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Stuey Lewis #1
The One and Only Stuey Lewis: Stories from the Second Grade
So what if Stuey isn't the world's best reader, is only allowed to trick or treat around one block, doesn't get to play on his soccer dream team, and has to put up with the most annoying girl on the planet. Somehow Stuey always makes life work and when he puts his mind to it, he can survive anything―even second grade. This hilarious collection of linked short stories, interspersed with sprightly line drawings, marks an impressive chapter book debut.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published July 5, 2011
About the author
Jane Schoenberg
7 books8 followersJane Schoenberg is the author of My Bodyworks, Songs about your bones, muscles, heart and more; The Baby Hustle; The One and Only Stuey Lewis, and Stuey Lewis Against All Odds.
Awards include: A Children's Book Council/National Science Teacher's Association Outstanding Science Trade Book, Bank Street College best books, and Parent's Choice.
Jane is also a lyricist. She lives in Western Massachusetts, where she's currently developing several music projects with her composer-husband, Steven Schoenberg.
Awards include: A Children's Book Council/National Science Teacher's Association Outstanding Science Trade Book, Bank Street College best books, and Parent's Choice.
Jane is also a lyricist. She lives in Western Massachusetts, where she's currently developing several music projects with her composer-husband, Steven Schoenberg.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 8, 2011
An unfortunately lackluster collection of short stories about a somewhat annoying child traversing through scenes of his childhood. It may have been the adult in me that really felt bothered by Stuey, but the common theme for me, at least, was the belief that there was almost certainly a better option available out there.
Not much else to say. A short book with very short stories and not a ton of positive things to say about it, unfortunately.
Not much else to say. A short book with very short stories and not a ton of positive things to say about it, unfortunately.
October 1, 2013
Stuey Lewis is a 2nd grade student who shares his fears, secrets, likes and dislikes with the readers through four short stories. With the help of Stuey's best friend, Will, and his second grade teacher, Ginger, Stuey is able to conquer the challenges of second grade and has some funny tales to tell along the way.
Stuey's story is definitely geared toward second graders, although it could be used for third or fourth grade students as well (though I don't think they will enjoy reading about a character who is a grade or two younger than they are). This book could be used as a read aloud for the whole class or as an independent reading assignment. The book features 4 short stories that help students progress into chapter books. Teachers can use this book to talk about problem solving, friendship and facing your fears.
One thing I did notice is that Stuey refers to a smart girl in his class, Lilly, as "obnoxious" and a "know-it-all". Stuey reveals that he has his own insecurities about reading and learning through his annoyance of Lilly. This is a subject I would want to discuss with my class during the reading, as I wouldnt want my students to think this way of smart girls or smart students, period! Still, the book is enjoyable to read while giving opportunities for some teachable moments.
Awards:
2014 Monarch Award
Stuey's story is definitely geared toward second graders, although it could be used for third or fourth grade students as well (though I don't think they will enjoy reading about a character who is a grade or two younger than they are). This book could be used as a read aloud for the whole class or as an independent reading assignment. The book features 4 short stories that help students progress into chapter books. Teachers can use this book to talk about problem solving, friendship and facing your fears.
One thing I did notice is that Stuey refers to a smart girl in his class, Lilly, as "obnoxious" and a "know-it-all". Stuey reveals that he has his own insecurities about reading and learning through his annoyance of Lilly. This is a subject I would want to discuss with my class during the reading, as I wouldnt want my students to think this way of smart girls or smart students, period! Still, the book is enjoyable to read while giving opportunities for some teachable moments.
Awards:
2014 Monarch Award
March 26, 2018
Stuey struggles during 2nd grade. He struggles being a younger brother, struggles in school, and struggles with struggles growing up. He is a lovable character that kept my students engaged and entertained.
This may become a classic with book clubs I have at school.
This may become a classic with book clubs I have at school.
May 10, 2011
This series of stories are about Stuey’s time in second grade. Stuey is not a confident kid, often choosing to just not even try before has a chance to fail. When he starts second grade, Stuey pretends to be sick because he can’t read as well as he thinks he should be able to. But Stuey is also creative. When his mother tells him he can only trick-or-treat on their block, he comes up with a cunning plan to get plenty of candy. But things do go wrong, like when he doesn’t get put on the same soccer team as his best friend and instead is put on a team with a girl in his class who drives him crazy. But in the end, it all works out and second grade becomes something that Stuey never wants to end. After all, who knows what will happen in third grade?!
Schoenberg has written this book at just the right level for young readers. She has infused the story with humor, making the book very appealing to children. It also helps that the chapters read almost as separate stories about Stuey, so it can be tackled one chapter at a time. She also clearly sets the premise for each chapter, creating tension and driving new readers to figure out how the story ends.
Stuey is a very likeable character, filled with doubts and concerns just like any real kid. He is also inventive, which gets him both in and out of scrapes. Stuey shows steady growth through the stories and readers will not be surprised to find that he loves second grade by the end, even though the short book started with him dreading it.
Evans’ illustrations are fun-filled and friendly. The black-and-white images do a lot to break up the text into more readable pieces.
A great pick for readers who are leaving the beginning readers and ready to tackle chapter books. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Schoenberg has written this book at just the right level for young readers. She has infused the story with humor, making the book very appealing to children. It also helps that the chapters read almost as separate stories about Stuey, so it can be tackled one chapter at a time. She also clearly sets the premise for each chapter, creating tension and driving new readers to figure out how the story ends.
Stuey is a very likeable character, filled with doubts and concerns just like any real kid. He is also inventive, which gets him both in and out of scrapes. Stuey shows steady growth through the stories and readers will not be surprised to find that he loves second grade by the end, even though the short book started with him dreading it.
Evans’ illustrations are fun-filled and friendly. The black-and-white images do a lot to break up the text into more readable pieces.
A great pick for readers who are leaving the beginning readers and ready to tackle chapter books. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
May 25, 2011
Have you ever tried to hide something you're not good at? Do you have a secret you don't even want your best friend to know? That's life for Stuey Lewis at the start of second grade. He's afraid of being found out and that fear messes with everything.
What's Stuey's secret? He can't read. When his best friend invites him fishing, Stuey is excited to go until he learns a trip to the bookstore is included. Not wanting to look dumb in front of his super reader friend, Stuey tries to back out of the trip. When he learns one of his school library books must be a good fit book, Stuey doesn't want to go if it means being seen with 'baby' books. Not if it means telling his teacher Ginger what he can't do.
Stuey's second grade year continues with a great Halloween scheme to get the most candy now that he's allowed to trick or treat with his older brother rather than with his mom. There's no way this plan could go wrong. That is until he runs into the annoying Lily Stanley at Ginger's door. Can his disguise hold up to both his nemesis and teacher?
The book wraps up with Stuey's struggles with soccer and an end of the year school project, both of which throw Stuey in Lily Stanley's way. I like how the stories from his life show people in different ways. For example, Stuey's brother calls him names throughout the books, but he also acknowledges when Stuey does well. It's good to see a dynamic that goes past calling Stuey stupid. I think this book would be a great class read-aloud in elementary school.
Stuey Lewis Against All Odds: Stories from the Third Grade will be coming out in spring 2012. I look forward to sharing Stuey's next set of adventures.
What's Stuey's secret? He can't read. When his best friend invites him fishing, Stuey is excited to go until he learns a trip to the bookstore is included. Not wanting to look dumb in front of his super reader friend, Stuey tries to back out of the trip. When he learns one of his school library books must be a good fit book, Stuey doesn't want to go if it means being seen with 'baby' books. Not if it means telling his teacher Ginger what he can't do.
Stuey's second grade year continues with a great Halloween scheme to get the most candy now that he's allowed to trick or treat with his older brother rather than with his mom. There's no way this plan could go wrong. That is until he runs into the annoying Lily Stanley at Ginger's door. Can his disguise hold up to both his nemesis and teacher?
The book wraps up with Stuey's struggles with soccer and an end of the year school project, both of which throw Stuey in Lily Stanley's way. I like how the stories from his life show people in different ways. For example, Stuey's brother calls him names throughout the books, but he also acknowledges when Stuey does well. It's good to see a dynamic that goes past calling Stuey stupid. I think this book would be a great class read-aloud in elementary school.
Stuey Lewis Against All Odds: Stories from the Third Grade will be coming out in spring 2012. I look forward to sharing Stuey's next set of adventures.
May 11, 2013
Stuey Lewis is starting 2nd grade this year. He's really nervous because he still can't read that well and his best friend Will, is a reading machine. When he gets to school and finds out that this year they are going to have 6th grade reading buddies he feels quite sick. But he eventually learns that not everyone is a great reader to begin with and everyone has to work at it.
September turns into October and it's time for Stuey's favorite time of the year: Halloween!! Stuey loves candy more than anything else on the planet! And this year he's got a fantastic plan to get as much candy as he possibly can on Halloween. But can he get Will, his brother Anthony and Anthony's best friend Steven to go along with him. Maybe...maybe not...
Soccer is the next step in the school year and Stuey isn't so sure he wants to join. See, his brother Anthony has always been the soccer star. Stuey doesn't think he'll ever be that good. Finally he decides he wants to play soccer but there isn't any room on any of the teams! No worries, there's a new team, the Cheverolets! Wait... It's mostly girls! Can he make this work?
Finally the end of school is near. Stuey's not sure how he feels about this as this has been the most enjoyable school year yet. He vows not to go for the last day of school. But when his teacher asks him specially to stick it out, he decides it might not be all that horrible. Especially now that he knows he'll have the same teacher next year.
A fun, quick read. My only real issue is that the teacher seems to be a bigger part of Stuey's life than his mother. But maybe that's the modus operandi for this book/series.
September turns into October and it's time for Stuey's favorite time of the year: Halloween!! Stuey loves candy more than anything else on the planet! And this year he's got a fantastic plan to get as much candy as he possibly can on Halloween. But can he get Will, his brother Anthony and Anthony's best friend Steven to go along with him. Maybe...maybe not...
Soccer is the next step in the school year and Stuey isn't so sure he wants to join. See, his brother Anthony has always been the soccer star. Stuey doesn't think he'll ever be that good. Finally he decides he wants to play soccer but there isn't any room on any of the teams! No worries, there's a new team, the Cheverolets! Wait... It's mostly girls! Can he make this work?
Finally the end of school is near. Stuey's not sure how he feels about this as this has been the most enjoyable school year yet. He vows not to go for the last day of school. But when his teacher asks him specially to stick it out, he decides it might not be all that horrible. Especially now that he knows he'll have the same teacher next year.
A fun, quick read. My only real issue is that the teacher seems to be a bigger part of Stuey's life than his mother. But maybe that's the modus operandi for this book/series.
June 23, 2012
Stuey Lewis is a good kid, a fun little second grader and I wanted to like this book but I didn't. It wasn't anything that I haven't read before. There are the usual characters, primarily big brother, who calls him Stu-pid, best friend and a handful of classmates, particularly Lilly, who is the class
smartypants and who Stuey just doesn't
like at all. Same old same old. And frankly I am growing tired of books for young readers (boys especially)that have smart but obnoxious and annoying little girls in them. In this book it is Lily. She is such a bother that even the teacher is annoyed by her. Why is this portrayal of girls so common? Girls need to know it is good to be smart, they should be proud of themselves- not see smart as being annoying. Boys need to know that too. What messages are we sending to girls and boys who are just beginning to get a sense of who they are when we share these types of characters with them? Also, as a second grade teacher I would love to read more books that showed the genuine, caring friendships that I see between boys and girls in my classes. This book almost got there with the final chapter on "secret friendships". It is a clever idea but all of the things the secret friends did for each other where centered around giving treats and trinkets to each other.
I will say that I did like the first chapter on Stuey's fears about not being a good reader. The relationship that formed between him and his teacher as she helped him to see himself as a reading wizard was sweet.
smartypants and who Stuey just doesn't
like at all. Same old same old. And frankly I am growing tired of books for young readers (boys especially)that have smart but obnoxious and annoying little girls in them. In this book it is Lily. She is such a bother that even the teacher is annoyed by her. Why is this portrayal of girls so common? Girls need to know it is good to be smart, they should be proud of themselves- not see smart as being annoying. Boys need to know that too. What messages are we sending to girls and boys who are just beginning to get a sense of who they are when we share these types of characters with them? Also, as a second grade teacher I would love to read more books that showed the genuine, caring friendships that I see between boys and girls in my classes. This book almost got there with the final chapter on "secret friendships". It is a clever idea but all of the things the secret friends did for each other where centered around giving treats and trinkets to each other.
I will say that I did like the first chapter on Stuey's fears about not being a good reader. The relationship that formed between him and his teacher as she helped him to see himself as a reading wizard was sweet.
September 28, 2011
In four chapters, a terrific exploration of the fears and dynamics of school, sibling rivalry and especially learning to read. Stuey is very nervous about starting 2nd grade, because he can't read (well) yet and he's sure he's the only one. His teacher picks up on his worries and works it out with him. Later, he and his oldest buddy (an avid reader, BTW) cook up a Halloween plot to get more candy. He considers starting soccer, but his older brother is a soccer star--how will he measure up? And who is his Secret Friend? Through it all, his family, loyal friend and an astute teacher help him gain confidence. A winner.
Shorter and more episodic than 7 x 9 = Trouble!which deals with a students grappling with ongoing math issues.
Shorter and more episodic than 7 x 9 = Trouble!which deals with a students grappling with ongoing math issues.
November 4, 2011
My second grade students LOVED this book!!! It speaks so vividly to the things of second grade and they felt such a connection with Stuey. We have spent a large portion of time discuss the personal narrative side of Stuey and the four secrets that unfolded in each "chapter" that we read. Stuey's fears, his triumphs, his insecurities, his likes and dislikes make sense to my 2nd graders. We have had a lot of fun together through this book and am sad that it is over. We will be saying goodbye to a friend...but only for a little while. Coming soon...Stuey Lewis, Tales from 3rd Grade! We will be sure to do this together next year. Thank you Jane, for remembering the ups and downs of 2nd grade!
May 13, 2015
If you are looking to recommend a book for a struggling reader who also is a boy, DO NOT recommend this one. I was so hoping to fill that struggling gap. Stuey, the main character, has everything going against him. Spoiler alert - He adjusts to life by the end of the book. I just do not see boys continuing this read. He struggles with reading, his brother is a sports star, he gets paired up with a girl in his class, his father is absent.... Not a choice that exudes success!! I can see why so many libraries purchased this book. We need a strong male role model within a easy reader that looks like a book for older readers and has pictures and chapters...oh well where is a book like that?
April 17, 2015
Queen of Obnoxious... Ahahaha...
Duh, me want teacher like Ms Curtis... *hug Ginger*
At first, i want to punch Anthony for being such a jerk by calling his little brother, Stuey, with "Stu-pid".
Then at the end of story #3, i just want to stroke his hair and said, "You're a good one... A good one, Bro!"
"Great kickoff to the season," Coach Bean says as he puts his arms around my shoulder. He looks at Mom. "You should be very proud of Stuey."
"Oh, i am," says Mom.
Then he leans down and gives me a wink. "Guess you;re following in your brother's footsteps after all."
"He got his own feet," says Anthony.
I smile.
Duh, me want teacher like Ms Curtis... *hug Ginger*
At first, i want to punch Anthony for being such a jerk by calling his little brother, Stuey, with "Stu-pid".
Then at the end of story #3, i just want to stroke his hair and said, "You're a good one... A good one, Bro!"
"Great kickoff to the season," Coach Bean says as he puts his arms around my shoulder. He looks at Mom. "You should be very proud of Stuey."
"Oh, i am," says Mom.
Then he leans down and gives me a wink. "Guess you;re following in your brother's footsteps after all."
"He got his own feet," says Anthony.
I smile.
