This back-to-school tale is a humorous and relatable read for rising first graders and young children facing new experiences.
It's the first day of school, and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She's a first grader!
Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways. The classroom isn't as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn't seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher did, and there isn't enough time to play outside. Finally, Hayley has had enough. "First grade stinks!" she shouts. And fortunately, her compassionate teacher completely understands.
Young readers will immediately empathize with Hayley as she struggles to find enthusiasm for her new school year. 2/4/2022
"Perfect as a read-aloud. . . a spot-on depiction of teachers helping kids through rough patches." —School Library Journal
★ "Rodman handles the turmoil of school transitions with realism and humor. A good jumping-off book for discussions about differences and change." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Rodman's witty take on the harsh realities of first grade, as perceived by those in the trenches, will tickle readers' funny bones. . . . For young readers approaching this or any other significant transition with trepidation, Rodman's humorous tale serves as a gentle reminder to search for the silver lining." —Kirkus Reviews
"Ink sketches filled in with splashy watercolors depict a worried, increasingly frazzled Haley as she copes with new challenges in a busy, active classroom. An important book for kids making a pretty tough transition." —Booklist
Mary Ann Rodman is a former school media specialist and the author of picture books and middle grade novels. She has received both the Ezra Jack Keats Award for Outstanding New Picture Book Writer and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She lives in Georgia.
Beth Spiegel has edited award-winning documentary programs for television and directed animated films that have received several international awards. She lives in California.
This back-to-school tale is a humorous and relatable read for rising first graders and young children facing new experiences.
It's the first day of school, and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She's a first grader!
Hayley quickly finds out that first grade is different from kindergarten, but in all the wrong ways. The classroom isn't as bright and colorful. Ms. Gray doesn't seem to smile as much as her kindergarten teacher did, and there isn't enough time to play outside. Finally, Hayley has had enough. "First grade stinks!" she shouts. And fortunately, her compassionate teacher completely understands.
Young readers will immediately empathize with Hayley as she struggles to find enthusiasm for her new school year. 2/4/2022
Reviews
"Perfect as a read-aloud. . . a spot-on depiction of teachers helping kids through rough patches." —School Library Journal
★ "Rodman handles the turmoil of school transitions with realism and humor. A good jumping-off book for discussions about differences and change." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"Rodman's witty take on the harsh realities of first grade, as perceived by those in the trenches, will tickle readers' funny bones. . . . For young readers approaching this or any other significant transition with trepidation, Rodman's humorous tale serves as a gentle reminder to search for the silver lining." —Kirkus Reviews
"Ink sketches filled in with splashy watercolors depict a worried, increasingly frazzled Haley as she copes with new challenges in a busy, active classroom. An important book for kids making a pretty tough transition." —Booklist
Author
Mary Ann Rodman is a former school media specialist and the author of picture books and middle grade novels. She has received both the Ezra Jack Keats Award for Outstanding New Picture Book Writer and the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She lives in Georgia.
Beth Spiegel has edited award-winning documentary programs for television and directed animated films that have received several international awards. She lives in California.
