Judy Moody (Book #1) (urspr publ 2000; utgåvan 2010)

A great start to an engaging series for young readers. Judy Moody is a spunky third grader with an attitude who is determined not to like third grade. She and her best friend and neighbor, Rocky, work to complete their ME collages-an assignment given the first day of school. Along with Stink, her brother , we meet the people in her world as Judy copes with challenges. Very funny and engaging. Readers will want more of Judy and her friends. ( )

Judy Moody starts the third grade in something of a mood in this first entry in Megan McDonald's acclaimed beginning chapter-book series chronicling her adventures, keenly aware that she alone will have no snappy T-shirt proclaiming her summer activities, sad that she is leaving behind the class turtle of the previous year, and worried that she will be made to sit with the pesky Frank "Eats Paste" Pearl, rather than with her best friend, Rocky. When the latter proves to be the case, her fears seem justified, but slowly, through the patience of her new teacher, Mr. Todd, through her friendship with Rocky, and through her discovery that Frank isn't so bad after all, things start to look up, and by the time Judy presents her "All About Me" collage a few weeks later, third grade is off to a fabulous start!

With a moody but essentially goodhearted heroine, a number of humorous incidents that had me chuckling, and a sibling relationship that seemed both realistic and loving, Judy Moody was an immensely appealing read. I particularly appreciated the latter, as it is something I think was missing from the Ivy and Bean chapter-book series, which I have recently been reading. It's clear that there is plenty of sibling tension here - Judy finds her younger brother (or "bother," as she calls him) a bit of a pest, going so far as to label him "Stink," because he doesn't like to bathe, and playing some amusing practical jokes on him - but it never goes too far, and he is included in some of her activities with her friends, like the TP (not toilet paper) Club. The balance struck, between sibling conflict and friendship, seemed just right.

All in all, I really enjoyed this first foray into Judy's world, and will definitely be picking up subsequent entries in the series. Recommended to young chapter-book readers, particularly those looking for stories with engaging, spunky girl heroines! ( )

A newer series that's perfect for those just beginning to read chapter books. Despite the main character being a girl, the stories will appeal equally well to both boys and girls. Several of the chapters would be excellent for stand alone read-alouds. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. ( )

I loved this book. As it was told by Judy herself, it really gave me an insight as to how a third grader might really see the world. I think this book would be a great book to have in a classroom library as it is witty, humorous, and just plain fun to read. I think that students would really love reading it, but I think that adults can learn from this book as well. We can learn from Mr. Todd who takes the time to change Judy's mood on her first day of third grade. We can also learn about the way children think which can help us learn to be patient with them and help them learn. I really like this story and I would love to read the rest of the Judy Moody series. ( )

This is one of the classic Judy Moody books. This one is mainly about Judy having to put together a project all about her. It tells how she discovers things to put on her project and stories to tell while presenting. Throughout the book there are small illustrations describing what the text says. This would be great chapter book for a 3rd grader to read. ( )