Synopses & Reviews
Its not easy being a nine-year-old kid in the middle of a busy, gifted family. Especially when the list of things youre good at includes only two items“Crying” and “Stopping crying”and the list of things youre not good at seems to be getting longer every day.
When Sophies mom suggests that shes good at being kind and just needs a little more practice, Sophie feels hopeful. But being kind to a grouchy old lady or her big sister, Nora, or the weird new girl at school isnt as easy as it sounds. If only Sophie were a queen, she could practice being kind to commoners instead. It would be much more dignified and elegant. And she would finally get to wear her very own diamond tiara. . . .
From the author of the popular Owen Foote books, here is a funny, observant novel about an irrepressible girl, as quirky and original in her own way as Owen is in his, in search of her own special talent.
Synopsis
Owen has discovered an amazing catalog called "Junk You Never Knew About," and found a bunch of neat stuff to buy. The only trouble is, hes broke! How can he make some cash, quick? His parents are willing to give him an allowance, but that would mean doing all sorts of boring chores. Owen is sure theres a better wayall he needs is the perfect plan. With the help of his best friend, Joseph, Owen comes up with one money-making scheme after another, butfunny thinghes still broke. Not till Owen changes his ideas about how to make money, and how to spend it, does the tide of fortune start to flow the other way. Owen Footes new adventure makes a hilarious and fast-paced book, perfect for kids fascinated with the joys of getting and spending money.
Synopsis
Sophie Hartley is almost sure that her dad said okay when she asked for a baby gorilla for her birthday. Soon the kids at school want to know every detail about the gorilla, and dealing with her enthusiastic classmates gets harder as the big day approaches. When teenage sister Nora leaves their shared bedroom for her own space in the attic, and close friend Jenna shows signs of becoming a shrieker, Sophie finds it hard to remain optimistic. Maybe painting her windowsills purple will help. And maybe shell get the perfect present! Funny and believable, the story of a big birthday will please old and new Sophie fans.
Synopsis
Its not easy being a nine-year-old kid in the middle of a busy, gifted family. Especially when the list of things youre good at includes only two items“Crying” and “Stopping crying”and the list of things youre not good at seems to be getting longer every day.
When Sophies mom suggests that shes good at being kind and just needs a little more practice, Sophie feels hopeful. But being kind to a grouchy old lady or her big sister, Nora, or the weird new girl at school isnt as easy as it sounds. If only Sophie were a queen, she could practice being kind to commoners instead. It would be much more dignified and elegant. And she would finally get to wear her very own diamond tiara. . . .
From the author of the popular Owen Foote books, here is a funny, observant novel about an irrepressible girl, as quirky and original in her own way as Owen is in his, in search of her own special talent.
Synopsis
Sophie is supposed to help out around the house, and thats bad enough. But then her mother comes up with a job chart, and all of a sudden Sophie has a whole list of new chores to do. Some of them, like cleaning the downstairs toilet, are gross! “Menial,” says big brother Thad, who somehow manages to avoid doing any of his own new jobs. “No fair!” says Sophie.
Sophies father went on strike when his beliefs were on the line. Now Sophie sees no alternative but to stand up for what she believes in.
The ensuing battle of wills threatens to defeat even the indomitable Sophie. Will the Hartleys have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for every meal from now on? Will they ever have happy family times together again?
About the Author
With the arrival of “The Hartley Family Job List,” Sophie has a whole new list of jobs to do. Some of them, like cleaning the downstairs toilet, are gross!
Sophies father went on strike when his beliefs were on the line. Now Sophie sees no alternative but to stand up for what she believes in. Sophie Hartley is on strike.
"Funny family hijinks explode into pure hilarity with lively dialogue and a simple plot." Kirkus Reviews
"Fans of Cleary, Hurwitz, and the Judy Moody series will enjoy this snapshot of real family life." Horn Book
"Well-developed characters, smooth dialogue, and a satisfying ending will leave [readers] eager to read more of Sophie's escapades." School Library Journal
"Greene delivers with humor, sharp dialogue, and a family dynamic that remains both loving and real." Booklist, ALA
"[An] entertaining portrayal of domestic unrest." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"This solidly middle-class family will remind many of the Quimbys." Horn Book Guide, PointerStephanie Greene is the author of six books about Owen Foote, as well as Falling into Place and Show and Tell. She lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.