Help! I'm Trapped in My Principal's Body

Help! I'm Trapped...

by Todd Strasser

A bully is beating up students in Jake Sherman's eighth grade class and it looks as if no one can stop him, until Jake causes his buddy Josh to switch bodies with the principal.

Genres: Childrens, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Humor, Fiction

117 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 1998

About the author

Todd Strasser is an American author of more than 130 novels for adults, young-adults, and middle graders.

His most recent novel is Summer of '69

Booklist review: "Drugs, sex, and rock 'n' roll, those hallmarks of the summer of 1969, are all here, but there's so much more. In this loosely autobiographical novel, Strasser introduces 18-year-old Lucas, who is bright and sensitive but also a screw up…. The picture painted of the Woodstock music festival shows the dark side of peace and love, and the prevalence of drugs is on almost every page…The best part of the book, however, is the one that transcends eras: Lucas' introspection as he contemplates his place in the world."

Kirkus review: "Strasser perfectly captures the golden haze of youth and life on the cusp of adulthood. Readers fascinated with this time period will find much to enjoy... Vietnam, Woodstock, road trips, and acid trips: a sweetly bittersweet, surprising, even melancholy bildungsroman set against a world in flux. Groovy, man."

His most recent young adult novel is Price of Duty:
2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens
“Compact and suspenseful, the novel raises important questions about war.” – Kirkus 
“This thought-provoking book is both welcome and imperative.” – Booklist * (starred review).
"Rather than attempting to sway the reader, it offers awareness." - VOYA 
“Tightly wound and compelling ... appropriate for an older middle school and high school audience. VERDICT: Highly recommended.” – School Library Journal 

Bio: Todd was born in New York City. When he was young his parents moved to Roslyn Heights, New York (Long Island). Todd went to the I.U. Willets Elementary school and then attended the Wheatley School for junior high and high school. His best subjects were math and science. He also liked to read, but he had trouble with spelling and grammar, and didn't do well in English. His favorite sports were tennis, skiing and fishing. Todd went to college at New York University for a few years, and then dropped out. He lived on a commune, then lived in Europe where he was a street musician.

All the while, Todd wrote songs and poems and lots of letters to his friends back home. Finally he decided to try being a writer. He returned to the United States and went to Beloit College where he studied literature and writing.

After college, Todd worked at the Middletown Times Herald-Record newspaper in Middletown, New York, and later at Compton Advertising in New York City. In 1978, Todd sold his first novel, Angel Dust Blues. He used the money to start the Dr. Wing Tip Shoo fortune cookie company. For the next 12 years, Todd sold more fortune cookies than books.

Todd now divides his time between writing books and speaking at schools and conferences. When he's at home, he likes to spend time with his children and dog, Cooper. He still likes to play tennis and ski, but his favorite new sport is surfing.

Reviews

[Hannah Laura Parker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was the height of comedy to me when I was 8.

[Weathervane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably more like 2 1/2 stars. Rote, between-the-lines, unadventurous. I enjoyed Trapped in the First Day of School, but I get the impression Todd Strasser was churning these out for cash at this point. One or two funny gags. Don't go out of your way for it.

[Jaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I was in Grade 4 (about 14 years ago). I LOVED this book. This book is the reason why I fell in love with reading, lol.

[Susan McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to see if my struggling readers would enjoy this series. It is fifth grade reading level with an interest level of middle school. Cute book. I recommend the author and series. He speaks the kids’ language.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake, Josh, and Andy use the DITS again, this time so Josh can switch bodies with Principal Blanco and expel school bully Barry Dunn.

This one was a lot of fun, definitely one of the stronger books in the series. The best parts were Blanco as Josh; he had the most realistic reaction to switching bodies than anyone else in the other books has. Quick and fun.

[Alyssa Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every kid's dream, right?

[Ashleigh Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it was funny and kept me interested. It made me think about who I would have switched positions with in the school. I would let my students read this book but I would also tell them about the other books that go along with this one. There are a few others that are in a series that would probably be a good read for older students as well.

[Melissa Namba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great work of art by any means, but definitely something that will interest young readers. I liked how the power of being the Principal went to Josh's head, because that does seem natural. Easy to suspend your disbelief for, but I wish they could have gone into the reasons why the principal makes some of his decisions rather than vilifying him for video games.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 65912 EN Fiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 3.9 - AR Pts: 3.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP