Incognito:

Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker #2

by Shelley Johannes

Beatrice Zinker's top-secret plan, Operation Upside, is finally in full swing! It's her genius idea to recognise the things that make everyone unique and special, and she's REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT. But when Beatrice impulsively awards her teacher, Mrs. Tamarack, an Upside certificate with the words 'Most Strict' lettered in gold, she and her friends have to put the entire mission on hold to avoid suspicion. Lying low isn't exactly Beatrice's strong suit ... and her classmate, Wes, desperately needs to be recognised. When Wes's certificate falls into the wrong hands, Beatrice and her best friend, Lenny, must find a way to widen their circle once again - to save Operation Upside, and themselves, from big trouble.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Humor, Friendship, Fiction

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Shelley Johannes is the author/illustrator of the Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker chapter book series. Her buoyant debut picture book, MORE THAN SUNNY, released in May. BEATRICE ZINKER, UPSIDE DOWN THINKER was named a Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award Nominee, a Junior Library Guild Selection, an Amazon Best Book of 2017 (Ages 6-8), a Brightly’s Best Children’s Book of 2017—According to Kids, and is a Sunshine State Young Readers Award list book in 2020.

Shelley spent ten years in architecture, where she fell in love with tracing paper, felt-tip pens, and the greatness of black turtlenecks. She and her family live in Metro Detroit with three hilarious birds. Find out more at shelleyjohannes.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @shelleyjohannes.

Reviews

[Schizanthus Nerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Operation Upside has only just begun and Beatrice has made a big mistake. She secretly awards her teacher a certificate and Mrs Tamarack can’t see the compliment in her ‘Most Strict’ award. Now there’s a Wanted sign hanging in Beatrice’s classroom and if Beatrice is going to avoid detection then she’s going to have to go incognito, which for Beatrice can only mean wearing pink instead of her usual ninja attire.

Flying high was so much easier than lying low.

When incognito Beatrice tries to give helpful Wes an award it winds up in the wrong hands. If Operation Upside is ever going to be successful Beatrice is going to need her thinking cap and a window of opportunity to fix her mistakes and keep herself out of trouble.

I love Beatrice’s irrepressible nature. She’s adorable and while she only wants to make people smile her impulsivity and enthusiasm means that she is incapable of flying below the radar. The quirky illustrations add to the fun of reading this series.

I really liked the inclusion of Sam in this book. Her downcast demeanour, reluctance to speak to her classmates and interest in Morse code added some intrigue to this otherwise lighthearted book and I kept wondering what her backstory was. I would have loved it if Beatrice had wanted to include Sam for any other reason than wanting something from her and her motivation dimmed some of Beatrice’s sparkle for me, but at least they still became friends.

This is a series that I love as an adult and I’m certain I also would have loved it as a kid. I’d recommend reading Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker first to get the background on the main characters, how Operation Upside began and why all of these elementary school girls are playing Veterinary Clinic at recess.

I wish the Morse code alphabet was included at the end of this book. Kid me would have written secret messages to friends in Morse code as soon as I’d finished reading so I would have found it helpful.

I’d give this book 4.5 stars but am rounding up. I definitely need another Beatrice book and I want to know more about Sam!

[Katy O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for providing @kidlitexchange with a free review copy of this book!
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I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I LOVED this one! A feisty 3rd grade girl with a penchant for spying and hanging upside down, a lively family, and a very diverse friend group = a YES PLEASE from this school librarian! This is the PERFECT next step series for kids who have loved Junie B Jones (my kids started listening to those audiobooks at age 4!) and are ready for a slightly older protagonist.......and the kids you want to recommend Ramona Quimby too, but you're sick of recommending books from umpteen decades ago when there are amazing books being published RIGHT NOW. I do think this would be great on audio too, BUT there is so much amazing artwork throughout the book that I'd hate for kids to miss that.
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I highly recommend this series for grades 1-3 as the sweet spot, but definitely still fun as a read aloud at home for K and for 4th graders who are okay with reading about a younger character group.

[Kaya Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute younger middle grade read!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for receiving a copy of the e-book to be reviewed. All opinions are my own.
I am a 4th grade teacher and my students LOVED when I read the 1st installment of the series to them. The book inspired quite a bit of interesting conversations and I truly enjoy 'teachable moments'. This 2nd installment with Beatrice Zinker did NOT disappoint!! I love it and truthfully, it is just as good, if not better than the 1st book and I can't wait to read both books with my students this upcoming year!! I love how Beatrice's mind works, she is such a wonderfully unique character and I feel many students/children can relate to her!! Beatrice doesn't always stop and think about how her actions will be perceived by others, however, Beatrice does stay true to herself and in the end all things work out. This story had me curious, laughing, and I even cried a few 'happy tears' with the friendships. This series is a must have for teachers and parents. My 14 year old son even wants to read this book (he loved the 1st installment) and can't wait until this book is available for him to purchase!! Shelley Johannes is truly a gifted writer and I really hope to read more books about Beatrice's adventures. Bravo Zulu, you hit this one out of the ballpark!!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hilarious! It would be a wonderful read aloud. Other than the writing (there were some fabulous phrases), one of the things I liked best was that most of the characters were well meaning (at least most of the time), except the teacher. Beatrice is so imaginative, empathetic, and thoughtful. I would love to have a student like her in my class! The illustrations are a hoot as well.
It would be interesting to discuss this with students and ask if there are any parts that might be stretching reality a bit (like Beatrice swinging/jumping 4 times to get from her roof to Sam's roof).
Now I need to find the first book, and find some kids to share these with!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice Zinker is totally invested in Operation Upside and Lenny is once again helping her. They are determined to make their friend Wes feel appreciated. Beatrice's neighbor Sam mysteriously thwarts their plans. How will they get Sam to join their team? Will Wes ever get his certificate? Bravo Zulu, Shelley Johannes!

An upside down thank you to Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this new novel by Shelley Johannes.

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a 3rd-5th grade teacher and haven’t included Beatrice Zinker in your classroom, then you absolutely are missing out. This is the modern day Junie B (and dare I say it... better) << coming from the Junie B lover. Beatrice provides so many conversations for making friends, being yourself, and just enjoying life to the fullest. Book 2 comes out in September and you need BOTH.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice Zinker and her partner-in-crime, Lenny Santos, have begun Operation Upside, awarding certificates to those folks who do wonderful things. But has Beatrice made a mistake by giving a certificate to her teacher for "Most Strict?"

Beatrice is zany and contemporary and relatable, living right now in third grade in a life every kid can connect with. A great early chapter book.

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many upsides to the Beatrice Zinker series! Mystery, codes, friendships, and expanding Operation Upside in this follow up to the beloved first book.

[Laura Mossa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incognito, the second book in the series immediately picks up from Book 1. It is the second week of third grade, and Beatrice and her best friend Lenny have officially yet secretly launched Operation Upside.  They are ready to give the first UPSIDE award of the week to classmate Wes Carver who thoughtfully holds the door open for everyone daily.  Then Beatrice gets the idea that the first award should go to her no shenanigans teacher, Mrs. Tamarak.  Receiving an UPSIDE would put a guaranteed smile on Mrs. Tamarack's face right?  After secretly slipping the award into the stack of ungraded homework, Beatrice shares her good news with a very shocked Lenny.  Lenny informs Beatrice that Mrs. Tamarack will not consider a most strict award to be a compliment. She is right, for Mrs. Tamarack is not amused.  This mishap calls for Beatrice to go incognito for a while so that the identity of Operation Upside remains a secret.  But if you know Beatrice, laying low is not one of her strengths.

After reading and loving the first Beatrice novel, I did not think it was possible to love her even more, but I so do!  With Operation Upside, Beatrice's mission is to spread happiness and who can argue with that?  Beatrice and Lenny also demonstrate inclusiveness encouraging Chloe to see how Wes' animal knowledge can benefit the veterinary club and befriending and recruiting new student Sam Diaz for Operation Upside.  And of course, Shelley Johannes' whimsical black felt tipped pen drawings of Beatrice and her friends make the book even more fun to read! Special thanks to author Shelley Johannes for sending an ARC of Beatrice Zinker: Incognito on a #bookexcursion.  It will be released on September 19, 2018.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to author Shelley Johannes for sharing an ARC of Incognito with our #bookexpedition group.

I didn’t think it was possible to love Beatrice more after book 1, but I sure do after reading Incognito! She’s a neat, creative, kind, and compassionate kid, and persists throughout the mistakes she sometimes makes.

Lots of things to enjoy in this one, including Beatrice’s group of friends, especially Wes and Sam, new characters in book 2. Other highlights included codes and a bit of mystery!

Lovely artwork throughout the text. Recommended for readers in grades 2-4

[Breanne Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my introduction to Beatrice Zinker, and I love her. I can't help but think of Anne Shirley when I think about Beatrice Zinker. I love that Beatrice can't sit still and thinks best when she's upside down. She's not the perfect kid, but she's a creative problem solver. So many kids will relate to Beatrice. I appreciate this positive, fun book.

[Amber Kuehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second installment of the Beatrice Zinker series! Beatrice makes me think of Ramona Quimby which makes me feel like a kid again. Gotta love that! This series is perfect for 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades, which can sometimes be hard to find good chapter books for that aren’t too easy!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite left-handed, upside down thinker is back at it. Bravo Zulu! 💙

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Bravo Zulu, Shelley Johannes!! I’m so excited about this fantastic sequel. It’s set to release 9.18.18 and needs to be at the top of your must-read list pronto. I absolutely adored Beatrice in the first book, but this story was even better. It picks up right where book one ended and continues with the first mission of Operation Upside. All of the characters return, but the highlight and intrigue come from two new students - Wes and Sam. The kindness that Wes shows to everyone is so heart warming. My daughter was especially excited to see that he painted kindness rocks since we just started doing this ourselves. I hope he inspires readers to find their own ways to be kind and helpful to their classmates. Sam was a great introduction to a complex character. She’s quiet, sulky and no one really knows much about her. I love how Beatrice uses her persistence to continually reach out to Sam and find a way to connect with her. Their storyline will teach kids to alway be open to including classmates and will hopefully encourage them to learn how to write messages in various codes.

This early chapter book includes short chapters and incredibly fun illustrations. Beatrice has an infectious personality that I think many young readers will be able to enjoy and identify with. I’d recommend it for grades 1-4 and for fans of June B. Jones or Ramona Quimby. Full of memorable characters, a great storyline and numerous great lessons. I’ll defintely be adding this to our home library!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beatrice Zinker is excited that Operation Upside is in full effect. However, when she hopes to brighten her strict teacher's mood, she lands herself in hot water. Mrs. Tamarack is suspicious of Beatrice that she is behind giving her the award of being the strictest teacher. The team has to pause their operation to avoid being caught. Beatrice has a hard time lying low when she sees her friend, Wes needs to be cheered up. However, no good deal goes unpunished and the certificate ends up in the wrong hands which, might threaten their entire operation.


The second book in the series can be read as a standalone novel. I found the book to be fun and zany to read. I like the central message of the book is showing kindness and appreciation. While the book was fun to read, I found Beatrice borderline annoying. However, as I am an adult, she might be entertaining to the target audience.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s rare to find a sequel as the first book but Shelley Johansen does it with this delightful book! I was already a huge Beatrice fan going in, but Incognito gives readers even more. We are introduced to two new characters and also really see Beatrice & Lenny’s friendship. This book can be read without reading the first, but why would you want to?! This fun read is perfect for young readers and is a refreshing break from the ‘early chapter books’ already out there. If you haven’t meet Beatrice before, she reminds me of my favorite spunky girls in Kidlit; Ramona & Clementine. Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Beatrice Zinker! Shelley Johannes has created a character that is charming, sympathetic, kind, creative, and unstoppable! Her second adventure, Incognito, is so very heartwarming and clever. I love Beatrice’s never-give-up attitude, even when she makes big mistakes. The different personalities are portrayed with respect and affection, and Johannes’ writing is so clever and brilliant. This book is perfect for children (and teachers) who want a smart, well-written, funny book that is just the right length for 2nd-4th graders. I laughed, cried, and hugged this book, so it will definitely be a hit in my classroom.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner 🌼
I already have this on order for my elementary library, as the first Beatrice was excellent! @shelleyjohannes did it again with Beatrice Zinker Incognito! I love how true elementary children are captured here. A group plays veterinarian at recess, a loner boy is the sweetest, a girl finds ways to get to the library.
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This time Beatrice and her BFF Lenny are wanting to cheer people up with special awards recognizing their awesomeness. The problem is that the first one Beatrice gives is “Most Strict”. You can imagine how the recipient doesn’t find that flattering. Will they be able to give out any other awards?

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley Johannes has done it again! A "number two" can be a difficult job, but she triumphs with Beatrice in Incognito. Beatrice and Lenny reunite to work on the Upside Down awards. There are ups and downs and even a few sideways along the way, but Beatrice stays true to who she is and comes out upside down and on top. This book showed depth to the characters and invited more stories to be told. We love Beatrice and think this will be a great classroom read-aloud come September!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the first Beatrice Zinker book, and I have to say— although I didn’t think it was possible— I loved this one even more! Beatrice’s character is one I hope my students emulate. Her ability to embrace her eccentricities while lifting up those around her is admirable. Shelley Johannes’s writing really struck me this time around— there are several sentences I might pull as mentor sentences for writers’ workshop! Love, love, love this sweet series— can’t wait for more to come!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, yes, and yes! Book 2 of the Beatrice Zinker series is even better than the first. Props to Johannes for continuing on her theme of positivity in such a engaging, creative and funny manner (Most Strict?!) in this book, Beatrice sets out to give awards to those unrecognized and inadvertently puts it in the hands of another student (the shy, quiet, and dark type). Add this to your collection ASAP and read it out loud to your kids. It’s refreshingly positive without being overdone.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read like a Ramona book. Beatrice thinks her own way and does her own thing. Sometimes, this gets her in trouble. I loved this book, she gets hurt, she loses a friend, but she picks herself up, tries again and keeps trying. Nothing works out *quite* right, but when does it ever in real life? Loved loved loved this, looking forward to the next in the series.

[Michelle Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in this series of transitional chapter books does not disappoint. The is funny and fast-paced, and it will continue to engage readers. I look forward to sharing it with children in September.

I received a DRC from NetGalley.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this quirky series with such a fun, quirky main character almost as much as my kids! Engaging and creative, the perfect books for young novel readers. Thanks for sending an ARC my way for review, Disney!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelley Johannes is brilliant, and BZ has a special place in my heart. (And to top it off, the illustrations are beyond framable. Just magnificent.)

[Hillary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was even better than the first; it was all the good things while still maintaining a certain level of fun! I can't wait to read more Beatrice Zinker stories!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was the second week of third grade, and—even though Operation Upside had officially begun last week—their secret plan was just getting started.”

Every morning at William Charles Elementary, Wes Carver opens the door for everyone, even though no one seems to notice. No one, that is, except Beatrice Zinker and best friend, Lenny Santos. Beatrice and Lenny are instituting Operation Upside, a way of recognizing fellow students anonymously for doing something above and beyond and making their school a better place. The trick is getting the certificate to Wes without him knowing where it came from. But that’s also part of the fun. Another part of the fun is that Beatrice has made extra certificates, blank ones, so that they can find other kids whose actions seem to call out to be rewarded. “Who says we have to limit ourselves? We could make a lot of people happy this week!”

Beatrice’s excitement is only dampened, just a little, by Mrs. Tamarack, their teacher. She’s never been thrilled with Beatrice’s upside down thinking. “No shenanigans. No upside down antics. Do you need a reminder that you get three warnings before I take recess away?” She is, by far, the strictest teacher Beatrice has ever had. In fact, she could win an award. Wait! Another brainstorm. Give Mrs. Tamarack an Upside Award for The Most Strict. That should make her teacher feel good. So Beatrice sneaks one of her awards into the homework, without even telling Lenny. What a glorious surprise it will be.

Unfortunately, the teacher doesn’t react in the way that Beatrice envisioned. In fact, Mrs. Tamarack thinks that the certificate is a joke, someone being a smart aleck, and hangs up a Wanted Poster the next day in class for “the person or persons responsible. See Mrs. Tamarack to confess or to make an anonymous tip.” Yikes! “Beatrice wasn’t trying to be funny. She was trying to be a force for good.” What should she do? Better lay low for a few days, to be incognito. Only Beatrice would wear bright pink in an effort to “lay low.” But how long can Beatrice stay hidden?

To make matters worse, Beatrice puts the certificate meant for Wes in the wrong mailbox and new girl, Sam Darza, ends up with it. And now she knows that Beatrice is responsible for the certificates. What if she tells Mrs. Tamarack?

I love Beatrice’s passion to make her classroom a better place and the initiative she takes to make good things happen. Another winner!

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker: Incognito is the second book about Beatrice by Shelley Johannes. I do recommend reading the series in order to understand some of friendships and particularities of the main characters.

Beatrice Zinker's top-secret plan, Operation Upside, is finally in full swing! And she's REALLY EXCITED ABOUT IT! But when Beatrice impulsively awards her teacher, Mrs. Tamarack, an UPSIDE of her own-with the words Most Strict lettered in gold-the team has to put the entire mission on hold to avoid suspicion. Lying low isn't exactly Beatrice's strong suit and her classmate Wes desperately needs to be recognized. When Wes's certificate falls into the wrong hands, Beatrice and her best friend, Lenny, must find a way once again, to save Operation Upside-and themselves-from big trouble.

Incognito is a fast fun read. I like that Beatrice is a sweet girl that is struggling to be herself even when the world seems to disagree. Being true to her ideals and helping others is not always easy, and her impulsive nature tends to get Beatrice into trouble. I like that she makes mistakes, and sometimes takes time to own her mistakes. This made her more real to me, and more relatable for readers of all ages. However, at the heart of it Beatrice is trying to do the right thing, trying to be a good friend, and trying to make others feel good about themselves for their differences and I found that to be admirable. The read is fun, and as I have a daughter who is very much an individual, but not an upside down thinker, I liked seeing the world through a different set of eyes to help me understand more of what it is like being in school when you do not fit in. Not that I ever fit in, but my elementary school days are long ago and I have blocked most of them from memory. I think parents and teachers can get just as much from reading this series as the students that will love it.

Incognito is a delightful follow up to the first book in the series. I was a little disappointed by how dependent it was on the set up in the first book, and think that publishing a boxed set or bound collection when the series is complete would be awesome. For those that read the first book, and plan on continue I think this is a great read about building each other up and finding a way to be kind is wonderful.

[Il salotto del gatto libraio Graziano · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DEL BLOG IL SALOTTO DEL GATTO LIBRAIO
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Beatrice continua indisturbata, insieme alla sua amica Lenny, nell'operazione "Lati Positivi", ovvero distribuire certificati di "benemerenza" nonchè bigliettini di incoraggiamento per le persone più timide o sole.
Dopo l'ennesimo rimprovero da parte della sua severissima insegnante la signora Evelyn Tamarack, Beatrice è sempre più convinta di doverle consegnare un bigliettino ma ahimè, la fretta spesso tira brutti scherzi ed ecco che quello che doveva essere un complimento, si trasforma presto in un'offesa: "premio come maestra più intransigente".
Per la povera Beatrice si prospettano giorni di terrore per fortuna che i bigliettini sono anonimi... ma a quanto pare i guai non finiscono qui, oltre al pasticcio con la maestra infatti, deve risolvere anche la consegna dell'attestato sbagliato a Sam Darzi.
Come farà Beatrice adesso a rimediare a tutti i suoi errori?


Beatrice Sottosopra Missione Top Secret è stata una lettura divertente e leggera che mi ha permesso di conoscere un personaggio che mi ha ricordato molto Pippi Calzelunghe. All'interno del libro poi potrete trovare delle immagini molto carine che vi assicuro, renderanno la storia ancora più divertente e scorrevole.

Beatrice è un personaggio positivo che ha adottato la filosofia del vivere a testa in giù, un modo di vedere ed esaminare i problemi in entrambi i lati così poi le soluzione in questo modo, non tarderanno ad arrivare.
Le avventure di questa vivace ragazzina terranno sicuramente i vostri bambini incollati alle pagine ma non vi meravigliate poi se dovestre trovare qualcuno a testa in giù, in fondo questo è il modo migliore per esprimersi al meglio...