Junie B., First Grader (at Last!) (Junie B. Jones Series #18) Book

The Junie B. Jones series has always been recommended to me to encourage my daughter to love reading independently. I thought starting off the series in first grade with this book was perfect, but I was very disappointed. Not only did I not like the story of how Junie begins first grade with a new teacher (Mr. Scary), but I was shocked at how disrespectful and bratty Junie B. is throughout the book. My daughter picked up on these selfish and ugly qualities as well. We both agreed that this book didn't have the characteristics of a good story. Junie not only is adjusting to a new classroom with a new teacher, but she is having difficulty reading the chalkboard and struggles through the idea of needing glasses. This is a theme I do think is relevant to many first graders.

This is a realistic fiction book as the story is not a true account of a real girl named Junie B. Jones, but her everyday experiences could be true.

I have seen this book in many classroom libraries in 2nd through 5th grade for students to choose for independent reading time. While I understand the book can be a funny account of a realistic fictional character, I don't appreciate the way Junie feels she can behave among peers and adults. I would not choose to have this series in my classroom library as I think there are many more worthy realistic fiction stories that have a meaningful and relevant message for young readers. Reading this book reminds me that not all children's literature is great, and that it is important to have read the books my students are reading. My reading conferences will be much more effective if I too have read most of my students' independent reading books.

While my opinion about this book is strong, I can only assume that some of my students would be entertained by this book as I know so many of my daughter's friends have read every book in the extended series. I wouldn't allow my opinion to prevent my students from reading the book, and I would still use the book to encourage independent reading for my early elementary readers (1st-3rd grade students). I would use literature circles with students and design discussion questions about the book for my students. I would even include questions about Junie's behavior to gauge what my students think about her in comparison to my strong opinion.