Snaggle Doodles

The Kids of the Polk Street School #8

by Patricia Reilly Giff

April is invention month. "We're going to make our own inventions," says Ms. Rooney, "and work together in groups."

Though Emily Arrow knows it's important for each group to think, listen, and share, she still wishes she were the leader of her invention group. Linda Lorca, the bossy leader, can't get anyone to cooperate. "Snaggle doodles," Emily says. If the group doesn't come up with an idea soon, they'll be the worst group in the class.

Meanwhile, Emily is also busy thinking of a wedding present for Ms. Vincent, the student teacher. The wedding is only a few days away. Emily has a lot to do. Can she and her group learn to work together in time?

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Chapter Books

68 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1982

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars -- This is my new favorite of the Polk Street School series, and while I am still NOT a fan of the once-mentioned (in this) fat girl and bed-wetting boy, the rest compensated in this one. "Snaggle Doodles" is Emily Arrow's made up saying for "being happy or mad or anything else you want to apply it to." And she says it quite frequently in this story. The plot involves Linda Lorca's leading Emily, Alex, and Matthew in an invention group, and after they resolve their group issues (way to go, them!), they make a great robot! Ms. Vincent, the student teacher, also gets married at the end, and what does she say to Emily as she is walking down the aisle? "Snaggle Doodles!"

[Zoe S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it is a good book if you like to make different stuff that you have never seen before, It is about in the class, the teacher wants the kids to invent a toy or a thing that they have never seen before. and it is pretty cool what they are going to make, but they have to do it in a group, and that is not going to be easy for them.

[Sarah Liesemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting. I liked this story because it is different from the books I usually read. My favourite character in Emily because she reminded me of myself - normally she is calm and happy but sometimes she has a bit of a temper and is a bit mean.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my least favorite of the Polk Street Kids books mostly because the sort of triumphant thing at the end contains a teacher's recognition of the word "snaggle doodles," and it seemed silly and unrealistic. Also, I don't understand. Did their student teacher get married on a weekday morning..?

[Sally Landoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book aloud when I taught third grade.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 448 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 2.6 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, RV, VP