April 2, 2011
I was luck enough to get an advanced reader's copy of this delightful, hilarious and
touching story about an unforgettable little boy named Stuey Lewis. This little
second grade guy goes through challenge after challenge and lives to tell the tale.
A perfect read-aloud book for younger children as well as a great reader for kids in
second and third grade. Keep your eye out for more books in this fun series. I LOVE Stuey!
And check out his nemesis, the infamous Lily Stanley. I think she deserves a book all her own.
This book is due out in July 2011 and you can preorder it now.
touching story about an unforgettable little boy named Stuey Lewis. This little
second grade guy goes through challenge after challenge and lives to tell the tale.
A perfect read-aloud book for younger children as well as a great reader for kids in
second and third grade. Keep your eye out for more books in this fun series. I LOVE Stuey!
And check out his nemesis, the infamous Lily Stanley. I think she deserves a book all her own.
This book is due out in July 2011 and you can preorder it now.
July 15, 2011
I won this book on a First Reads Giveaway and feel terrible that I am just getting to it now. It apparently got lost in the sea of books in my Third Grader's bedroon. Anyway, we pulled this book out and I read it to my First and Third grader each morning before they went to school. We finished in 3 days. I felt it was a very simple read. Definately for the K-3 type. My kids enjoyed it and actually listened rather than fought with each other. I hope to see more Stuey adventures. It would be nice to see him grow.
August 18, 2011
I really liked Stuey Lewis. He was a realistic character - not yet a reader but still very creative and smart. His Halloween caper idea was brilliant. I wish I'd thought of it as a child!
As for Joliet Reads... I think the kids would really enjoy it. Would the district's teachers mind that his brother calls him "Stu-pid" when their mom is not around? The brother also called him "Jerk" one time, but gets in trouble for it. For the committee's purposes, I think this would be a good choice for third graders in October.
As for Joliet Reads... I think the kids would really enjoy it. Would the district's teachers mind that his brother calls him "Stu-pid" when their mom is not around? The brother also called him "Jerk" one time, but gets in trouble for it. For the committee's purposes, I think this would be a good choice for third graders in October.
November 12, 2011
The book opens with Stuey, who is in second grade, not wanting to go to school because he can’t read. The book takes us through his second grade year with stories that happen along the way. Realistic dialogue makes us feel the character’s angst as he struggles through the year and realizes that things will turn out alright. Readers can identify with the problems he has and how he gets through them with help from his teacher, family and friends. I really want to see what happens in 3rd grade.
November 30, 2011
What a cute book. The One and Only Stuey Lewis is told in four chapters about 2nd grade for Stuey. It starts out with the beginning of school and Stuey has a secret, he is afraid that everyone else reads better than he does. But with the help of his teacher he finds out that he can read just fine. The last chapter is about the last 3 days of school and how Stuey has decided that he is going to skip it because he does not want the school year to end.
I will definitely keep this book to read to my Granddaughter.
I will definitely keep this book to read to my Granddaughter.
February 15, 2013
Stuey Lewis has all the typical fears and joys of a second grade kid. Is he reading well enough? Will his Halloween costume be scary enough? Can he ever live up to the awesomeness of his big brother's soccer ability? Does he really have to end second grade and leave his beloved teacher, Ginger, behind when he goes to third?
The One and Only Stuey Lewis: Stories From the Second Grade is full of humor and delight. A great introduction into early chapter books for those readers who are now able to read by themselves (or with a little bit of help!).
The One and Only Stuey Lewis: Stories From the Second Grade is full of humor and delight. A great introduction into early chapter books for those readers who are now able to read by themselves (or with a little bit of help!).
February 17, 2013
A serviceable book for late 1st grade / 2nd grade looking for chapter books. The first chapter regarding Stuey's first week in school will work great as a read aloud (though teachers will cringe at the idea of a classroom teacher encouraging her students to call her by her first name! Yikes!!!) and since it concentrates on picking "Just Right Books" using the 5-finger rule this will work fantastic in the beginning of school as teachers and reading specialists teach this rule again. May take off as Keena Ford does in the second grade.
August 8, 2013
3.5 Stars
Stuey finds friendship in unexpected places. Good story about a second-grader (making this a hard sell for third, fourth, and fifth graders maybe) who is worried about his inability to read as well as his classmates. Only regret is the name-calling between Stuie and his older brother, Anthony, and the fact that the teacher asks her second graders to call her "Ginger." Hmmm.
Recommended for : second grade as a read aloud, not sure how interested older kids will be in a book about second graders.
Stuey finds friendship in unexpected places. Good story about a second-grader (making this a hard sell for third, fourth, and fifth graders maybe) who is worried about his inability to read as well as his classmates. Only regret is the name-calling between Stuie and his older brother, Anthony, and the fact that the teacher asks her second graders to call her "Ginger." Hmmm.
Recommended for : second grade as a read aloud, not sure how interested older kids will be in a book about second graders.
September 16, 2012
This was a cute book, nothing ground-breaking, but my kids really enjoyed hearing about Stuey's adventures. I think this would have been a great book to introduce a first or second grader to reading chapter books independently. The pages use large print and are relatively easy to read, so I think there's some potential my 6-year-old could have handled it alone. I personally didn't find the stories as intriguing or entertaining as some of he other books we've read together.
August 17, 2013
Four short stories in one book, Stuey Lewis is just trying to survive the start of second grade. He must learn how to read, get the most candy at Halloween, live up to his older brother's reputation in soccer, and deal with an annoying classmate. The chapters are rather long for beginning readers, but each chapter is essential a stand alone story. This would be a better recommendation for readers already comfortable with chapter books and ready to transition to longer text.
September 8, 2011
This is a good book. I liked it a lot. It was funny.
This is a good book because each chapter is a different story about Stuey. I like it a lot because it is funny. Stuey has what he thinks are great ideas but they get him into trouble in funny ways. He and his brother and great arguments that are funny too.
This is a good book because each chapter is a different story about Stuey. I like it a lot because it is funny. Stuey has what he thinks are great ideas but they get him into trouble in funny ways. He and his brother and great arguments that are funny too.
May 3, 2012
I liked this story and the characters I felt that it was age appropriate and taught many valuable lessons that young children need to learn such as, "being yourself", and "learning in your own time" plus many more. I will definately recommend this book to many young people who cross my path in life and work.
Plus it was cute and fun to read i really enjoyed it.
Plus it was cute and fun to read i really enjoyed it.
July 20, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories about the lovable Stuey Lewis. Although this one is nominated for the 2014 Monarch Award, I can't wait to read, "Stuey Lewis Against All Odds" about his 3rd grade year! I'd love to use it as a read aloud and hope to pique the interest of my students in reading other books by the same author.
September 19, 2013
After an afternoon of mediocre picture books, it's nice to read a good old early novel with plenty of boy appeal. And no offense to Lenore Look, because I really like her "Ruby Lu" books, but I like Stuey a lot more than "Alvin Ho" whom I find irritating beyond belief.
June 5, 2011
A gentle read for newbie readers or reluctant older readers. A series of linked stories follow Stuey as he learns to love to read, hatches a fantastic Halloween caper, and has other adventures. Sweet and funny, Stuey is a great addition to early chapter books for young boys.
January 8, 2012
This is a collection of really funny short (but interconnected) stories. It has a lot of good messages, but isn't message-driven. I think this would make a good choice for young readers or a really fun read-aloud for a second grade class.
February 5, 2012
wish the second grade hadn't finished up in one short volume. I think this would be a series my kids would really enjoy! The stories were funny and very real. Just wish there were going to be more to follow!
March 6, 2012
Four great stories help readers get to know Stuey and how he handles grade 2. Schoenberg deals with school anxiety, living up to a sibling's success, Halloween tricks, and being nice to the person you like the least. Recommended.
April 1, 2012
My 6 year old son and I enjoyed this book. He could really relate to the stories. I did do some improv to avoid the name-calling (more than enough "stupid") but other than that, this was a great chapter book for my son.berenstain bears
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews