I Got a "D" in Salami

Hank Zipzer #2

by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver, Jesse Joshua Watson (Illustrations)

It's report card day-the most dreaded day in Hank's school year. And when Hank gets his grades, they're his worst nightmare come true: a D in spelling, a D in reading, a D in math. After school, Hank and his friends go to his mom's deli. His mom is on the prowl-she knows a report card day when she sees one. Hank tries to stall her, but she's going for his backpack. He's cornered. Hank hands the report card off to his friend Frankie, who gives it to his friend Ashley, who gives it to Robert, who puts it into a meat grinder! Hank watches as his Ds are ground into a big salami, and this particular salami is being made for a very important client. How will Hank get out of this one?

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

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Henry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.

Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.

Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the book opens, Hank and his mom are studying for a spelling contest. (exactly what is the purpose of spelling bees?) He is having problems trying to "focus." Spelling tests can be difficult for some kids and spelling bees make it even worse. As Hank says, "Call me crazy,but I don't know how anyone can think spelling is even slightly fun, let alone great fun." Hank gets into trouble when he doesn't sit down after he missed a word. The principal tells him,' "Following directions will get you where you need to be, no matter where you are." How do principals come up with this stuff !! That day report cards come out. Hank and his friends go to the deli his mom operates. She is trying to come up with a great soy receipe for salami for an important client. Through a series of events, Hank's report card ends up groud up in the salami. The salami gets taken to the important client and Hank goes to his house to stop the tasting. When he sees the salami, he can see such words (on paper in the salami) as "sloppy," "fail," and "D in spelling."
There is a meeting with Hank's parents, Hank and the client. Hank explains the whole situaion. The client tells the story of his daughter,who had learning problems, and her being tested and then with the proper help she was able to attend Columbia University. Hank's parents finally decide to have him tested. They didn't have him tested after the first suggestion as Hank's dad couldn't admit there was a problem. (sound like any man you know??) Tests prove Hanks has some learning challenges and the school will help. Everyone learns in different ways (no kidding !!), the school will give Hank information in a variety of ways (including tapes) work on study skills and more time for tests. Hank's mom's client becomes a champion for Hank....and all kids need champions !

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun story with Hank and his family and friends. In this story, Hank and his whole class, receive their report cards. Unfortunately for Hank, his report card isn't what he was hoping for. Embarrassed with his grades, Hank tries to find a way, to not tell his parents about the report card, which leads to the report card being destroyed. Which leads, the children on a wild and hilarious trip on how to recover the report card.

Looking forward, to reading the third book in the series.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book as well. Hank putting his report card where he did made me laugh because it sounds like something i would have done in middle school. There were a few parts in this one where i was laughing out loud again. On to the third one...

Another side note... not a huge fan of the character Nick McKelty but I guess we all know one like him.

[Jeff Grosser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and witty learning adventure with Hank Zipzer!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fun and hilarity continues in this second outing. As a kid at heart, I enjoyed it.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: my rating is *not* objective; it's a reflection of my personal taste. These books are easily four-star reads for many kids. Funny, comforting, fast-paced, with interesting setting & characters.

Apparently, at each point between books, progress is made, but there is no happily ever after. Like real life. At the end of the first, Hank and his parents are made aware of learning differences, and how difficulties in school are not necessarily due to laziness or attitude or stupidity. At the end of this, Dad finally consents to testing. I imagine the next book will address first attempts to find strategies that will help Hank....

I did enjoy these first two, and recommend that you read the series if you've reason to consider doing so. But I won't bother to continue, myself. Mainly because I get the sniffles every time Hank thinks of himself as a loser. Poor kid.

[Chance Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is growing on me.

Cover
I think this cover is really good. That title has everything you need to understand what the story is going to be about. It's cleaver and imaginative. One of my favorite book titles this year.
I have to point out it's an interesting detail While a D in math and Spelling is actually detail writing into the story, the A in P.E. is actually a B+.

