From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
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This book reminds me of a kid version of "Ocean's Eleven."
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When Miss Breakbone, cantankerous child-hating teacher extraordinaire, takes Junkyard's magnifying class and his mother's birthday present during class, she makes a series of mistakes. The worst of which is that she dares Junkyard not to think about getting his things back.
Now Einstein, the class problem solver, is organizing the rest of the kids in the class to pull off the ultimate heist--breaking into Miss Breakbone's house to retrieve the one-eyed cat in time for Junkyard to give it to his m ...more
Now Einstein, the class problem solver, is organizing the rest of the kids in the class to pull off the ultimate heist--breaking into Miss Breakbone's house to retrieve the one-eyed cat in time for Junkyard to give it to his m ...more
This felt like a picture book version of 'The Mysterious Benedict Society.' A crack team of children of varying talents united by common goal. Clever, clever children thwart the evil grownup. Perhaps there is an emerging sub genre...'Ocean's 11 junior' see also 'Swindle' by Gordon Korman.
It could just as easily belong to the classic sub genre of children's lit- the evil teacher...see also 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl, 'Miss Nelson is Missing' by Allard, 'A Little Princess' by Frances Hodgson Burnett. ...more
It could just as easily belong to the classic sub genre of children's lit- the evil teacher...see also 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl, 'Miss Nelson is Missing' by Allard, 'A Little Princess' by Frances Hodgson Burnett. ...more
Entertaining light and clever read about a nasty piece of work of a teacher and some very clever and resourceful students who definitely give her a well-deserved comeuppance. Although this is cataloged in the fiction (as in longer fiction) area of the children's area of our library, it is really a picture book for older readers. Aah - do I wish there could be a separate area for just that. Those special books that are far too long and conceptually above the little ones have so much to offer as r
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Hovering somewhere inbetween a picture book and a chapter book, something tells me this book would make an excellent read-aloud. The only problem there would be that if you read it to a larger group, they couldn't fully admire the illustrations, which are half the fun. Still, it's funny and the topic - an evil teacher who must be taken down - is perfect for elementary school kids. I read through it quickly when my order arrived, and I'm looking forward to the chance to admire it again.
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The illustrations are wonderful in this book. I still need to keep going over it, because I'm sure I've missed some things. It's a very difficult book to classify, and that can be a good thing! This could provide some interesting follow-up writing/drawing opportunities for students.
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Okay I'll say it again, It's hard to write for this age group. But this one is a winner. It's not dumbed down, and even adults can enjoy this fun story with the craziest illustrations and wildest gang of co-conspirators ever to grace the pages of a children's book. Pure fun.
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Kids will really enjoy the how a class plays to it''s strengths and works together to get back what is rightfully theirs from their teacher that is over the top. Miss Breakbone is very reminiscent of Matilda's teacher Miss Trunchbull in her audacity and dislike of children.
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I plan on recommending this one to the "mystery readers" who come into the library looking for a book to read aloud to a 3rd or 4th grade class. Hopefully the teacher won't resemble Miss Breakbone! Lots of interesting details--including one boy's freaky fingernails.
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A silly book about some kids who are called the Dunderheads by their teacher, so they get some revenge on her. At about a 3rd grade level.
Clever and laugh-out-loud funny. I wish it had gone on and on. (Also, still, that it had been a REAL CAT.)
Cracked me up.
RL 430
Clever book, with an evil teacher in the spirit of a Roald Dahl vilain (I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately...) and a crazy, quirky cast of kid-heroes. While the story was entertaining enough, the pictures were what sold me and set the tone.
Kind of reminds me of an episode of Recess - anyone remember that show? ...more
Kind of reminds me of an episode of Recess - anyone remember that show? ...more
“Miss Breakbone hated kids. Every time she made on cry, she gave herself a gold star.” Can the Dunderheads get the best of the worst teacher? It is going to be fun seeing them in action.
52 Book Club25: 5) Plot includes a heist
52 Book Club25: 5) Plot includes a heist
Great illustrations complement this amusing story told in matter of fact style by a young mastermind in a class of truly exceptional children.
