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Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head
Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen is a mad scientist. But not the crazy kind—she doesn’t blow stuff up or mix potions or dissect bugs. She just loves science—especially rocks—and figuring out how the world around her works. But there are some things there just isn’t a scientific answer for. Like, why can’t her bossy big sister keep her hands off Sam’s rock collection? And why can’t Sam control her temper? There are some bigger questions, too, like why did her father have to die? And why won’t her mom talk about him anymore?
When Sam’s mom announces a family trip to the Grand Canyon, it’s a dream come true. But it’s also a challenge: If Sam can’t learn to calm down and ignore her irritating sister, she’s going to miss her chance to see one of the world’s biggest rocks and maybe find the answers to some of her questions.
Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head is a hilarious and touching debut that introduces an exuberant new character who studies the world around her as she discovers what is in her own heart.
When Sam’s mom announces a family trip to the Grand Canyon, it’s a dream come true. But it’s also a challenge: If Sam can’t learn to calm down and ignore her irritating sister, she’s going to miss her chance to see one of the world’s biggest rocks and maybe find the answers to some of her questions.
Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head is a hilarious and touching debut that introduces an exuberant new character who studies the world around her as she discovers what is in her own heart.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
About the author
Nancy Viau
18 books30 followersNancy Viau is the author of the picture books PRUETT AND SOO, TODAY IS A BEACH DAY!, FIRST SNOW, STORM SONG, CITY STREET BEAT, and LOOK WHAT I CAN DO! Her middle-grade novels include BEAUTY AND BERNICE, JUST ONE THING!, SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD (updated & reissued in 2019) and SOMETHING IS BUGGING SAMANTHA HANSEN. She is the founder of the KidLit Authors Club, a group of 22 children’s book authors who sign and present at bookstores, libraries, festivals, schools, and conferences. In her interactive, energetic story hours, assembly programs, and workshops, Viau gets young readers writing on the spot. She’s a Jersey girl with ties to the seashore and finds inspiration in nature and travel. www.nancyviau.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 19, 2008
If you’re tired of stale, moping characters, and too-sugary-sweet storylines in your middle grade novels, then you have to check out this book. Finally, there’s a girl whose hilarious imperfections will keep you laughing all the way through the story. With a sharp wit and a short temper, Samantha Hansen isn’t afraid to speak up for herself.
But if she can’t learn to bite her tongue, Sam’s mom won’t take her to the Grand Canyon for a rock-lover’s dream vacation. And Sam loves rocks. She’s gaga for rocks. And lists, too. It’s all part of the love of science Sam inherited from her dad who died years earlier. As Sam searches for information about her father, a touching storyline emerges which Viau has deftly woven in, adding depth and heart to this otherwise adorable book.
With sassy humor and a winning character coupled with a high-stakes plot and cool science facts, there’s something for every reader in this book. SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD is “ab-so-lutely” hysterical, and I can’t wait to see more of Sam and Viau in the future!
But if she can’t learn to bite her tongue, Sam’s mom won’t take her to the Grand Canyon for a rock-lover’s dream vacation. And Sam loves rocks. She’s gaga for rocks. And lists, too. It’s all part of the love of science Sam inherited from her dad who died years earlier. As Sam searches for information about her father, a touching storyline emerges which Viau has deftly woven in, adding depth and heart to this otherwise adorable book.
With sassy humor and a winning character coupled with a high-stakes plot and cool science facts, there’s something for every reader in this book. SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD is “ab-so-lutely” hysterical, and I can’t wait to see more of Sam and Viau in the future!
April 18, 2018
Cute story. I kept thinking Samantha was younger than ten so I could easily see younger children reading this.
January 3, 2010
Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves rocks. And bugs. And fossils. She keeps an organized notebook filled with lists about her favorite rocks, the rocks she hopes to find, what she knows about planets, butterflies, and anything else related to science. She also makes lists like why she’d trade in Jen, her older sister, for a turtle.
