Jonah, the Whale

by Susan Richards Shreve

At his new school, Jonah takes on a new nickname, the Whale, and in turn creates a new persona filled with fame and fortune that is only true in his elaborate imagination.

110 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Also know as Susan Shreve. Received the following awards: Jenny Moore Award, George Washington University, 1978; Notable Book citation, American Library Association (ALA), 1979, for Family Secrets: Five Very Important Stories; Best Book for Young Adults citation, ALA, 1980, for The Masquerade; Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies, National Council for Social Studies and the Children's Book Council joint committee, 1980, for Family Secrets: Five Very Important Stories; Guggenheim award in fiction, 1980; National Endowment for the Arts fiction award, 1982; Edgar Allan Poe Award, Mystery Writers of America, 1988, for Lucy Forever and Miss Rosetree, Shrinks; Woodrow Wilson fellowships, West Virginia Wesleyan, 1994, and Bates College, 1997; Lila Wallace Readers Digest Foundation grant.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first grader brought this book home from his school library. We took turns reading this book aloud to each other. For this to be a book for such a young age group, I felt there were too many situations that shouldn't have been in a book for young kids. There are kids always picking on and calling names, mainly to our MC and his best friend. This elementary school boy rides a public bus all over the city by himself and even picks up his BABY brother from day care by himself and takes him home and watches him. All because his mom is always working and or depressed that her boyfriend left them. All this is not just mentioned once or twice in passing, it's a big part of the story. Even if I could get past the inappropriate subject matter for this age group, the story just wasn't all that good or entertaining.

Edit: My son does read at a higher level than first grade, so likely this is a book for slightly older kids. But even with that in mind, if my fourth grader brought this home I still don't think he needs to read about those types of situations.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book about a boy who uses his imagination to create a tv show. Great for any age to read.

[Emmalin S8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book just couldn't put it down!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Adorable story! Another wonderful Arthur Levine edited book! I'd say this was a 4th, 5th grade level although a mature 3rd grader could read it. I'm 55 and I loved it! The themes are relevant to everyone: Dealing with moving to a new place, confused about adult and parent roles, dealing with big responsibilities as a child, having confidence that your imagination can take you far. All good lessons and thought process. Jonah is a lovely protagonist!