Reviews

I Got A "D" in Salami by Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver

mollybonovskyanderson's review

3.0

I enjoyed the second book of the Hank Zipzer set a little more than the first. My fifth-grader loved it.
The plot, in which Hank is so ashamed of his report card that he allows his friends to grind it into his mother's soy salami, which accidentally gets distributed to a fancy party of important people, was pretty unbelievable, but still funny. Once again, Hank is struggling in school and hatches a ridiculous scheme to hide the evidence from his parents. It was a golden opportunity to teach my son that the best way to avoid ridiculous, ever-growing drama is to tell the truth in the first place.
The good: Hank's friends are always there to get him out of a jam, and ultimately, a caring grown-up, whether it's a special needs teacher, Grandpa "Papa" Pete, or a business investor at The Crunchy Pickle Deli, recognize Hank's needs and steer him to a stronger sense of self-worth.
The bad: once again, clichés. The bully, the "cutest girl in school," the weird neighbor, the immigrant delivery boy, the annoying smart kid. However, if these people and scenarios come from Henry Winkler's own childhood experience (after all, Henry "Hank" Zipzer IS Henry Winkler), then it's somewhat forgivable.

brb_reads's review against another edition

4.0

Really liked this book as well. Hank putting his report card where he did made me laugh because it sounds like something i would have done in middle school. There were a few parts in this one where i was laughing out loud again. On to the third one...

Another side note... not a huge fan of the character Nick McKelty but I guess we all know one like him.

erwink54's review

5.0

Listened to this on audiobook....and I cannot recommend it enough. Hearing Henry Winkler narrate his own book is priceless. Great book, great narration!

gouricanread's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book very much.The main character is like any other lazy middle school kid.

juliettee_x's review against another edition

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

1.5

Obviously I'm not the target audience for this at the moment, but I wanted to reread it before I got rid of it. Whilst I don't personally think it was laugh out loud funny (again, I know I'm not the target audience) it's still quite enjoyable! I can see why kids would love this, it has a great cast of characters and could even help with identifying learning difficulties / making kids feel more represented. I love that it's set in New York as well! The plots of the books do feel slightly farfetched, but hey it's all fun!

Paperback, owned.

stephb413's review

4.0

Another cute witty tale that I read as a 30-something as a pure mindless escape and thoroughly enjoyed, although as a teacher it is nice to hear from the "underachiever's POV. There are lessons about honesty, family, and struggles to fit in. A great read aloud or family bedtime series.

drtlovesbooks's review

4.0

Although this is for a fourth grade-and-up audience, it's quite a nice story for young readers. It's set in New York, down at street level. It features a main character who is discovering he has some "learning challenges," which could be very helpful and engaging for students who may have some trouble in school.

gourireads's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book very much.The main character is like any other lazy middle school kid.

gourireads's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed this book very much.The main character is like any other lazy middle school kid.

hemdamoses's review against another edition

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0