Samantha’s good at science. Jen is good at getting her sister in trouble. She messes with Samantha’s rock collection, but it’s Samantha who gets in trouble for yelling. Jen plays her music much too loudly for a hard-working, conscientious scientist, and when Samantha very nicely asks her to turn it down, she refuses. So, again, Samantha’s mom tells Samantha to count to ten to avoid losing her temper. Jen gets away with everything and Samantha’s always the one in trouble.
When Mom announces plans for a scientist’s dream vacation to the Grand Canyon, Samantha knows she’ll have to learn to control her temper or Mom will decide she can’t go. But when Richard Frey says she had rocks in her head, and trips her on purpose, Samantha loses it and gets sent home from school for kicking him back. She knows she’ll have to plan something big so her mom will still let her go to the Grand Canyon. But she’ll need Jen’s help.
SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD by Nancy Viau is a delightful story. Samantha is full of energy and is on a quest to learn everything scientific. But on her trip to the Grand Canyon, she learns more than facts about rocks and fossils. Before she returns home, she’ll find a caring sister, discover a proud mother, and learn more about her list-making dad who she doesn’t remember. And as a reader, don’t be surprised if you learn a little bit of science before you turn the last page. This is a terrific read for any 8-12 year old.
Samantha’s good at science. Jen is good at getting her sister in trouble. She messes with Samantha’s rock collection, but it’s Samantha who gets in trouble for yelling. Jen plays her music much too loudly for a hard-working, conscientious scientist, and when Samantha very nicely asks her to turn it down, she refuses. So, again, Samantha’s mom tells Samantha to count to ten to avoid losing her temper. Jen gets away with everything and Samantha’s always the one in trouble.
When Mom announces plans for a scientist’s dream vacation to the Grand Canyon, Samantha knows she’ll have to learn to control her temper or Mom will decide she can’t go. But when Richard Frey says she had rocks in her head, and trips her on purpose, Samantha loses it and gets sent home from school for kicking him back. She knows she’ll have to plan something big so her mom will still let her go to the Grand Canyon. But she’ll need Jen’s help.
SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD by Nancy Viau is a delightful story. Samantha is full of energy and is on a quest to learn everything scientific. But on her trip to the Grand Canyon, she learns more than facts about rocks and fossils. Before she returns home, she’ll find a caring sister, discover a proud mother, and learn more about her list-making dad who she doesn’t remember. And as a reader, don’t be surprised if you learn a little bit of science before you turn the last page. This is a terrific read for any 8-12 year old.
July 8, 2010
From March 2009 SLJ
Samantha Hansen joins the ranks of other feisty young heroines such as Piper Reed, Moxy Maxwell, and Clementine in this debut from Nancy Viau. The fourth grader loves studying rocks, and when her mom announces that she is taking Sam and her 15-year-old sister on a vacation to the Grand Canyon, Sam is in heaven. But first Sam has to learn to control her temper… not an easy task when her big sister seems to delight in provoking her, and when That Kid Richard Frey taunts her at recess and causes her to end up in the principal’s office. Sam’s mother comes close to canceling the trip, and it is only Sam’s redoubled efforts to count to ten when she knows that she is about to lose control of her mouth that enable the trip to go forward. During the promised long weekend away from their Philadelphia home, Sam learns more about the death of her father when she was younger, and Sam and Jen learn to appreciate each other a little more in spite of the ongoing sisterly squabbling. Overall, Sam is an engaging and realistically-drawn protagonist, although some of her mannerisms are a little too reminiscent of Junie B. Jones: what works for a first grader isn’t as appealing in a fourth grader. Nonetheless, Sam’s love of science is refreshing, and Viau does a nice job of incorporating information about the Grand Canyon and the study of geology into the storyline. Future installments seem likely, and readers will easily relate to Sam as she tries to make sense of the world around her.
Samantha Hansen joins the ranks of other feisty young heroines such as Piper Reed, Moxy Maxwell, and Clementine in this debut from Nancy Viau. The fourth grader loves studying rocks, and when her mom announces that she is taking Sam and her 15-year-old sister on a vacation to the Grand Canyon, Sam is in heaven. But first Sam has to learn to control her temper… not an easy task when her big sister seems to delight in provoking her, and when That Kid Richard Frey taunts her at recess and causes her to end up in the principal’s office. Sam’s mother comes close to canceling the trip, and it is only Sam’s redoubled efforts to count to ten when she knows that she is about to lose control of her mouth that enable the trip to go forward. During the promised long weekend away from their Philadelphia home, Sam learns more about the death of her father when she was younger, and Sam and Jen learn to appreciate each other a little more in spite of the ongoing sisterly squabbling. Overall, Sam is an engaging and realistically-drawn protagonist, although some of her mannerisms are a little too reminiscent of Junie B. Jones: what works for a first grader isn’t as appealing in a fourth grader. Nonetheless, Sam’s love of science is refreshing, and Viau does a nice job of incorporating information about the Grand Canyon and the study of geology into the storyline. Future installments seem likely, and readers will easily relate to Sam as she tries to make sense of the world around her.
March 14, 2011
Hello readers!
At first, this story takes place at Samantha's house. But I think that further onwards, the story will take place in the Grand Canyon. Because Samantha said that she and her family members were going to the Grand Canyon. The story doesn't have a specific time. But I think it's usually during the mornings. Samantha's room is filled with objects that need to do with rocks. For example, tools to dig up different types of rocks. Note books to write down facts and names of rocks. Many books for research. And rock collections in egg cartons. And you could you hear pages of books flipping. And pencils writing. And you might be able to smell rocks and a slight bit of eggs. The setting did surprise me a little bit, and it also didn't surprise me. It did surprise me because I've never heard about someone who is really, really, really fond of rocks. But it didn't surprise me because based on Samantha's personality, it does make sense that she has so many things in her room about rocks. If I could visit that setting, I wouldn't want to go there. Because know that where she lives is a very ordinary neighborhood in America. It could be found anywhere. And it's not very exciting. So I wouldn't want to go there. Samantha behaves freely because she can always dig rocks in her neighborhood. But on the other hand, she is very grouchy because her family members are not very normal.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline.
At first, this story takes place at Samantha's house. But I think that further onwards, the story will take place in the Grand Canyon. Because Samantha said that she and her family members were going to the Grand Canyon. The story doesn't have a specific time. But I think it's usually during the mornings. Samantha's room is filled with objects that need to do with rocks. For example, tools to dig up different types of rocks. Note books to write down facts and names of rocks. Many books for research. And rock collections in egg cartons. And you could you hear pages of books flipping. And pencils writing. And you might be able to smell rocks and a slight bit of eggs. The setting did surprise me a little bit, and it also didn't surprise me. It did surprise me because I've never heard about someone who is really, really, really fond of rocks. But it didn't surprise me because based on Samantha's personality, it does make sense that she has so many things in her room about rocks. If I could visit that setting, I wouldn't want to go there. Because know that where she lives is a very ordinary neighborhood in America. It could be found anywhere. And it's not very exciting. So I wouldn't want to go there. Samantha behaves freely because she can always dig rocks in her neighborhood. But on the other hand, she is very grouchy because her family members are not very normal.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline.
July 27, 2008
I ab-so-lutely enjoy this book. It was well written and the plot was great. It had me thinking what Samantha was thinking and wondering what she was wondering. And I even got a little bit mad when she was. Which brings me to say that Samantha was an astonishing character. Nancy Viau made her so realistic that at the end of the book I felt I was with Samantha the whole time and had known her for a long time. Samantha’s older sister, Jennifer was very realistic too. In fact, she even reminded me of my younger sister because even though she does something it is usually Samantha who gets in trouble. But Samantha and Jen do have times where they get along, even if it is for a few seconds. Which is the same with my sister and I. I picked up a moral in this story and that is even if someone did something that may bug you, be the better person and ignore it. Don’t get upset about it, just count to ten in your head. Samantha’s story deals with friendship, family, sibling love, and relationships, which is all packed in with a lot of humor. I would recommend this book to 3rd graders and up. It is definitely going to be on the top with Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby.
Oringinaly Posted on bookreviewmaniac.blogspot.com
Oringinaly Posted on bookreviewmaniac.blogspot.com
February 12, 2010
Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen is crazy about science. She loves learning about caves, clouds, the weather, and especially rocks. She also likes to make lists: a talent she got from her dad, who died a long time ago. When her mom announces a family vacation to the Grand Canyon, Samantha's wildest dreams come true: she'll get to see the biggest, oldest, most colorful rocks she's ever heard of. The vacation almost falls through, however, because Samantha has trouble controlling her temper. It's not easy to be calm with a pesky older sister and classmates who like to tease!
There's a lot to like about Samantha Hansen. She asks honest questions and makes honest mistakes. She's a good friend and a (mostly) good sister. She's also a little awkward, and sometimes you want to jump into the story and stop her from whatever she's about to do. On the whole, Samantha Hansen makes this a very good book that skips along quickly in her quest to know as much as possible about her family, herself, and (of course) rocks.
There's a lot to like about Samantha Hansen. She asks honest questions and makes honest mistakes. She's a good friend and a (mostly) good sister. She's also a little awkward, and sometimes you want to jump into the story and stop her from whatever she's about to do. On the whole, Samantha Hansen makes this a very good book that skips along quickly in her quest to know as much as possible about her family, herself, and (of course) rocks.
March 7, 2011
Dear Readers,
This is a book about a girl, that loves rocks. Samantha has a problem, she can't keep a lid on her temper jar. She blows up and shouts ot people. Her mom is planning a trip to the grand canyon, or on a secend thought, her mom might only go with Samantha's sister, Jen, because she shouted to her mom because the lid was not tight on her temper jar. She knows the canyon is made of rocks and wanted to go very badly. After all she goes to the grand canyon, and the tour guide, Chad guides them through the grand canyon. Jen has a crush on Chad so she goes up to the front and always agrees with Chad, but, when Chad is talking about rocks Samantha has a journey to be Chads helper.
My Character, Samantha Hansen has a certain trait that describe her.
Happy: "I can't wait until we go to the grand canyon!"Shouted Sam.
Mad: I stomped my feet.
Surprised: ' holy moly' Sam thought.
This is a book about a girl, that loves rocks. Samantha has a problem, she can't keep a lid on her temper jar. She blows up and shouts ot people. Her mom is planning a trip to the grand canyon, or on a secend thought, her mom might only go with Samantha's sister, Jen, because she shouted to her mom because the lid was not tight on her temper jar. She knows the canyon is made of rocks and wanted to go very badly. After all she goes to the grand canyon, and the tour guide, Chad guides them through the grand canyon. Jen has a crush on Chad so she goes up to the front and always agrees with Chad, but, when Chad is talking about rocks Samantha has a journey to be Chads helper.
My Character, Samantha Hansen has a certain trait that describe her.
Happy: "I can't wait until we go to the grand canyon!"Shouted Sam.
Mad: I stomped my feet.
Surprised: ' holy moly' Sam thought.
October 26, 2008
I don’t usually read MG novels, but I might have to start incorporating more of them! I absolutely loved Samantha Hansen has Rocks in Her Head! It was such a cute and funny novel and it was also very moving. I couldn’t help but love Samantha’s character! I remember having my own rock collection and digging in the yard. I even had a rock tumbler that would make the rocks smooth and shiny! After finishing the book I was inspired to dig out my old rock collection! The plot itself is not only charming but it is multi layered. As well as Samantha’s constant hunger for learning about things around her, Viau also touches on a more serious note. Samantha finally is able to discuss the death of her father with her mother, and learns that having a big sister isn’t always a bad thing. I would absolutely recommend this as a great read to MG readers!
February 17, 2014
Samantha Hansen is a spunky, outspoken grade schooler who loves rocks and nature, hates being tortured by her big sister, and makes lists for everything. Totally my kind of kid.
Samantha is faced with a major dilemma when her family plans a trip to the Grand Canyon. Rock lover's paradise. But her mom doesn't think she can keep her temper long enough. The vacation of a lifetime is on the line.
I liked Samantha's best friend, Kelli the girly girl, and her interactions with her classmates. The narrative was fast-moving and Sam had a great voice. The adventure at the end was fun, and I loved when Sam learned about her dad.
Overall, this is a super fun story, a fast read. Rock lovers and everyday kids will understand Sam, and those with hot tempers themselves will totally relate. Looking forward to another from this author!
Samantha is faced with a major dilemma when her family plans a trip to the Grand Canyon. Rock lover's paradise. But her mom doesn't think she can keep her temper long enough. The vacation of a lifetime is on the line.
I liked Samantha's best friend, Kelli the girly girl, and her interactions with her classmates. The narrative was fast-moving and Sam had a great voice. The adventure at the end was fun, and I loved when Sam learned about her dad.
Overall, this is a super fun story, a fast read. Rock lovers and everyday kids will understand Sam, and those with hot tempers themselves will totally relate. Looking forward to another from this author!
December 4, 2008
Things I liked about this book:
1. The main character is a list-maker, which made me think of a certain friend of mine.
2. There were moments that were funny.
3. I think it would be very easy for a 3rd or 4th grade girl to get into this book.
Things I didn't like about this book:
1. If you're going to have a main character who's a bit of a rascal, I think you have to make them intrinsically likeable. The naughtiness has to come from someplace that's well-intentioned and childlike and energetic. This main character was often just grating and unlikeable.
2. Some of the jokes get run into the ground, like Sam's dislike of fractions.
3. The adults in this story sometimes act bizarrely and do things that grown-ups just wouldn't do in these situations.
1. The main character is a list-maker, which made me think of a certain friend of mine.
2. There were moments that were funny.
3. I think it would be very easy for a 3rd or 4th grade girl to get into this book.
Things I didn't like about this book:
1. If you're going to have a main character who's a bit of a rascal, I think you have to make them intrinsically likeable. The naughtiness has to come from someplace that's well-intentioned and childlike and energetic. This main character was often just grating and unlikeable.
2. Some of the jokes get run into the ground, like Sam's dislike of fractions.
3. The adults in this story sometimes act bizarrely and do things that grown-ups just wouldn't do in these situations.
December 19, 2008
Combine a dash of Junie B. Jones, with some Piper Reed and throw in a pinch of Joey Pigza and you get Samantha Hansen. She's smart, but a bit out of control, likeable but not your all around good girl, causes trouble, but really doesn't mean too.
Samantha is totally in love with geology. When her mom proposes a trip to the Grand Canyon as a way for Samantha, Mom and 15-year-old Jen to reconnect, Samantha is beside herself with excitement. Unfortunately, if she doesn't find a way to control herself, she won't be taking the trip. What is a rock loving girl to do??
Samantha is totally in love with geology. When her mom proposes a trip to the Grand Canyon as a way for Samantha, Mom and 15-year-old Jen to reconnect, Samantha is beside herself with excitement. Unfortunately, if she doesn't find a way to control herself, she won't be taking the trip. What is a rock loving girl to do??
June 23, 2009
Fans of Ramona Quimby will be delighted to discover this 10 year old budding scientist. Samantha Hansen has a temper that she can't seem to control, a boy-crazy older sister and a girly-girl best friend. She can't help but get into trouble because she's so single minded. It's a cute story. As an adult, I found some of her mannerisms really annoying, like the constant statements in inaccurate fractions. But Sam sticks to her guns or rather her rocks and things turn out okay.
November 14, 2008
the storyline was ok...the lead character was a 4th grade girl who liked science but wasn't very good with fractions...throughout the whole book she constantly uses them incorrectly...for a fourth grader reading the book who might also be having problems with fractions having them used incorrectly could be very confusing
June 23, 2009
Samantha Hansen is a passionate young lady, which is great when it comes to her rock collecting, but a bit of a problem when it comes to her relationship with her older sister. She must try and control her temper or her mother will not let her go on their planned vacation to the Grand Canyon - a rock collectors dream!
August 27, 2008
I liked this for a little younger of a reader. Possibly 3rd or into 4th.
May 5, 2009
Samantha Hansen loves rocks and she gets to go to the Grand Canyon - if she can learn to control her temper and get along with her sister.
December 4, 2009
book 78 for 2009
February 12, 2010
Samantha is a very appealing character whom you root for as she battles her temper. The geological facts are scattered through the book in a way that makes learning them fun.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews