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Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen
Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves science! In the beginning of fourth grade, she never let a moment go by without talking about rocks. Now she's back with a new obsession: insects! Upon learning that the local apiary is for sale, she goes into action to save the honey bees. Will her someday boyfriend Todd or her best friend Kelli be part of her plan? Will That Kid Richard get in the way? Sam's lists of insect facts and funny thoughts highlight her quest to keep the bees in the community, the challenges she faces at school, and her ongoing struggle with her temper. Join Samantha as she looks to science for answers and does her part to change the world.
184 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2019
8 people want to read
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 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 18, 2020
Samantha Hansen loves all things science. This spunky ten-year-old first shared her love for rocks in the first book, SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD. Now, when she finds out that the local bee farm is for sale, she gets a group of friends together to save the bees.
Samantha loves to share all that she knows about science. She isn’t too fond of math, including fractions and percentages, but loves insects. When she begins to learn about the various insects in class she adds all her knowledge to her trusty notebook that she carries with her everywhere. When her family was driving by the bee farm, she sees a For Sale sign and knows that she must do everything she can to save the bees.
Samantha is a quirky child that has trouble controlling her anger, is struggling with sharing her best friend, and lost her father when she was very young. She is confused about whether boys can be friends and how to navigate this fourth grade school year. She likes to stomp her feet and has learned to count when she is feeling angry. She is very bright and likes remembering facts and figures and keeping track of the things she learns in her notebook.
My parents have beehives on their farm for a local apiarist. The bees are very important to the area and keep my mom’s flowers pollinated. We are blessed with jars of honey, right from the hives on our farm. So, bees are something I care about, just like Samantha in this book. Kids will learn important facts about bees and other insects all while enjoying Samantha’s daily struggles as a ten-year-old.
This chapter book is perfect for upper-elementary-aged kids, kids who love science, and kids just starting to read chapter books. Even though I didn’t read the first book in this series, it might be helpful to have more background knowledge on Samantha’s personality.
Samantha loves to share all that she knows about science. She isn’t too fond of math, including fractions and percentages, but loves insects. When she begins to learn about the various insects in class she adds all her knowledge to her trusty notebook that she carries with her everywhere. When her family was driving by the bee farm, she sees a For Sale sign and knows that she must do everything she can to save the bees.
Samantha is a quirky child that has trouble controlling her anger, is struggling with sharing her best friend, and lost her father when she was very young. She is confused about whether boys can be friends and how to navigate this fourth grade school year. She likes to stomp her feet and has learned to count when she is feeling angry. She is very bright and likes remembering facts and figures and keeping track of the things she learns in her notebook.
My parents have beehives on their farm for a local apiarist. The bees are very important to the area and keep my mom’s flowers pollinated. We are blessed with jars of honey, right from the hives on our farm. So, bees are something I care about, just like Samantha in this book. Kids will learn important facts about bees and other insects all while enjoying Samantha’s daily struggles as a ten-year-old.
This chapter book is perfect for upper-elementary-aged kids, kids who love science, and kids just starting to read chapter books. Even though I didn’t read the first book in this series, it might be helpful to have more background knowledge on Samantha’s personality.
August 9, 2019
Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen by Nancy Viau is currently scheduled for release on August 28 2019. Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen loves science! In the beginning of fourth grade, she never let a moment go by without talking about rocks. Now she’s back with a new obsession: insects! Upon learning that the local apiary is for sale, she goes into action to save the honey bees. Will her someday boyfriend Todd or her best friend Kelli be part of her plan? Will That Kid Richard get in the way? Sam’s lists of insect facts and funny thoughts highlight her quest to keep the bees in the community, the challenges she faces at school, and her ongoing struggle with her temper. Join Samantha as she looks to science for answers and does her part to change the world.
Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen was a read with some good points, and some low points. I really enjoyed that facs about bees and other insects were part of the story. I also liked that the larger idea of friendship changing and having more than one good or best friend is possible. Most of all, I liked the encouragement to get involved with causes that are important to you, such as saving the bees. The dealing with frustration and anger, counting and channeling the energy towards better things, were fairly well done as well. The friendship battles, dealing with changing interests, new friends, and peer groups seemed very accurate to me- as a mom and someone that has worked in an elementary school. All of that was what kept me reading. I was a little annoyed with the 'boyfriend' seeking, and the leaning on the idea that a boy teases a girl because he likes her. Can we not continue with that? I would much rather boys learn to give their attention in better ways, and girls not be in the position where they have to deal with that or be tasked with changing that boy's behavior by giving him the attention they want. I think that sets a bad president for both boys and girls. I also had some trouble becoming engaged with the story as a whole- the writing style just did not click with me, but I think that is more a matter of personal preference than anything wrong with the technique.
Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen is an interesting early chapter book that will strike a chord with some readers. The story just did not wow me, despite some very well done aspects.
Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen was a read with some good points, and some low points. I really enjoyed that facs about bees and other insects were part of the story. I also liked that the larger idea of friendship changing and having more than one good or best friend is possible. Most of all, I liked the encouragement to get involved with causes that are important to you, such as saving the bees. The dealing with frustration and anger, counting and channeling the energy towards better things, were fairly well done as well. The friendship battles, dealing with changing interests, new friends, and peer groups seemed very accurate to me- as a mom and someone that has worked in an elementary school. All of that was what kept me reading. I was a little annoyed with the 'boyfriend' seeking, and the leaning on the idea that a boy teases a girl because he likes her. Can we not continue with that? I would much rather boys learn to give their attention in better ways, and girls not be in the position where they have to deal with that or be tasked with changing that boy's behavior by giving him the attention they want. I think that sets a bad president for both boys and girls. I also had some trouble becoming engaged with the story as a whole- the writing style just did not click with me, but I think that is more a matter of personal preference than anything wrong with the technique.
Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen is an interesting early chapter book that will strike a chord with some readers. The story just did not wow me, despite some very well done aspects.
September 29, 2019
Entomology meets the difficulties of being in the fourth grade in this tale about a girl, who can change things if she tries.
Sam takes to the new topic in their science class like a bee to honey. When she discovers that a local bee farmer, one that her class was supposed to visit, is selling his farm to a house developer, she's not sure what to do. But she knows she has to do something. Add trouble with her best friend thanks to a boy, a stray dog, a difficult older sister, and Sam's own temper issues, and she's in for quite the experience.
Especially younger middle graders (ages 8 through 10) are going to enjoy this tale. Sam is a spunky girl who finds herself in a couple of sticky situations, ones she's not sure how to handle. This uncertainty and the topics chosen fit very well to the age group and are easy for middle graders to identify with. There's a dash of first love and the beginning steps to the problems that can cause, as well as the troubles which shake up things on the friendship front for girls this age. And all of this is handled with believable answers and in a wholesome way.
The addition of entomology, and especially bees, adds a nice, science direction. Sam is a list girl, and this gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about this insect. This information flows into the rest of the tale smoothly and never comes across as preachy.
Sam was a little hard for me to warm up to. She has some temper issues (which the author does solve in a clever way by the end of the book). This and her pushy attitude made her hard to like. Still, the story is cute and well written. And the relationship to her mother and grandfather are a treat.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
Sam takes to the new topic in their science class like a bee to honey. When she discovers that a local bee farmer, one that her class was supposed to visit, is selling his farm to a house developer, she's not sure what to do. But she knows she has to do something. Add trouble with her best friend thanks to a boy, a stray dog, a difficult older sister, and Sam's own temper issues, and she's in for quite the experience.
Especially younger middle graders (ages 8 through 10) are going to enjoy this tale. Sam is a spunky girl who finds herself in a couple of sticky situations, ones she's not sure how to handle. This uncertainty and the topics chosen fit very well to the age group and are easy for middle graders to identify with. There's a dash of first love and the beginning steps to the problems that can cause, as well as the troubles which shake up things on the friendship front for girls this age. And all of this is handled with believable answers and in a wholesome way.
The addition of entomology, and especially bees, adds a nice, science direction. Sam is a list girl, and this gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about this insect. This information flows into the rest of the tale smoothly and never comes across as preachy.
Sam was a little hard for me to warm up to. She has some temper issues (which the author does solve in a clever way by the end of the book). This and her pushy attitude made her hard to like. Still, the story is cute and well written. And the relationship to her mother and grandfather are a treat.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts.
January 1, 2020
Thank you to the author for sharing Something Is Bugging Samantha Hansen with me in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha Hansen is new to me, so I read Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head first. I've made the mistake of reading the second before the first too many times. In any event, these Samantha's can definitely be read out of order, so no worries on that front. Samantha Hansen is an inquisitive, impatient girl who sometimes lets her anger get the best of her. She also often misconstrues other's actions, which gets her into hot water. But, if you are a teacher (or not) I'm sure you have a soft spot for these children who make mistakes because they are just so passionate about the world around them!
In this book, Samantha has become interested in bees, and in true Samantha fashion, it's borderline obsessive. Samantha loves to learn all she can about her area of interest, often to the chagrin of the adults around her. She's working through some friendship transitions and eventually learns that it's ok to have more than one best friend - especially if you share interests with different people.
I love protagonists who make mistakes, and Samantha Hansen could lead to some fantastic social-emotional discussions in the classroom or at home. Between her anger management and the way she relates to others, kids could learn a lot about positive ways to solve problems and work with others.
I think this book and it's predecessor would be a fantastic readaloud for grades 2-4. In my fifth grade classroom, I'll booktalk it for independent reading!
Recommended for kids who make mistakes, love learning about the world around them, and/or have interests in environmental activism.
Samantha Hansen is new to me, so I read Samantha Hansen Has Rocks in Her Head first. I've made the mistake of reading the second before the first too many times. In any event, these Samantha's can definitely be read out of order, so no worries on that front. Samantha Hansen is an inquisitive, impatient girl who sometimes lets her anger get the best of her. She also often misconstrues other's actions, which gets her into hot water. But, if you are a teacher (or not) I'm sure you have a soft spot for these children who make mistakes because they are just so passionate about the world around them!
In this book, Samantha has become interested in bees, and in true Samantha fashion, it's borderline obsessive. Samantha loves to learn all she can about her area of interest, often to the chagrin of the adults around her. She's working through some friendship transitions and eventually learns that it's ok to have more than one best friend - especially if you share interests with different people.
I love protagonists who make mistakes, and Samantha Hansen could lead to some fantastic social-emotional discussions in the classroom or at home. Between her anger management and the way she relates to others, kids could learn a lot about positive ways to solve problems and work with others.
I think this book and it's predecessor would be a fantastic readaloud for grades 2-4. In my fifth grade classroom, I'll booktalk it for independent reading!
Recommended for kids who make mistakes, love learning about the world around them, and/or have interests in environmental activism.
July 3, 2020
This book would be a great middle elementary pick. It reminded me of the Junie B. Jones series. The author writes in a style that reminds me of Barbara Park, too. If your kids like Junie B., they will like Samantha. She is basically a 4th grade Junie. She’s curious and precocious; her mind always busy.
Samantha loves science and bugs. Her mouth and mind can be so busy that they sometimes get her into trouble. This sentence is an example of something Sam said that I think sounds like what an older Junie B. might say, “I look down at my desk and park my lips together so no more bug information crawls out.” The author used this fun and unique description to show Sam trying to use self control in school. She was restraining herself because she wanted to give all the answers.
When Sam hears a local bee farm is going to be sold and the bees will be sent elsewhere, she becomes concerned. She knows how important bees are for the local ecosystem, so she gathers her friends to try to save the bee farm and keep it from being sold to a developer who would build houses on the land. Along the way, she learns about friendship and self control. She discovers she has some misperceptions about her best friend making a new friend. There is a maturing you see in Sam’s character; a coming of age.
I would definitely recommend this book. It has a little bit of everything. Humor. Friendship. Family. Curiosity. Community. Conservation. Becoming.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Samantha loves science and bugs. Her mouth and mind can be so busy that they sometimes get her into trouble. This sentence is an example of something Sam said that I think sounds like what an older Junie B. might say, “I look down at my desk and park my lips together so no more bug information crawls out.” The author used this fun and unique description to show Sam trying to use self control in school. She was restraining herself because she wanted to give all the answers.
When Sam hears a local bee farm is going to be sold and the bees will be sent elsewhere, she becomes concerned. She knows how important bees are for the local ecosystem, so she gathers her friends to try to save the bee farm and keep it from being sold to a developer who would build houses on the land. Along the way, she learns about friendship and self control. She discovers she has some misperceptions about her best friend making a new friend. There is a maturing you see in Sam’s character; a coming of age.
I would definitely recommend this book. It has a little bit of everything. Humor. Friendship. Family. Curiosity. Community. Conservation. Becoming.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 12, 2019
SOMETHING IS BUGGING SAMANTHA HANSEN by Nancy Viau. Ten-year-old Samantha Hansen, the rock loving fourth grader from SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD is back with a new obsession – insects. The future entomologist thinks science rocks and learning about insects is the best of all.
When Sam discovers that a local apiary – that’s a scientific word for bee farm – is for sale, she is determined to save the honey bees. Will her best friend –whose maybe not her best friend anymore – and her someday boyfriend Todd, help in the cause? Will that annoying kid Richard get in the way?
Reader’s will enjoy Sam’s list of insect facts and her humorous musings about school, friendship, fractions, boys, and how to keep her temper from taking over. It’s a kid-friendly sequel with lots of heart and a perfect addition to STEM and for science loving kids.
When Sam discovers that a local apiary – that’s a scientific word for bee farm – is for sale, she is determined to save the honey bees. Will her best friend –whose maybe not her best friend anymore – and her someday boyfriend Todd, help in the cause? Will that annoying kid Richard get in the way?
Reader’s will enjoy Sam’s list of insect facts and her humorous musings about school, friendship, fractions, boys, and how to keep her temper from taking over. It’s a kid-friendly sequel with lots of heart and a perfect addition to STEM and for science loving kids.
November 23, 2019
I found Samantha to be like a Junie B. or something. I did not care for her or her stomping. I felt she was very immature (even more so for a kid her age) and I just didn't care for the storyline either.
CA
CA
July 4, 2019
I received an arc of this book from netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Younger kids who like bugs might like this, but otherwise, it's skippable.
Younger kids who like bugs might like this, but otherwise, it's skippable.
July 6, 2019
Great story for young people interested in science and our environment. Interesting facts about bees.
Want to read
November 29, 2020Note: I received a signed hardcover copy of this book at ALA Midwinter 2020.
August 23, 2019
Something is bugging Samantha Hansen by Nancy Viau is a middle grade book that covers so many different subjects from the importance of having friends to be able to make a difference by trying to save the bees. I loved that Samantha as a character and how she interacted with the people around her from her sister jen who she used to argue with to the changes in her friendships at school when she realised that her best friend Kellie was being friends with another girl. To cope with all these changes Samantha tended to stomp when she was angry and used to count to ten in spanish but all this changed when she realised that their dog kitty who was a stray was scared of the stomping and it made Samantha think and calm down. It was such a good read and would recommend to anyone who was interested in such subjects as science therefore i am giving this 4 star rating
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews