Theo Baker

This is the first Hank Zipzer book I have read although I have watched many students check them out from my school library. Hank seems to be the British equivalent of Greg Hefley. Both consider themselves underachievers, and much of the book focuses on the antics of the main character trying to get out of a situation they put themselves into.

In this book, Hank’s sister and parents are out of the apartment while his sister gets her tonsils out. Hank has planned a “Grand Pizza and Ice-Cream Gala and Soiree” with his friends. This would be fine except he has a report on WWI due the next day. Add that he must take care of his sister’s pet lizard and let the shenanigans begin. The story is well-paced with short chapters that are just right for more reluctant readers. The sister’s brilliant character is fun as she shows more sanity than her parents over her operation.

What is most special about this book is the font. It is written in OpenDyslexic which increases the readability for those with dyslexia. The font is heavier at the bottom which seems to help ground the letters.

I would definitely recommend this book for students who have read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and are looking for something new. They won't be disappointed with this one.… (mere)

In this latest installment of the Hank Zipzer series, Hank is worried about taking a bad school picture for the yearbook. Every year something goes wrong and his picture comes out looking goofy. He is determined to do something about it this year and have the best picture ever! In true Hank Zipzer style, he encounters just a few obstacles along the way. I would recommend this for any collection owning others in the series. It can be read as a stand along, but it would be helpful to have read at least one of the others to understand Hank.… (mere)