Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky, Peeky Spying
Author: Barbara Park
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Date of Publication: 1994
Format: Softcover
Page Count: 66 Pages
Cost: $3.99
ISBN: 0-590-63554-9
Reading Level: Grades 1-3
Plot Summary: Junie B. Jones is a curious little girl, and she’s determined to find out what ‘Mrs.,’ her Kindergarten teacher, does when she’s not in school. Even though her mother has warned her to stop spying on people, Junie can’t pass up the perfect opportunity when she runs into her teacher at the grocery store. When Junie witnesses Mrs. sample grapes without paying for them, she is horrified to discover firsthand that adults aren’t perfect. Junie attempts to keep her teacher’s secret, but eventually it explodes out of her in an amusing and embarrassing way. The books, narrated from Junie’s first person point of view, are very true to a Kindergartener’s voice, linguistic inaccuracies and all.
Evaluation: This book and the series it is a part of introduce the reader to a flawed but lovable young girl who usually acts upon good intentions that end up backfiring in some tremendous way. Junie is egocentric and occasionally bratty, as is any 5 year old child. Some parents are bound to take issue with the intentional spelling and word choice errors, but children are much more likely to appreciate the inherent humor and truth in Junie’s escapades than to take issue with her grammar. This book is a high-interest read that will capture a child’s attention and hold it from beginning to end. Additionally, the message that everyone occasionally makes mistakes is a positive—and important—one.
Reader’s Annotation: Junie B. has been warned by her mother over and over not to keep spying on people- but her curiosity about her kindergarten teacher’s life is too much for Junie to resist!
Links:
Is Junie B. Jones Talking Trash?
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