Nate loses his skateboard. He tries to win another skateboard. He has to win against Artur.

As these are all starting to blend together in their mediocrity, I'll just affix a conversation I had with some students about Big Nate:
One of my students caught me reading this and they were SOOO excited to see a teacher reading the same stuff THEY read. So, I decided to take the opportunity to ask a few students why they enjoy Big Nate. I was met with blank stares. "Well...ummmm..."
Me: If you don't like it, why do you read it?
Her: Because it's fast. We get more points for more books, so we can get quick points.
Her fellow students: *nods and murmurs of agreement*

Ah. That makes so much sense. ( )

Young Reader Reaction: Our daughter loves Nate more than she does Wimpy Kid. She laughs her way through every book, and usually reads it cover to cover in one sitting. She talked about the skunk (cartoon) for days!

Adult Reader Reaction: With Nate, you're never sure what is going to happen next. I'm amazed that my daughter sits to read the whole book, because despite the cartoon insets, there is a lot of text on the page. It is unfortunate that Artur is such a caricature of an ESL student. Early in the book Nate describes Artur's broken English as "charming" (as written in the book). The comment - and dialogue in the book - are insensitive and overdone.

Pros: Preteens will love - and laugh out loud - this illustrated "diary" of Big Nate's life. Dormant, struggling, and avid readers will find something to love in this cartoon-ish story.

Read our full review and add yours at The Reading Tub®.

My only complaint is that there was not enough Gina! ( )

It is nice... ( )