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Mr. Wolf's Class #3
Lucky Stars
Mr. Wolf's students are having a "writer's workshop" and are learning about personal narratives. Sampson doesn't think anything worth writing has ever happened to him. He'd rather think about space pirates and zombies, anyway. But when Sampson and Margot go for a bike ride one morning, he has an accident that gives him a new perspective, and he thanks his lucky stars that he's going to be okay. Meanwhile, Penny gives the rats at school treats so that they'll leave surprise gifts for her, and Stewart and Oliver try to learn how to get along at recess.
176 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2019
167 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 3, 2019
Having spent 13 years in elementary schools, this book felt authentic... even with the characters as personified animals. That aside, the story captures a day in the life of from writers’ workshop to cut-throat 4 square. I like the diversity in the characters, and the everyday problems kids at this age face. Not big problems, but problems. This would make a good read aloud or a book for students to see their lives represented in a book...graphic novel. This was my first Mr. Wolf”s Class book. I think I’ll read the others.
February 27, 2025
A little difficult to read aloud, but my kindergartner was also able to read them to herself, and was VERY CONCERNED about Sampson's helmet. Excellent beginner book and teaches a good lesson.
September 7, 2022
A student in Mr. Wolf's class can't think of anything to write about during an autobiographical writing assignment until he breaks his arm while riding his bike.
Such a sweet series. The author is an elementary school teacher and so much rings true. Quick read, and adorable too.
Such a sweet series. The author is an elementary school teacher and so much rings true. Quick read, and adorable too.
January 5, 2021
This series is very wholesome and fun! I love all the characters, especially the students.
Mr. Wolf #1 teacher!!
Mr. Wolf #1 teacher!!
May 28, 2020
171 pages. This series is really funny and realistic. The illustrations are very good and colorful. This time Samson and Margot go bike riding down Chicken Hill and get into a bit of trouble. Kids will enjoy this one. Highly recommended for Grades 2-5.
May 27, 2021
A lot of fun. My son and I both enjoyed it.
December 23, 2020
My students love the books in these series, so I had to check it out. It's an easy read for my striving readers. The plotlines are interesting without being complex and there are clear illustrations which makes this a good choice for my 3-5th graders. They seem to enjoy the relatable school stories. Mr. Wolf is a lovable teacher. Occasionally, there was even a bit of teacher humor sprinkled in.
May 11, 2021
Sampson kecelakaan dari sepeda dan jatuh di bukit. Margot menyelamatkan dia dengan telepon 911. Ini contoh yang applicable dalam kehidupan sehari-hari kalo ada apa-apa, semua orang harus siap siaga.
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May 11, 2023Still love Mr. Wolf and his class.
December 12, 2019
Fun first chapter book!
This is a fun graphic novel that would be perfect for any 1st-2nd grader. It is an easy first chapter book with nice pictures and an interesting plot. It is part of a book series that any reluctant reader would enjoy. This book is set in Mr. Wolf’s animal class where we meet all kinds of students and follow their daily adventures.
In this book, when class starts, Mr. Wolf tells his students that they are doing writer’s workshops. They are writing personal narratives. A personal narrative is a story about yourself. I learned how to do those in first grade. That’s why I think this book would be good for younger students.
The main problem in the story is that Sampson, the lead character, does not think he has anything worth writing about in his personal narrative. Little does he know he’s about to have a crazy bike accident. The accident is something he can write about and teach other kids about safety.
Mr Wolf’s class is pretty cool. I like all the different animal characters, especially Sampson. Mr. Wolf sounds like a nice teacher. He starts with snack, then learning. In my school, we have class, snack then more learning. I would like to go to his school.
The only gross thing that happens in Mr. Wolf’s class takes place during snack. Penny the pig feeds her snack to the rats! Of course, they give her something in return. I hope I never see a rat in my classroom, it kind of grossed me out.
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite character was Sampson. He learned a valuable lesson about wearing a helmet. He reminds me of my brother, Jack: smart, funny, and cool. I liked reading the different students’ personal narratives. Noah’s story about climbing a tree was the best.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars and recommend it for kids in 1st and 2nd grade. It is a good first chapter book with an upbeat message.
Reviewed by Cameron H., age 9, New Mexico Mensa
This is a fun graphic novel that would be perfect for any 1st-2nd grader. It is an easy first chapter book with nice pictures and an interesting plot. It is part of a book series that any reluctant reader would enjoy. This book is set in Mr. Wolf’s animal class where we meet all kinds of students and follow their daily adventures.
In this book, when class starts, Mr. Wolf tells his students that they are doing writer’s workshops. They are writing personal narratives. A personal narrative is a story about yourself. I learned how to do those in first grade. That’s why I think this book would be good for younger students.
The main problem in the story is that Sampson, the lead character, does not think he has anything worth writing about in his personal narrative. Little does he know he’s about to have a crazy bike accident. The accident is something he can write about and teach other kids about safety.
Mr Wolf’s class is pretty cool. I like all the different animal characters, especially Sampson. Mr. Wolf sounds like a nice teacher. He starts with snack, then learning. In my school, we have class, snack then more learning. I would like to go to his school.
The only gross thing that happens in Mr. Wolf’s class takes place during snack. Penny the pig feeds her snack to the rats! Of course, they give her something in return. I hope I never see a rat in my classroom, it kind of grossed me out.
I really enjoyed this book. My favorite character was Sampson. He learned a valuable lesson about wearing a helmet. He reminds me of my brother, Jack: smart, funny, and cool. I liked reading the different students’ personal narratives. Noah’s story about climbing a tree was the best.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars and recommend it for kids in 1st and 2nd grade. It is a good first chapter book with an upbeat message.
Reviewed by Cameron H., age 9, New Mexico Mensa
June 6, 2020
This time we have accidents, one kid can go to Hawaii, there is a writer's workshop and the kids all have to write about something. I had a laugh at how one kid was feeding the rats and getting "gifts", which was funny but I am sad that the ending with the wallet was rushed and that we never know what happens next.
I also don't get why Sampson didn't put on his helmet properly, that was just beyond dumb and I hope from this he learns to strap his helmet. Either way, if he had fallen he would have hurt his eyes anyway... why aren't there special frog-helmets? And on that topic, bunny helmets? Because if my ears already hurt from holding them back and putting them in a helmet, I cannot imagine those long bunny ears getting stuck. Ouch.
I did find it awesome seeing Sampson pick up and try writing and drawing with his left hand.
The teacher is getting better at his job, but I am still disappointed at what he does. He gives them assignments most of them know, so why not just focus on the couple that seem to have trouble with it instead of setting back your class? And he still has an authority problem.
Randy, or that pink cat, was just SO annoying and I am sad to see that she is never getting consequences for what she does. I also find her egotistical.
I do still love the art in this book and I love that we see beyond the school. That hill was amazing.
A shame, the first book was quite good, but these past 2 books haven't had the same spark, and the characters just annoy me.
I also don't get why Sampson didn't put on his helmet properly, that was just beyond dumb and I hope from this he learns to strap his helmet. Either way, if he had fallen he would have hurt his eyes anyway... why aren't there special frog-helmets? And on that topic, bunny helmets? Because if my ears already hurt from holding them back and putting them in a helmet, I cannot imagine those long bunny ears getting stuck. Ouch.
I did find it awesome seeing Sampson pick up and try writing and drawing with his left hand.
The teacher is getting better at his job, but I am still disappointed at what he does. He gives them assignments most of them know, so why not just focus on the couple that seem to have trouble with it instead of setting back your class? And he still has an authority problem.
Randy, or that pink cat, was just SO annoying and I am sad to see that she is never getting consequences for what she does. I also find her egotistical.
I do still love the art in this book and I love that we see beyond the school. That hill was amazing.
A shame, the first book was quite good, but these past 2 books haven't had the same spark, and the characters just annoy me.
February 6, 2022
Student recommended, teacher loved. One of the 5th graders I work with recommended this series to me, and I loved getting to know Mr. Wolf and his class.
Have you ever had difficulty coming up with a writing topic? You might make some connections with Sampson in his funny and heartwarming story.
While I was reading the book, I kept thinking, This author REALLY gets how kids and teachers really think, feel, and talk. And, when I read the About the Author after reading the book, I found out why. Aron Nels Steinke teaches 4th and 5th graders.
An important note: I had recently abandoned another graphic novel. I won't mention the title because it may be the perfect book for someone else. It just wasn't a good fit for me. Even though I tell students ALL the time that it's ok to not finish a book, I felt like I "should" read it because it had been recommended to me by a student. Well, I have now learned my lesson because, the minute I started reading Mr. Wolf's Class, Lucky Stars, I was laughing out loud and smiling. I finished the book in two days.
Isn't this what we want for all readers? I know that's what I hope for - that students will become so engaged that they forget the world around them and get lost in a book. If you haven't seen that happen with a young reader in your life, don't despair. Just keep traveling to the library, reading aloud to them, and talking about books.
Mr. Wolf's class is a great graphic novel that might be right for you!
Have you ever had difficulty coming up with a writing topic? You might make some connections with Sampson in his funny and heartwarming story.
While I was reading the book, I kept thinking, This author REALLY gets how kids and teachers really think, feel, and talk. And, when I read the About the Author after reading the book, I found out why. Aron Nels Steinke teaches 4th and 5th graders.
An important note: I had recently abandoned another graphic novel. I won't mention the title because it may be the perfect book for someone else. It just wasn't a good fit for me. Even though I tell students ALL the time that it's ok to not finish a book, I felt like I "should" read it because it had been recommended to me by a student. Well, I have now learned my lesson because, the minute I started reading Mr. Wolf's Class, Lucky Stars, I was laughing out loud and smiling. I finished the book in two days.
Isn't this what we want for all readers? I know that's what I hope for - that students will become so engaged that they forget the world around them and get lost in a book. If you haven't seen that happen with a young reader in your life, don't despair. Just keep traveling to the library, reading aloud to them, and talking about books.
Mr. Wolf's class is a great graphic novel that might be right for you!
October 27, 2020
Mr. Wolf is having a writer's workshop for his students, except for Randy (whose their mothers are getting married in Hawaii). Most of the students are having fun thinking of their ideas of their autobiographies, but Samson is having a writer's block.
One day, Sampson and Margot are riding in their bicycles all the way through Chicken Hill, but suddenly he accidentally fell down and rushed to the hospital. He gasped that his right arm is broken, and frowned that he can only do things with his left hand. Same thing goes to what Karen did in Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen's Roller Skates except she's skating, and Aron Nels Steinke's author bio at the back of this book. Back to the story, Sampson has his own Lucky Stars so he can have his new perspective.
One day, Sampson and Margot are riding in their bicycles all the way through Chicken Hill, but suddenly he accidentally fell down and rushed to the hospital. He gasped that his right arm is broken, and frowned that he can only do things with his left hand. Same thing goes to what Karen did in Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen's Roller Skates except she's skating, and Aron Nels Steinke's author bio at the back of this book. Back to the story, Sampson has his own Lucky Stars so he can have his new perspective.
March 21, 2022
Mr. Wolf's class is writing personal narratives but Sampson doesn't know what to write about. He feels like his life is boring, and nothing ever happens to him. That is until his bike ride with Margot. At recess some of the boys are having a hard time keeping their cool while playing four square.
Another very believable slice of life story from elementary school featuring Mr. Wolf and his class. Entertaining, but definitely aimed at the younger end of middle grade. I kind of wish Sampson had found something to write about without a dramatic bike incident to better encourage readers who think they don't have anything to write about.
Notes on content: No language issues. Randy briefly mentions she's going to be gone for a few days for her moms' wedding. There's a bike accident that results in stitches and a broken arm (some blood shown, and stitches shown).
Another very believable slice of life story from elementary school featuring Mr. Wolf and his class. Entertaining, but definitely aimed at the younger end of middle grade. I kind of wish Sampson had found something to write about without a dramatic bike incident to better encourage readers who think they don't have anything to write about.
Notes on content: No language issues. Randy briefly mentions she's going to be gone for a few days for her moms' wedding. There's a bike accident that results in stitches and a broken arm (some blood shown, and stitches shown).
December 29, 2021
This graphic novel offers young readers valuable lessons of friendship, classroom etiquette, familial supoort, and team work. Aron Nels Steinke weaves elements of humor, creativity, and student-centered learning to capture the students' diverse interests and experiences through their writing assignment. I enjoyed reading Lucky Stars. This graphic novel series may not appeal to a wider reading audience due to it being based on a teacher and class. Often times, kids like to read books that allow them to rely on their imagination and explore adventurres and other experiences different from their own. However, I do recommend Mr. Wolf's Class series. I plan to read more books in the series in the near future.
January 21, 2020
Another absolutely lovely book set in Mr. Wolf's 4th grade class. This time the students have to write a personal narrative, and unfortunately, Sampson has nothing to write about. Then something happens that gives him lots of details to include! As with the others in this series, the charm of this book is in the just right details about 4th grade life - the recess squabbles, the kid who asks for homework on the way out the door on Friday when she's going to Hawaii in the morning for a week, etc. Just terrific. A great choice for kids who like school stories or graphic novels in grades 2-5. Might also be fun for teachers!
Helen
Helen
March 25, 2020
I really like this series. It has humor for kids and teachers alike. (It's obvious that Steinke is a wonderful teacher himself.)
One of the things that made me laugh was the kids claiming they had learned the current lesson "last year." I heard that so often, and of course, they "learned it," but couldn't explain it or apply it.
Also, there's that one kid who always raises their hand. You know the one. You might BE the one since you're on Goodreads. Teachers have a complex relationship with those kids.
Oh yes, and the kid who has to go to the bathroom (escape for a bit), then returns but needs a drink of water.
So real and so much fun.
Yay Aron.
One of the things that made me laugh was the kids claiming they had learned the current lesson "last year." I heard that so often, and of course, they "learned it," but couldn't explain it or apply it.
Also, there's that one kid who always raises their hand. You know the one. You might BE the one since you're on Goodreads. Teachers have a complex relationship with those kids.
Oh yes, and the kid who has to go to the bathroom (escape for a bit), then returns but needs a drink of water.
So real and so much fun.
Yay Aron.
October 4, 2021
The colorful characters of Mr. Wolf's class are back for another adventure in this upbeat series. You can tell the artist is a grade school teacher himself; so many of the incidents ring true for that age group, whether you're an elementary school student right now or decades in the past. I am sure many of these stories were inspired in part by real-life happenings.
There were times I thought the young characters' words and actions were a little too thoughtful and sophisticated for the age they were supposed to be, but at the same time, I understand why it's included. Juvenile fiction doesn't just entertain, it also models behavior for its readers.
There were times I thought the young characters' words and actions were a little too thoughtful and sophisticated for the age they were supposed to be, but at the same time, I understand why it's included. Juvenile fiction doesn't just entertain, it also models behavior for its readers.
January 15, 2020
I read the first Mr. Wolf book late last year and loved it, so I bought the set for my school’s library. Of course I had to make sure the 2nd and 3rd were just as good before letting the students check them out! I think the elementary students will love these because the illustrations are great, the stories are realistic but interesting, and graphic novels are always a hit here! I think Lucky Stars has been my favorite so far - I love the story.
May 12, 2021
I loved this one so much more than Mystery Club. Very fun to see Samson and Margot in prominent roles. Also loved the addition of four square. You don’t see that too much anymore! I liked how Mr. Wolf is finding his footing as a teacher and it was nice to have a break from Randy (and her surveys) for a little while. I love Samson and his family in particular. I hope in the next book we learn more about his friend Oliver. I think that would be neat. Five stars.
November 24, 2021
Read-aloud. The kids really got into this one, taking on a character and reading their lines. They loved all the "ordinary" life happenings, and also that a kid got hurt and recovered. My 10yo calls it "bone-itis" because she and several of her classmates broke bones and recovered the past year.
Good lessons on perseverance.
Good lessons on perseverance.
October 29, 2023
This author hasn’t missed yet! Again, another great book about Mr. Wolf’s class.
It’s even more interesting because my six-year old just had a scooter accident and had a cast two weeks ago. Just like Samson!
My six-year old and I had lots of gasps and laughs.
There’s some blood in the story, which I’m still ambivalent about, so maybe just a warning for non-middle graders.
It’s even more interesting because my six-year old just had a scooter accident and had a cast two weeks ago. Just like Samson!
My six-year old and I had lots of gasps and laughs.
There’s some blood in the story, which I’m still ambivalent about, so maybe just a warning for non-middle graders.
May 10, 2024
I am loving this series of graphic novels. I like that the characters model healthy ways of interacting and working through conflict. I also appreciate the fact that the students in Mr. Wolf’s class seem so true-to-life. The author obviously has extensive experience teaching 4th/5th graders. Can’t wait to read more of these.
June 18, 2024
I didn't like this one quite as much as the others, but I still liked it quite a bit and think that it's just so relatable to real kids. The Four Square recess squabbling was WAY too relatable for this reader who does daily 4th grade recess duty.
I especially like any of the pages in these books where he shows what each of the kids is doing at home or on their own.
I especially like any of the pages in these books where he shows what each of the kids is doing at home or on their own.
October 1, 2019
"When the students in Mr. Wolf's class learn about personal narratives, Sampson doesn't think anything worth writing about has ever happened to him, until a bicycle accident gives him a new perspective."
November 11, 2019
Aron Nels Steinke is a 4th and 5th grade teacher in Portland, Oregon. He has used one of his childhood stories as a way, via Mr. Wolf, of teaching personal narratives. He is an Eisner Award winning author.
May 18, 2020
Teachers, one of the main themes here is personal narrative writing in the writing workshop! Great read aloud idea for your unit! Love this for all elementary teachers and students, just so many connections! Also, be sure to read the author's bio for the connection with the bike accident.
October 6, 2020
Another great Mr. Wolf’s Class novel! 🎉 Just in time to read “Field Trip” that just came out today! 📚🧡🎂 These graphic novels provide awesome life lessons and splash bits of humor throughout the books and that’s why they are just the best!
March 1, 2021
Great story!
I love how authentic the story is! I’m a para educator and THIS is just what it’s like to work with kids. Thank you Aron for making me laugh and miss seeing those funny kids every day.
I love how authentic the story is! I’m a para educator and THIS is just what it’s like to work with kids. Thank you Aron for making me laugh and miss seeing those funny kids every day.
April 12, 2022
I like this series because it's so real as to teachers' thoughts and expressions (because it's written by a teacher!). I liked the theme of personal narratives, and my 8yo son enjoyed the book along with me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews