Author: Louis Sachar
Illustrator: Amy Wummer
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: classroom interaction, themed dress-up days at school, the president of the U.S., citizenship importance
Primary and Secondary Characters: Marvin Redpost, Nick, Stuart, Mrs. North, Clarence, Judy Jasper, Casey Happleton, Mr. McCabe and the president of the U.S.
Awards: New Orleans Times - Picayune and Children's Book Award 2000
Date of Publication: 1999
Publishing Company: Random House, Inc.
Summary:
Marvin Redpost is excited that today is "holes day" at school. That means that everyone in the school gets to wear a piece of clothing with holes in it. Marvin has 2 holes in his jeans! As fun as this day begins, Mrs. North is excited to get the day started, but is asked to go to the principal's office. As the students begin to wonder why, she returns with a very surprised and questionable look on her face. The students ask her if she is feeling alright, and Mrs. North stutters as she tells them the news. But finally she manages to get out, "The president will be coming here today." Marvin and the rest of his class looked confused and even unsure. Their school was in Maryland and was only about twenty miles outside of Washington, D.C. so it was reasonable for him to come, but why to their school is what baffled Marvin and the rest of his classmates. As the truth sank in, everyone was excited and nervous. Mrs. North had everyone come up with a few questions that they would like to ask the president. As the news came in that he was at the school, Marvin heard a knock on the door. Low and behold, if it wasn't the president himself that walked through the door! Marvin had been at the front of the class working on a math problem on the chalkboard when the president walked in. He had introduced himself but had insisted that Marvin finish the problem he had been working on. Marvin finished, but had the first honor of shaking the presidents hand! After everyone asked their questions, the president stressed how important it was to be an outstanding American citizen. The president had used Marvin as an example and he felt honored that the president knew him by name. After the president left, Marvin went home to describe his day at school. As his dad turned on the news, there was Marvin shaking hands with the president! Marvin was over thrilled!
Marvin Redpost is excited that today is "holes day" at school. That means that everyone in the school gets to wear a piece of clothing with holes in it. Marvin has 2 holes in his jeans! As fun as this day begins, Mrs. North is excited to get the day started, but is asked to go to the principal's office. As the students begin to wonder why, she returns with a very surprised and questionable look on her face. The students ask her if she is feeling alright, and Mrs. North stutters as she tells them the news. But finally she manages to get out, "The president will be coming here today." Marvin and the rest of his class looked confused and even unsure. Their school was in Maryland and was only about twenty miles outside of Washington, D.C. so it was reasonable for him to come, but why to their school is what baffled Marvin and the rest of his classmates. As the truth sank in, everyone was excited and nervous. Mrs. North had everyone come up with a few questions that they would like to ask the president. As the news came in that he was at the school, Marvin heard a knock on the door. Low and behold, if it wasn't the president himself that walked through the door! Marvin had been at the front of the class working on a math problem on the chalkboard when the president walked in. He had introduced himself but had insisted that Marvin finish the problem he had been working on. Marvin finished, but had the first honor of shaking the presidents hand! After everyone asked their questions, the president stressed how important it was to be an outstanding American citizen. The president had used Marvin as an example and he felt honored that the president knew him by name. After the president left, Marvin went home to describe his day at school. As his dad turned on the news, there was Marvin shaking hands with the president! Marvin was over thrilled!
How it will be used in the classroom:
This book is a great book to read for students who are in grades 2nd to 4th. It's an easy read but it also consists of great vocabulary words that could be used to further educate students. I would really like to read this story during a patriotic time of the year like Flag Day or President's Day. I am sure students would like to be able to imagine themselves as Marvin Redpost!
This book is a great book to read for students who are in grades 2nd to 4th. It's an easy read but it also consists of great vocabulary words that could be used to further educate students. I would really like to read this story during a patriotic time of the year like Flag Day or President's Day. I am sure students would like to be able to imagine themselves as Marvin Redpost!
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