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Gracie is gonna be a book worm once I can get her reading on her own.
My 5 year old daughter loved this book. My almost 3 year old wanted us to keep reading. I like that they are written from her perspective (so it has words that are not said correctly etc). I didn't care for all the times she used the words hate, dumb, and stupid because those are words we have taught them to use sparingly. I found myself changing them. My kids didn't seem to notice a difference and still enjoyed the books. I love that my children love books and enjoy chapter books.
This is a cute funny story about an adorable mischievous little girl. I laughed out loud out some of the things she did and said. I think the author really captured little kids and their mannerisms. However, it was disappointing how often Junie B uses the words stupid and hate. I was reading this to my 4 year old and I started to edit those words out as she's been told not to say them. And while Junie B does get into a lot of trouble, at this point I don't think my 4 year old really caught on. Plus, I made a point to talk about how Junie B was making the wrong choice.
I think this was a funny little story. If, there hadn't been all the "stupid" and "hate" words, I probably would have given this 4 stars.
GR rating: 3 stars - liked it, good, enjoyable
I think this was a funny little story. If, there hadn't been all the "stupid" and "hate" words, I probably would have given this 4 stars.
GR rating: 3 stars - liked it, good, enjoyable
I just adore Junie B. I could reread this series every year and never get bored.
I'm reading this series with my sons and they are LOVING them!! She is funny, but I skip over a fair amount of name-calling and excessive rudeness from Junie B. Still, the boys love them so much, so it's a very enjoyable reading experience!
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Characters – 9/10
Junie B. Jones is one of the most memorable and distinctive protagonists I’ve encountered in children's literature. Her voice is so strong and unique that I felt as though I truly knew her. She is stubborn, opinionated, and full of personality, making her an incredibly engaging character to follow. The secondary characters, such as her classmates and the adults in her world, added humor and realism to the story. While they weren’t as deeply developed as Junie B., they served their roles effectively, reinforcing her perspective and experiences. I easily connected with Junie B.’s fears, frustrations, and mischievous antics, making her feel both authentic and endearing.
Junie B. Jones is one of the most memorable and distinctive protagonists I’ve encountered in children's literature. Her voice is so strong and unique that I felt as though I truly knew her. She is stubborn, opinionated, and full of personality, making her an incredibly engaging character to follow. The secondary characters, such as her classmates and the adults in her world, added humor and realism to the story. While they weren’t as deeply developed as Junie B., they served their roles effectively, reinforcing her perspective and experiences. I easily connected with Junie B.’s fears, frustrations, and mischievous antics, making her feel both authentic and endearing.
Atmosphere/Setting – 7/10
The school and bus settings were vividly portrayed through Junie B.'s childlike lens, making even the ordinary feel significant. I could picture the loud, chaotic bus and the intimidating new classroom through her exaggerated descriptions. However, because the story is so focused on Junie B.’s internal voice, the setting sometimes took a backseat to her emotions. While the atmosphere felt lively and energetic, it didn’t always create a fully immersive world beyond her immediate experiences. That said, the tension and nervousness she felt about school were tangible, making the setting work well for the story’s purpose.
The school and bus settings were vividly portrayed through Junie B.'s childlike lens, making even the ordinary feel significant. I could picture the loud, chaotic bus and the intimidating new classroom through her exaggerated descriptions. However, because the story is so focused on Junie B.’s internal voice, the setting sometimes took a backseat to her emotions. While the atmosphere felt lively and energetic, it didn’t always create a fully immersive world beyond her immediate experiences. That said, the tension and nervousness she felt about school were tangible, making the setting work well for the story’s purpose.
Writing Style – 9/10
Barbara Park’s writing is effortlessly engaging. The book is written in Junie B.’s unfiltered, somewhat grammatically incorrect voice, which adds charm and authenticity. The dialogue and narration blend seamlessly, making the book read like a child’s stream of consciousness. While the style is simple, it is deceptively clever, capturing the humor, anxiety, and impulsiveness of a kindergartener. Park’s ability to make Junie B.’s thoughts feel so real is impressive, and her use of humor keeps the story entertaining throughout. I would absolutely read more of her work because of how well she crafts such a strong, singular voice.
Barbara Park’s writing is effortlessly engaging. The book is written in Junie B.’s unfiltered, somewhat grammatically incorrect voice, which adds charm and authenticity. The dialogue and narration blend seamlessly, making the book read like a child’s stream of consciousness. While the style is simple, it is deceptively clever, capturing the humor, anxiety, and impulsiveness of a kindergartener. Park’s ability to make Junie B.’s thoughts feel so real is impressive, and her use of humor keeps the story entertaining throughout. I would absolutely read more of her work because of how well she crafts such a strong, singular voice.
Plot – 8/10
The plot is straightforward but effective. Junie B.’s fear of the school bus and her dramatic decision to avoid it are relatable and engaging. The pacing keeps the story moving, with no sections feeling slow or unnecessary. Junie B.'s antics, including hiding in the school instead of taking the bus home, were both funny and nerve-wracking. While there weren’t any grand twists, the story provided an enjoyable and satisfying arc that felt complete. The simplicity worked in its favor, making it accessible while still delivering a clear emotional journey.
The plot is straightforward but effective. Junie B.’s fear of the school bus and her dramatic decision to avoid it are relatable and engaging. The pacing keeps the story moving, with no sections feeling slow or unnecessary. Junie B.'s antics, including hiding in the school instead of taking the bus home, were both funny and nerve-wracking. While there weren’t any grand twists, the story provided an enjoyable and satisfying arc that felt complete. The simplicity worked in its favor, making it accessible while still delivering a clear emotional journey.
Intrigue – 8/10
From the first page, I was invested in Junie B.’s perspective. Her voice is so strong and amusing that I wanted to keep reading just to see what she would say or do next. Her unpredictability made the book feel dynamic and entertaining. While the stakes weren’t particularly high, I was fully engaged in her school bus dilemma. The humor and emotional relatability made it easy to stay interested, though the plot wasn’t the kind that leaves lingering questions or deep curiosity after finishing.
From the first page, I was invested in Junie B.’s perspective. Her voice is so strong and amusing that I wanted to keep reading just to see what she would say or do next. Her unpredictability made the book feel dynamic and entertaining. While the stakes weren’t particularly high, I was fully engaged in her school bus dilemma. The humor and emotional relatability made it easy to stay interested, though the plot wasn’t the kind that leaves lingering questions or deep curiosity after finishing.
Logic/Relationships – 8/10
Junie B.’s reactions and relationships felt completely believable for a five-year-old. Her exaggerated emotions and misunderstandings reflected how children process new experiences, making her a realistic and compelling character. The way adults interacted with her, particularly their exasperation, also felt natural. There were no glaring inconsistencies in logic, though the story leaned more on humor than deep world-building. The relationships, especially her nervousness around classmates and her stubborn interactions with adults, felt well-developed within the scope of the book.
Junie B.’s reactions and relationships felt completely believable for a five-year-old. Her exaggerated emotions and misunderstandings reflected how children process new experiences, making her a realistic and compelling character. The way adults interacted with her, particularly their exasperation, also felt natural. There were no glaring inconsistencies in logic, though the story leaned more on humor than deep world-building. The relationships, especially her nervousness around classmates and her stubborn interactions with adults, felt well-developed within the scope of the book.
Enjoyment – 9/10
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, fast-paced, and full of personality. Junie B. is such a strong protagonist that her perspective alone made the story engaging. The humor landed well, and the book balanced lighthearted mischief with genuine childhood anxieties. I would absolutely recommend this book, especially for early readers or anyone looking for a fun, nostalgic read. It perfectly captures the chaotic, dramatic, and hilariously honest way children experience the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, fast-paced, and full of personality. Junie B. is such a strong protagonist that her perspective alone made the story engaging. The humor landed well, and the book balanced lighthearted mischief with genuine childhood anxieties. I would absolutely recommend this book, especially for early readers or anyone looking for a fun, nostalgic read. It perfectly captures the chaotic, dramatic, and hilariously honest way children experience the world.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes