Everybody Needs a Buddy: A School Story About Third-Graders Making a Difference for Kids (Ages 6-9)

by James Preller

The Big Idea Gang is back at it in this exciting new chapter book series on how to make a claim and back it up, by the author of Jigsaw Jones!
 

It's pirate ship vs. buddy bench!

When third-graders Deon, Kym, Lizzy, and Connor formed the Big Idea Gang, their mission was simply to oust the old mascot in favor of something cooler. But sales from the new mascot paraphernalia have led to extra cash for the PTA, and you can bet this gang has big ideas about how to spend it. A playground pirate ship! An author visit! New basketball hoops! Luckily, their teacher, Miss Zips, is skilled in the art of persuasion. Armed with Miss Zips's persuasive tips, the Big Idea Gang sets out to build a case for a new-and-improved Clay Elementary, and convince the rest of the school that their idea is the best.

Genres: Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile, Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

Published January 29, 2019

About the author

James Preller (born 1961) is the children's book author of the Jigsaw Jones Mysteries, which are published by Scholastic Corporation. He grew up in Wantagh, New York and went to college in Oneonta, New York. After graduating from college in 1983, James Preller was employed as a waiter for one year before being hired as a copywriter by Scholastic Corporation, where he was introduced (through their books) to many noatable children's authors. This inspired James Preller to try writing his own books. James Preller published his first book, entitled MAXX TRAX: Avalanche Rescue, in 1986. Since that time, James Preller has written a variety of books, and has written under a number of pen names, including Mitzy Kafka, James Patrick, and Izzy Bonkers. James Preller lives in Delmar, New York with his wife Lisa and their three children.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesp...

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story, my kids enjoyed this, and we’ll definitely check out the other two books in this series.

The Big Ideas Gang notices there’s a new kid at school who doesn’t know anyone yet. Simultaneously, the PTA has surplus money to help the school. How can they help students at their school? The buddy bench!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children's first chapter book, realistic fiction. The Big Idea Gang (BIG) is a group of four kids made up of twins Connor and Lizzy, and their friends Deon and Kym. The PTA treasurer's daughter has let it slip that the PTA has a surplus of money and the rumor mill has started about what it will be spent on. New basketball hoops? A pool? A rocket ship? The BIG has their own idea-- a buddy bench. Deon has noticed a new kid standing by himself at recess and thinks a buddy bench could help welcome him. The group researches the idea and gets very excited about it. But then they find out the PTA is donating the money to the school library for new books. Though they like the idea of new books, they are disappointed that there idea is basically DOA. But their teacher encourages them to speak up, and the BIG successfully convinces the PTA to get 2 buddy benches for the school.

This story was not a fast-paced read, but it is realistic about struggles facing elementary school students. I know a school near me where the PTA did buy a buddy bench, so it is a timely topic. I also liked the friends working together and being supported by the adults.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This edition of the Big Idea Gang called Everybody Needs a Buddy is quite fun! Tge students in the club, Deon, Connor, Lizzy, and Kym hear about the PTA having extra money to spend and come up with ideas to suggest to the PTA for that money. Deon notices a new student, Dinesh Barazani, alone on the playground one day and he goes out of his way to connect with Dinesh. He and his friends in BIG (Big Idea Gang) find a bit of information about something called a Buddy Bench and they come up with the slogan they will use to chat with the PTA about their idea: Everybody needs a buddy!

The short chapters with illustration support are perfect for 2nd-4th grade chapter book readers and the enthusiasm and humor of this group of characters will encourage students to read and consider the problem of how to inspire others when you have a good idea for your community. Miss Zip, their teacher offers persuasive writing ideas after the story and ties it all together in a nice writing lesson bow that teachers are sure to love.

I did notice a few editing mistakes (missed words) as I read, but all in all this is a solid addition for my two elementary school collections.

[Sarah A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for 2nd graders and I think this series should probably be in every classroom and promoted by the teachers.
It’s a simple read about a group of friends / classmates who do usual hanging out at recess things but which leads to one friend noticing someone is being left out and inspires them all to come together to get a buddy bench for the school.
The end was just suddenly a bit fast for me but otherwise this seems like a great early chapter book to help introduce ideas of kindness and awareness and respect. I did not like that we never really learned the ethnic group of the main characters yet we got two paragraphs on the ethnic group and background of the kid who was left out - left me feeling like it was a bit racist whilst obviously trying not to be.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Idea Gang is back! This book features the character of Deon, who notices a quiet kid standing alone on the playground. This book would pair well with I WALK WITH VANESSA. Deon and the gang think the PTO should use some of its extra money to buy buddy benches, but the librarian makes a great case for why the school library needs the money. Rather than a choice between this and that (as in the first book), the gang finds a different way to get the buddy benches.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Idea Gang hear that the PTO has extra money raised and available to use for the school. All the kids in MS Zips' class have ideas, like a swimming pool, rocket ship park, community garden. Deon sees a new boy who lurks in the shadows trying to be invisible. Deon thinks a Buddy Bench would help him make friends.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Big Idea Gang returns, and this time they are concerned with finding an idea to present to the PTA on how to spend the extra money in their budget. Deon who loves recess notices a new student standing alone by a tree, and comes up with a good idea to help other students at Clay Elementary.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 4 out of 5]

New series for readers grades 1-4. Fosters creative problem solving and celebrates "teachable moments."

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see my review on Amazon.com under C.Wong. Thank you.

[Mary T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, but my sons aren't into it. After reading half of it together, I ended up reading the last couple chapters by myself.

[Nurul · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about friendship and making a positive difference in the community

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Big Idea Gang is hard at work again. The sales for spirit items featuring the school mascot have gone so well that the PTA has extra money to spend. What should it be used for? The gang has several ideas, but Deon is worried about a new student at school who doesn't seem to have any friends. Is there something that can be done about that?

This title will be coming out in January 2019, with other books planned for the series. The kids have a mix of interests and abilities, as well as representing boys and girls and several racial/ethnic backgrounds. Author James Preller (of Jigsaw Jones fame, as well as other titles), has created a fun new series for readers in lower elementary.

[Leesonia Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for elementary students that is interested in the student government. It teaches students that if they stick together on great ideas, they can be taken in a serious way. It shows kids how they can do something positive for their school. Also, forming positive groups in school can be fun. Creating a Buddy Bench can help children find friends in a safe place at school.

[Melanie Swider Wenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about kids coming up with an idea to have a buddy bench at recess and working together to make it happen!