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Justin Fisher Declares War!
Fifth grade is no joke! James Preller takes on the class clown in this new school story, full of humor, hijinks, and heart.
At Spiro Agnew Elementary, the fifth graders rule the school. And class clown Justin Fisher rules them all.
Or, at least, he did.
Justin has always been the funniest kid in school. But this year, his new teacher isn't amused. And when Justin gets in trouble with Mr. Tripp over and over, the other kids turn on him, too. No one wants to be friends with the class troublemaker.
But Justin Fisher isn't going down without a fight.
At Spiro Agnew Elementary, the fifth graders rule the school. And class clown Justin Fisher rules them all.
Or, at least, he did.
Justin has always been the funniest kid in school. But this year, his new teacher isn't amused. And when Justin gets in trouble with Mr. Tripp over and over, the other kids turn on him, too. No one wants to be friends with the class troublemaker.
But Justin Fisher isn't going down without a fight.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2010
About the author
James Preller
216 books146 followersJames Preller (born 1961) is the children's book author of the Jigsaw Jones Mysteries, which are published by Scholastic Corporation. He grew up in Wantagh, New York and went to college in Oneonta, New York. After graduating from college in 1983, James Preller was employed as a waiter for one year before being hired as a copywriter by Scholastic Corporation, where he was introduced (through their books) to many noatable children's authors. This inspired James Preller to try writing his own books. James Preller published his first book, entitled MAXX TRAX: Avalanche Rescue, in 1986. Since that time, James Preller has written a variety of books, and has written under a number of pen names, including Mitzy Kafka, James Patrick, and Izzy Bonkers. James Preller lives in Delmar, New York with his wife Lisa and their three children.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesp...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesp...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 16, 2021
Maybe a little dated in places, but overall a solid read about a young boy trying to find his comfort zone.
September 2, 2010
My 9 year-old daughter looked at the cover of this book and told me she did not like it. (Neither did my 6 year-old son.) She wasn’t eager to read it either, but I convinced her to give it a try. We read about half-way and although I poured enthusiasm into the reading, when we got to the part where Justin, the main character, decides to swallow a live goldfish for money (it wasn’t even a dare) she told me to stop reading. I finished reading it later.
Of course, I understood why this book didn’t interest her. “It’s gross, Mom! This is a boy’s book.” But it was more than that because we’ve read “boy” books before and enjoyed them. This book wasn’t as funny as I think it was meant to be mainly because I felt it contained adult humour. (Sarcasm, one-liners, jaded point-of-view) Justin Fisher did not think like a fifth grader but more like an older teenager who’d “been there, done that”.
The characters seemed superficial. Justin had no friends, his teacher was tired of his antics and so were his classmates and how did Justin feel about all this? I’m not sure! He cared little about anything in particular, except to make sure he was making others laugh rather than have them laugh at him. (Now do you see why it did not appeal to my daughter?) I felt there was potential to explore some good themes, such as the need for attention and how to cope with being laughed at when in school.
To be fair, I think this story would appeal to boys, especially those who like goofy antics and grossology. It’s a quick read with a story that takes place over a couple of weeks at school. Not much parental interaction or deep character development—but some comic scenes to entice even the most reluctant boy reader.
Of course, I understood why this book didn’t interest her. “It’s gross, Mom! This is a boy’s book.” But it was more than that because we’ve read “boy” books before and enjoyed them. This book wasn’t as funny as I think it was meant to be mainly because I felt it contained adult humour. (Sarcasm, one-liners, jaded point-of-view) Justin Fisher did not think like a fifth grader but more like an older teenager who’d “been there, done that”.
The characters seemed superficial. Justin had no friends, his teacher was tired of his antics and so were his classmates and how did Justin feel about all this? I’m not sure! He cared little about anything in particular, except to make sure he was making others laugh rather than have them laugh at him. (Now do you see why it did not appeal to my daughter?) I felt there was potential to explore some good themes, such as the need for attention and how to cope with being laughed at when in school.
To be fair, I think this story would appeal to boys, especially those who like goofy antics and grossology. It’s a quick read with a story that takes place over a couple of weeks at school. Not much parental interaction or deep character development—but some comic scenes to entice even the most reluctant boy reader.
October 24, 2011
Justin Fisher is a triumph of immaturity. Not that he realizes it, because he lacks the maturity to do so. No, Justin sees himself as the class clown, filling a necessary role for the good of others (laughter) and to fit in so he doesn't get mocked. Unfortunately, fifth grade is turning out to be a bigger challenge than any grade before. For one thing, his teacher has absolutely no sense of humor. For another, none of his classmates seem to find humor in his antics anymore. Things are wrong in fifth grade, and Justin is going to have to figure out what before life becomes unbearably dull (and lonely).
