Synopses & Reviews
It's another day at Boerring Elementary: Einstein the class hamster, lover of fun facts, is getting ready for his game show when in walks Principal Decker with some bad news. Due to severe budget cuts, the school library will be closed for the rest of the year.
How is this possible? The library is the heart of the school! Einstein is determined to find a way to save the library. With the help of Marlon the turtle, his friend Ned, and Ms. Moreno's entire class, plans are put in motion!
Janet and Jake Tashjian are back with another winning story starring the lovable walking encyclopedia, Einstein the class hamster.
Review
"Meet Einstein, class hamster and Alex Trebek wannabe. Einsteins Tasty Tidbits appear throughout, offering fun, informative, and occasionally disgusting facts (for instance, its difficult to know if the waste from whales is vomit or poop). Tashjians son Jake provides the line drawings that, while perhaps not the most artistic (Einstein looks a lot like Mr. Potato Head), are the most hysterical. A clever gigglefest of a series starter." -- Booklist
Praise for My Life as a Book:
* “Give this to kids who think they dont like reading. It might change their minds.” —Booklist, starred review
* “A kinder, gentler Wimpy Kid with all the fun and more plot.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Sure to engage fans of Jeff Kinneys ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid books as well as those looking for a spunky, contemporary boy with a mystery to solve.” —School Library Journal
Praise for My Life as a Stuntboy:
“Another fun, emotionally resonant read for the Wimpy Kid set and beyond.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A fast-moving plot and relatable protagonist make this stand-alone sequel a good choice for boys who, like Derek, would rather reach for a TV remote or game controller than a book.” —School Library Journal
“Fans of the first will be utterly delighted by this sequel and anxious to see what [Derek] will turn up as next.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books
“This is a great package for kids, especially those like Derek who dont think they like to read.” —Booklist
About the Author
Janet Tashjian has written twelve books for middle grade and young adult readers. She loves doing school visits around the country, talking to students about reading, cartoons, and how important it is to have chocolate around when you're revising. Her son, Jake Tashjian, has illustrated four books for kids. Einstein the Class Hamster is based on a comic strip he created in sixth grade. He's an avid surfer; Janet is an avid coffee drinker. They live in Los Angeles.