Interior
Story
It's been a long time since I read the first book but as I reached the end I really began scratching my head. Some of the themes seemed to be pretty similar? The whole realizing he had a learning disability felt like it happened in the last book. With that being said it sort of works. With his father's pride actually being swallowed after now two occurrences and doing double time dedication on school work since we see his mother dedicating more time to help teach him. It's more like growth of his parents. Making this more like a cry for help to get tested. It's enjoyable even if the teacher and principal really annoyed me and they aren't really in the book. Which brings the question. If he never finished spelling the work did he really fail spelling the word? I do have to say that while they are really irritating to read they are relatable to usual school set dramas and problems. I do have to say I think Henry's learning disability might be a bit too relatable. since I was able to relate with struggling with spelling, math and other studies growing up. To a degree I expected it to be more dramatic than how my scholar struggles.
You know there are some weirdly adult things added to this book that doesn't sound like Henry Winkler's reputation so so I can only assume from Lin Oliver.
Right on the first page we it's said that Ashley can tie a cherry stem into a knot with her tongue. It's alright but there are some implications that come with that territory depending on what is next. When you lead it with "Those are qualities you want in a best friend." You know what you are writing! Also we get some nearly naked woman painting ogling near the end. Is it uncomfortable? Yup. Was it necessary to the story? Nope. Do I need imagery of a forth grader looking at that? Nope.

I do like how Henry tries to fix his blunder with Mr. Gristediano. It takes it's time and it's quite a slick strategy to convince him to give The Crunchy Pickle a second chance.

(Illustrations are on chapter pages. Nothing to really talk about.)

SPOILERS! If it matters.
I honestly expected the big reveal that he was dyslexic. Apparently the tv show pulled the trigger. Here it's writing as a learning disability.

After Thoughts
I have to say the strangest change is that location. We've gone from New York to London. It may not seem like a big deal. But I don't picture them with the British accents which bring the question. Why doesn't Mrs. Adolf have a German accent then?
Actually this detail gets more interesting when you realize they insult Movies in French in this book in particular.

[Dr. T Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is for a fourth grade-and-up audience, it's quite a nice story for young readers. It's set in New York, down at street level. It features a main character who is discovering he has some "learning challenges," which could be very helpful and engaging for students who may have some trouble in school.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for good books for my grandsons. So, when I spotted the first book in this Hank Zipzer series (Niagara Falls, or Does It?) the title got my attention. Then I picked it up and found out that it was written by Henry Winkler (The Fonz for those of us over forty). I read a few pages and headed straight to the cashier to buy it.

I finished the first book (which I loved) in a few hours. Once I realized it was a series, I took the second out of the library as an Ebook and also read it the same day. I'm not sure how much better a review I can give this series that than - reading two books, back to back, in one day.

In book two Hank's problems continue and escalate out of the school setting and into the wilder world of New York City. They spin and grow and quickly engage Hank's mother and her business. The more Hank tries to fix things the worse they get. Your heart goes out to Hank but you still laugh along as his life starts turning into a slapstick comedy.

(The rest of this review is a repeat of what I wrote about the first book in the series.)

Winkler and Oliver have created a great fourth grade character. Hank is someone every boy can relate to with; good friends, a bothersome sister, parents who don’t understand him, an overly strict teacher, a principal who sees him as his most troublesome student, a class bully, and horrible school lunches. Fortunately he also has a very involved and kind grandfather to whom he can go to for advice and a music teacher who quickly sees that Hank needs testing to find what learning aids he needs in order to succeed in school.

In this first book we are introduced to Hank Zipzer’s world and the people in it. Any parent reading it will quickly see that Hank is trying his best but is swimming against the current. Any early elementary kids (especially boys) will see pieces of themselves in Hank right away. Any elementary teacher reading it will get a greater understanding of how hard kids like Hank are working and how difficult it is for them without some additional help.

Winkler and Oliver have created a series that is perfect for boys with learning differences and their families. If your child is having difficulties in school, you may find this book to be an invaluable resource.

Additionally, this book is also excellent for kids without learning differences to read with their parents. All kids face challenges, some in school, some at home, some with peers, some with themselves. Hank is a kid that faces his challenges, makes mistakes, and learns along the way - something every child and parent goes through.

Before you get the wrong idea, this book series is not all preachy. It is not serious and depressing. It is a well written “day in the life of” a fourth grader. There are scenes that are laugh out loud funny. There are scenes that will make parents cringe a little and make their kids watch how their parents react. There are great life lessons taught about being honest and taking responsibility but they are more lessons learned by Hank than rules he is told he has to follow.

I suggest that parents read the first book in the series before reading it with their child or having them read it to them. I am not a teacher but I feel that some of the words might be a bit hard for a third or fourth grader so I suggest reading this book with your child. The story is great, the writing engaging, and I think that both you and your child will learn a lot. Even better, it can provide an opportunity for your child to ask questions and share what they think of Hank and his difficulties. Honest conversations with our children are hard to initiate but this book series can definitely help to get them started.

[Molly Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book of the Hank Zipzer set a little more than the first. My fifth-grader loved it.
The plot, in which Hank is so ashamed of his report card that he allows his friends to grind it into his mother's soy salami, which accidentally gets distributed to a fancy party of important people, was pretty unbelievable, but still funny. Once again, Hank is struggling in school and hatches a ridiculous scheme to hide the evidence from his parents. It was a golden opportunity to teach my son that the best way to avoid ridiculous, ever-growing drama is to tell the truth in the first place.
The good: Hank's friends are always there to get him out of a jam, and ultimately, a caring grown-up, whether it's a special needs teacher, Grandpa "Papa" Pete, or a business investor at The Crunchy Pickle Deli, recognize Hank's needs and steer him to a stronger sense of self-worth.
The bad: once again, clichés. The bully, the "cutest girl in school," the weird neighbor, the immigrant delivery boy, the annoying smart kid. However, if these people and scenarios come from Henry Winkler's own childhood experience (after all, Henry "Hank" Zipzer IS Henry Winkler), then it's somewhat forgivable.

[Candy B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this as I review books for my brother's grandkids.
Wonderful friendships, normal school bullies, but the gist of this book are the Ds Hank gets in Reading Spelling and Math. He is smart and funny kid but with a learning challenge which begins to unfold. Funny circumstances lead to Hank's report card with the Ds getting shredded into his mom's soy salami at the deli. His Papa Pete has the right idea ... one lie leads to bigger lies. Telling the truth is a better path to take.

My brother has dyslexia and I remember helping him with flash cards for reading and math throughout school. He was able to complete HS being tested verbally in every subject throughout his school career. He too was not "stupid" just learning challenged.

[Elle Traut · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have a 4th grader (or any elementary student) who struggles in school, this book (or books- it's a series) may just be what he needs. The main character struggles with reading, writing, staying organized, remembering things, etc. Yet, the student carries on despite his difficulties. With the help of a beloved teacher and understanding mom, he eventually finds out his troubles aren't due to laziness or a lack of intelligence. There is humor and a great storyline in each book I've read so far. The fact that my son, who also struggles, knows that the person who wrote these stories (Henry Winkler) based them on his own childhood experiences and then went on to be the "Fonz" seems to offer some additional reassurance!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started to read the rest of this series, as I first began the Hank Zipzer saga in a quest to find a children's chapter book series oriented towards kids with learning differences and/or other disabilities. This second book was a cute story in how Hank's challenges with learning (and possible impulsivity) gets him into trouble and spins a tangled web. What i can appreciate about this series is that the stories have a theme in ending on the problem solving around his learning issues. While Hank gets in trouble and articulates feeling misunderstood, I feel that this character represents what so many other students go through in being simply that: misunderstood as children with learning and/or attention challenges. Hank's grades are the main culprit in this story, and his constant challenges with reading and numbers continue to add to his difficulties. I am appreciative that his life in school, and his troubles with getting in trouble at school and at home, were the focus of his experiences. This is such a relevant way to express his experiences and challenges, as this is the daily struggle faced by kiddos who may or may not have the resiliency of Hank. I plan to finish the first 8 books in the set I purchased, and then, who knows? Maybe Hank's stories will continue to inspire me in reading about the rest of his exploits.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and fun little read. I enjoyed it a lot.
Hank Zipzer has a difficult time focusing in class. (He is in the fourth grade) And even though he tried really hard to study for his spelling test. His teacher still gave him a "D", in fact she gave him a "D" in everything, reading, spelling and arithmetic.
Also today is report card day and to make matters worse. His teacher Ms. Adolf put his report card in a brown envelope with a letter for his parents to sign. What is a boy to do, but to get rid of it.
But how??

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, adorable! I'm new to this series, and started with the second book (since they didn't have the first one available in my library in audio) and that was just fine! The series is performed by the marvelous Henry Winkler, who completely captures all the humor and fun he intended in this character. Hank has some learning differences (just like the author) and navigates his way through with the help of his family, friends, and some insightful adults.

I can see why this series is such a hit!

[John Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hank Zipzer #2, I Got a D in Salami by Henry Winkler, and Lin Oliver continues the series based on Henry Winkler's childhood struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia. It explores Hank's abysmal report card grades and further battles with his teacher/nemesis. Ms Adolph. It keeps the readers entertained, while slipping in lessons they can apply to their lives. It also deftly recaps the first book in the series.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the end of the school year and Hank Zipzer is back in trouble again. Not only did he get three D's on his report card, he managed to get the whole report card mixed into a sample batch of his mother's soy salami. Oh me, oh my, what a pickle for Hank and for his mother's deli The Crunch Pickle. At first Hank does not think this is such a bad thing because he believes the batch of Salami is bound for the garbage can, but then he discovers it is heading to a tasting for an owner of a grocery chain. Salami full of report card cannot taste very good. He has to do something but does not know what.

In this book Hank is diagnosed with learning challenges. He also admits it to himself and others. It is also the beginning of a plan to develop strategies to help him overcome his disability. This is another great adventure for the Zipzer, and will be for you and your children also.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute witty tale that I read as a 30-something as a pure mindless escape and thoroughly enjoyed, although as a teacher it is nice to hear from the "underachiever's POV. There are lessons about honesty, family, and struggles to fit in. A great read aloud or family bedtime series.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one as much as the first in the series; in fact, I only laughed a couple of times. I read to Ch 11, but listened to the rest on audio book. The latter is definitely the way to go. Very entertaining.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ran across Henry Winkler's autobiography and found that he along with his wife also writes books for kids! I enjoyed the fun, fast-paced, and relatable story and am thinking about all the kids I know (especially those with ADHD) who would enjoy reading about Hank.

[Kristal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the book where Hank actually goes for testing for his learning difficulties. Before that though, there is quite a commotion on how to stop a local businessman from eating “tainted” lunch meat before it’s too late! Very sitcom like.

[K Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this kid, seems like a true person. I love the bits of gaining knowledge about learning challenges, and how imaginative a kid can be.

[Haelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Hank just needs Emily to go away

[Owen Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in fourth grade, great book for young audience.

[Betty Holland · Rating 3 out of 5]

a children's book

[Luke Keeshen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of the book features a lot of problems.
Almost ‘problematic’ 🤪 excuse the pun.

[Sally taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great series for kids! I plan on stocking up on these for Christmas gifts!

[Jo Skeffington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in series. Characters continue to come alive. Hank learns some tough lessons about telling the truth. His grandfather Pete is someone everyone needs in their life. Recommend this book.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cool! This is about a boy named Hank Zipzer who messes up salami with a report card. He tries to save the day with his friends, who's names I forgot, but one of them is Frankie. I think so.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Henry Winkler and his character Hank, who is is younger self, is larger than life and simply hilarious. I am really enjoying this series and recommend it to many.