But fifth grade was different. Mr. Tripp was all about RULES and RESPECT and a bunch of other R words that Justin couldn't remember. He was no fun at all. So the two of them stood in opposition, facing off like wrestlers before a match. Justin was relentless, Mr. Tripp unyielding. Whatever Justin did, Tripp told him not to do. And the more Justin heard "No," the more he thought, "Yes, yes, yes!"
Could he drive his teacher insane? Justin wasn't sure. But it was worth a try.
Another word caught in Justin's brain, the way a fishing hook accidentally snags a finger. The word? War.
And by the third week of school, the war had been on--even if Mr. Tripp hadn't known it.
There were a million ways to bug a teacher, and most of them came naturally to Justin. He talked when Mr. Tripp talked. He called out answers without raising his hand. He constantly dropped things--books, pencils, erasers, bags of popcorn, juice boxes. He fell off chairs, forgot his homework, didn't listen to directions, and was gleefully pesky to substitute teachers. It was all easy for Justin, effortless.
But fifth grade was different. Mr. Tripp was all about RULES and RESPECT and a bunch of other R words that Justin couldn't remember. He was no fun at all. So the two of them stood in opposition, facing off like wrestlers before a match. Justin was relentless, Mr. Tripp unyielding. Whatever Justin did, Tripp told him not to do. And the more Justin heard "No," the more he thought, "Yes, yes, yes!"
Could he drive his teacher insane? Justin wasn't sure. But it was worth a try.
Another word caught in Justin's brain, the way a fishing hook accidentally snags a finger. The word? War.
And by the third week of school, the war had been on--even if Mr. Tripp hadn't known it.
There were a million ways to bug a teacher, and most of them came naturally to Justin. He talked when Mr. Tripp talked. He called out answers without raising his hand. He constantly dropped things--books, pencils, erasers, bags of popcorn, juice boxes. He fell off chairs, forgot his homework, didn't listen to directions, and was gleefully pesky to substitute teachers. It was all easy for Justin, effortless.
October 14, 2010
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Fifth grade is turning out to be a lot different than fourth grade. Justin Fisher is used to being the class clown, but his new teacher is treating him like a troublemaker. What was once funny and earned him a round of laughter, now is getting him sent to the Principal's office.
Justin is determined to come out the winner in his self-declared war against Mr. Tripp. How can a guy with a goofy mustache really expect kids to take him seriously? Justin vows to break him one way or another.
Unfortunately, Justin's classmates have turned on him. They are acting like he's more of a disruption than a distraction. When a school talent show is announced, they discourage him from entering because he will just "ruin everything." That reaction just makes him more interested in scoring a spot in the program.
Author James Preller describes fifth grade to a tee in JUSTIN FISHER DECLARES WAR! Every class has a Justin, and at some point, every class begins to object to the disruption caused by a chronic goof-off. Preller's novel offers excellent read-a-loud potential with ample opportunity for discussion about behavior and its consequences. I'll definitely be recommending this one to both students and teachers in middle grade classrooms.
Fifth grade is turning out to be a lot different than fourth grade. Justin Fisher is used to being the class clown, but his new teacher is treating him like a troublemaker. What was once funny and earned him a round of laughter, now is getting him sent to the Principal's office.
Justin is determined to come out the winner in his self-declared war against Mr. Tripp. How can a guy with a goofy mustache really expect kids to take him seriously? Justin vows to break him one way or another.
Unfortunately, Justin's classmates have turned on him. They are acting like he's more of a disruption than a distraction. When a school talent show is announced, they discourage him from entering because he will just "ruin everything." That reaction just makes him more interested in scoring a spot in the program.
Author James Preller describes fifth grade to a tee in JUSTIN FISHER DECLARES WAR! Every class has a Justin, and at some point, every class begins to object to the disruption caused by a chronic goof-off. Preller's novel offers excellent read-a-loud potential with ample opportunity for discussion about behavior and its consequences. I'll definitely be recommending this one to both students and teachers in middle grade classrooms.
August 26, 2011
Okay - for most of its length, this is a fairly pleasant light read about a child with impulse control. But, in a key scene, Justin, who has taken his little sister's pet goldfish to school without permission, swallows the goldfish on a dare. There are no consequences. That was it for me.
It isn't just that I have owned goldfish, and therefore know that they can learn, can feel pain and fear, and are even capable of "mourning" their companions. It's that extreme cruelty to an animal is presented so casually. And I don't really think I'm overreacting. After all, I read and liked Mike Mullin's "Ashfall", which has graphic descriptions of butchering animals. But - it was made clear that those deaths were (1) probably inevitable, and (2) necessary for human survival. They were not presented casually. In this case, a boy steals and then kills his sister's pet. I thought that disgusting, and was strongly inclined to write to the author about it. Killing a pet isn't funny and shouldn't be presented as just some more harebrained behavior from an elementary school-age boy.
"It's just a fish" is no excuse.
My two cents.
It isn't just that I have owned goldfish, and therefore know that they can learn, can feel pain and fear, and are even capable of "mourning" their companions. It's that extreme cruelty to an animal is presented so casually. And I don't really think I'm overreacting. After all, I read and liked Mike Mullin's "Ashfall", which has graphic descriptions of butchering animals. But - it was made clear that those deaths were (1) probably inevitable, and (2) necessary for human survival. They were not presented casually. In this case, a boy steals and then kills his sister's pet. I thought that disgusting, and was strongly inclined to write to the author about it. Killing a pet isn't funny and shouldn't be presented as just some more harebrained behavior from an elementary school-age boy.
"It's just a fish" is no excuse.
My two cents.
February 2, 2011
Ever since an incident in 3rd grade, Justin has decided that he must be the class clown. Now that he is in fifth grade, students and friends don’t think his shenanigans are so funny especially his teacher Mr. Tripp. Over the course of book Justin has to come to realize there are appropriate times to be funny. And that there is never an appropriate time to opening making fun of people. The school talent show is coming up and Justin decides he should be the MC. Most of the students feel he is only out to ruin the show. The teacher he is not getting along so well with might be alright after all. He might even be willing to help Justin turn his inappropriate comedic acts into something positive. Should have wide appeal to boys. Justin swallows that goldfish on the cover! Yucky good stuff for the guys. At first I really didn't like this kid, may be I was on the side of his classmates. But as the story progresses, he figures things out, and really tries hard to change but does he succeed? Read it and find out.
November 25, 2010
Justin has lots of friends. He is the class clown, after all. But when he starts fifth grade, Justin starts to notice that he's bugging other kids, not entertaining them. Like when he declares war on his new teacher, Mr. Tripp. When Justin antagonizes Mr. Tripp in class, the other kids don't laugh; they turn against him. All Justin knows how to do is be a clown--he can't stop. So there's only one way to win everyone back to his side: up the ante. He has to be even funnier, all while avoiding Mr. Tripp's watchful eyes. But when things get out of hand, Justin finds himself signing up for the school talent show...without a talent. How will he get out of this? And more importantly, how will he win his friends back?
This is a fun book that reads very realistically. It shows how easy it is to go from the center of attention to the outside looking in, and what it takes to be accepted again.
This is a fun book that reads very realistically. It shows how easy it is to go from the center of attention to the outside looking in, and what it takes to be accepted again.
June 28, 2010
Gr 4-6
Justin Fisher is lonely. Last year, he was the Class Clown, now, in 5th grade, he's somehow turned into the Class Jerk. His antics in class and out are not getting him laughs, they're getting him in trouble. As Justin is sent to the principle over and over, he gets more and more desperate to fit in. Fortunately, with the help of an understanding teacher and a new friend, Justin learns how to be funny without being mean and saves the day at the school's Talent Show. Justin Fisher is a quiet but common story about a regular kid acting out who just needs a hand. Preller handles sensitive issues with dignity. Kids will identify with Justin's eagerness to be liked and his snarky jokes. A good book for a classroom read. Recommended to fans of Alvin Ho by Lenore Look and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.
- Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library
Justin Fisher is lonely. Last year, he was the Class Clown, now, in 5th grade, he's somehow turned into the Class Jerk. His antics in class and out are not getting him laughs, they're getting him in trouble. As Justin is sent to the principle over and over, he gets more and more desperate to fit in. Fortunately, with the help of an understanding teacher and a new friend, Justin learns how to be funny without being mean and saves the day at the school's Talent Show. Justin Fisher is a quiet but common story about a regular kid acting out who just needs a hand. Preller handles sensitive issues with dignity. Kids will identify with Justin's eagerness to be liked and his snarky jokes. A good book for a classroom read. Recommended to fans of Alvin Ho by Lenore Look and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.
- Terry Ann Lawler, Phoenix Public Library
March 20, 2011
Kids who read this book will most likely recognize Justin Fisher -- he's the somewhat annoying class clown who tries just a bit too hard to make everyone laugh (and often at someone else's expense). Some readers will even recognize themselves in the character. Preller's short, funny but touching story provides a window into what it actually feels like to be that class clown. There's not a lot of depth here (much less than Preller's book for older teens, Bystander), but I think it would be a good read-aloud or book club choice for 5th graders and below. Will most likely appeal more to boys than girls.
January 26, 2016
Justin has spent 3rd and 4th Grade being the class clown, but when he gets to 5th Grade, he finds that the jokes that he's telling aren't quite as funny to his classmates anymore. They have formed cliques and friendships without Justin, and he is struggling to entertain everyone with his pranks and cutting comments. Trying to get a laugh out of his classmates is all Justin has ever known, but what happens when people don't find the class clown funny? This book is humorously written, although could have gone deeper with the characters of Justin, Mr. Tripp, and the relationship between them. It seemed to touch the surface with talking about differences and bullying, and I wish that the conclusion could have reflected that more.
February 8, 2011
Fifth-grader Justin has always been the class clown but this year not only is his teacher not tolerating his hijinks, his classmates also are turning on him. Can he change his ways before he becomes friendless and in permanent detention? Fun, short book that will appeal to boys (and girls) who find themselves in Justin's situation. Lessons are learned but in a painless, realistic, and non-preachy way. The only thing I really didn't like was what happened to the goldfish, but I may be overly sensitive.
May 20, 2014
This book is very realistic - Justin Fisher has been the class clown for years, but now ... well, his classmates have had enough and are just annoyed. They're no longer laughing, and it's no longer fun for anyone. But Justin just doesn't know how else to be. And Justin's new 5th grade teacher is having none of it. What is he going to do?
One of the things I found interesting is the way Justin doesn't really seem to have any adults he can talk to. I wondered if that was true for other kids like Justin.
One of the things I found interesting is the way Justin doesn't really seem to have any adults he can talk to. I wondered if that was true for other kids like Justin.
February 12, 2015
This is a quick read that mostly just brought back frustrating memories of teaching a few students very much like Justin Fisher. So while this book is very realistic, I didn't find it very enjoyable. This is a Grand Canyon Reader Award nominee for 2015. 2.5 stars.
April 11, 2010
A decent book for the 3rd to fifth grades, could be read aloud in class. Justin has an infamous first day when he arrives mid year in third grade and decides to adopt the persona of the school clown to survive his embarrassment.
Now, in fifth grade the one line pot shots so popular in television sit-coms just aren't flying with his new teacher, or frankly, his classmates.
How Justin copes with changing his role and restoring his personality is a struggle we can all learn something from.
Now, in fifth grade the one line pot shots so popular in television sit-coms just aren't flying with his new teacher, or frankly, his classmates.
How Justin copes with changing his role and restoring his personality is a struggle we can all learn something from.
November 13, 2010
Fifth-grader, Justin, jokes all the time and is always in trouble. It started when he was the new kid in third grade, but now that he is in fifth grade, his jokes are not so funny. I thought the book started out a bit too slow, and as a teacher I found the character to be extremely annoying. But I liked how the threads were tied together in the end. I would rec for 4-6 grade boys who like to joke around.
January 18, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised with this book because I thought it was going to be just another story of the out of control ADHD fifth grader, but Justin seemed to mature as the story unfolded. He learned how to be funny but not hurtful. He learned how to be humorous but not be the problem all the time. I liked him!
January 27, 2011
Justin Fisher has always been the class clown, but now that he's in fifth grade, no one seems to think he's that funny anymore. Especially not his teacher. Short, well-written voice of a fifth-grader who doesn't get why his behavior may be out-of-control. Tamer (and perhaps younger) Joey Pigza readalike. Good story, great characters, good ending.
February 9, 2011
I really hated this book. I hate to say that about any book but I found very little to enjoy in this one. Justin Fisher is one of the least likable characters I have ever encountered in a novel. He's rude, he's selfish, and he has no empathy for others. Though the novel is only 135 pages long I found it near impossible to get through. An unfortunate book all in all.
January 18, 2011
Some characters in common with Along Came Spider, but not a sequel. I like this book much more. Justin Fisher's character is believable, and the adults are well-drawn, too. Some parts of this book are very funny.
August 9, 2010
The title led me to expect more conflict and drama. I liked the subplot of Justin seeing his teacher as a person with problems and struggles.
December 11, 2010
good for reluctant readers, especially boys
December 13, 2010
book would be a great springboard for discussion on good/bad choices, clowning around in school, bullying, etc. humorous, good lesson for readers
February 16, 2015
Funny, and a good message for kids. But the title and back blurb were very misleading as to what the story was about, and I'm not sure that a child reading the book would understand the message.
February 4, 2011
Pleasant enough, but this book tries just a little bit too hard. I'm kind of sick of stories about the class troublemaker, and this one doesn't particularly stand out.
January 13, 2012
I love companion novels that explore a minor character. As usual, Preller's ear for authentic dialogue is spot on.
April 5, 2012
I can't imagine how bad behaved a young child can be! Definitely a recommendation.
Want to Read
February 16, 2014RL 630
February 10, 2014
Justin, the fifth grade class clown, notices that his humor isn't playing to the class like it used to. With the help of an extremely understanding teacher things get better.
January 7, 2015
It was alright. Not one of my favorites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews