grandma? Do I have a goat? Is it a surprise goat? Are you keeping it a secret at your house?” 🤪
February 26, 2019
Kairi enjoyed this one, we somehow misplaced the book and then finally located it again last week and decided to just read the whole thing in one sitting so we wouldn't lose it again.. lol
These are so much fun to read, but, they are definitely a bit too young for her now. We're still going to finish reading them anyways because she enjoys them.
These are so much fun to read, but, they are definitely a bit too young for her now. We're still going to finish reading them anyways because she enjoys them.
June 23, 2022
in this book Junie b jones didn't get invited to Jim's B day so she stole someone's invitation and had to give it back and then she got invited and tried to keep his present but she had to give it to him so she did.
I liked that it was funny!
I liked that it was funny!
January 5, 2021
Cool 😎
March 25, 2021
After all that effort, she finds out she doesn't even need to be invited to feel important. Kids can be so cruel, but her unwavering joy and optimism is wonderful to read.
December 14, 2022
A great series of books about a mischievous 6 yrs old girl and her big adventures. Reading them so I can purchase them for my granddaughters when they get older.
May 10, 2023
“Everything is good in this book because it makes me learn about things.” -Ella, 6.
June 23, 2023
I really liked this book! I thought the themes were well done and it surprising wasn’t predictable. Even though Junie B is a bit of a brat, I really felt for her.
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December 24, 2023Qué bien sienta despertarte en casa y leerte un libro de junie b jones :)))
January 29, 2024
Really good book - should read! I can't wait to read the next one! BOOM!!!
April 8, 2025
read this to the kids at work. lowkey a banger but also junie b jones is just female rage at its finest.
September 19, 2020
Junie B. learns an important lesson after being the only one of her classmates to not get invited to a birthday party.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews