Monster Rabbit Runs Amuck

The Kids of the Polk Street School #15

by Patricia Reilly Giff, Blanche Sims (Illustrator)

It's springtime and it's almost Richard "Beast" Best's birthday. His sister, Holly, is even giving him a surprise party. Or so he thinks. But what will she do when she finds out that Beast has squashed her egg-carton jewelry box?



Meanwhile, Beast has a bigger problem. He and his best friend, Matthew Jackson, had to move the huge rabbit on wheels onto the stage for the spring assembly. When they started to push it, the monster rabbit ran amuck and rolled right off the stage. How will Beast and Matthew get the thing back together before Thursday's assembly?

Genres: 2nd Grade, Childrens

80 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 1991

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

[Ari]

The book starts out during the spring, it is almost Richard "Beast's" Birthday. His sister, Holly, is even giving him a surprise party. Or so he thinks. But she finds out Beast squashed her egg-carton jewelry box. Beast has a bigger problem though. He and his best friend Matthew Jackson, had to move the huge rabbit on wheels onto the stage for the spring assembly. When they start to push it, the monster rabbit ran amuck and rolled right off the stage.

[Marcus Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meanwhile, Beast has a bigger problem. He and his best friend, Matthew Jackson, had to move the huge rabbit on wheels onto the stage for the spring assembly. When they started to push it, the monster rabbit ran amuck and rolled right off the stage.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's springtime and it's almost Richard "Beast" Best's birthday. His sister, Holly, is even giving him a surprise party. Or so he thinks. But what will she do when she finds out that Beast has squashed her egg-carton jewelry box?

[koza]

A fun summer-reading prize from back in the day that still makes it hard for me to spell/pronounce "amok."

[WSL Library]

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