Oliver and Amanda: Amanda Pig, First Grader by Jean Van Leeuwen

Book Genre: Comedy and Humor

Publishing Info.: Scholastic Inc., 40 pages

Awards or Honors Received: N/A

Summary: This story is about an adorable little pig named Amanda. Amanda is starting the first grade and she is so excited about it. She is excited about getting first grade homework, running first grade errands, and helping out friends on the playground. She is optimistic until she realizes that she cannot read. She thought for sure that once she started first grade she would be able to read. After some time, Amanda begins noticing words around her, and she realizes that she is learning new words a little bit at a time. The story ends with her being so excited about reading that she wants to give up her recess time to stay inside and read books. Amanda Pig ends up loving first grade.

Personal Rating and Reason for Rating: ***Good. Amanda Pig is an adorable character who young children can relate to. She has some of the same excitement and fears that many new first graders have. I really liked how the book pointed out some ways that first grade was different than Amanda Pig had expected. This was my first time reading this book, but I plan to use it in the next week before my Kindergartners leave for the first grade. I think this book will be very beneficial in relieving some of the anxiety that my students are feeling.

Reading Level: 1.7

Interest Level: K-2

Possible Uses of the Text in Integrated Units of Study (Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum): This book would be a great way to introduce a writing lesson on what Kindergartners expect the first grade to be like. This writing lesson would give children a chance to voice any concerns that they may have and discuss their concerns aloud. This alone could alleviate some of the anxiety that children may feel about leaving their teachers and friends. This could also be extended to an art lesson where children paint or draw a picture of what they think they will like or dislike about the first grade.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: I do not see any problems with this book.