Junie B. Jones's Second Boxed Set Ever! (Books 5-8)

As a librarian, a mother of three (an old mother? - I'm 31), and having earned a degree in English literature and education, I feel saddened to see other reviewers trying so terribly hard to narrow the realm of children's literature into such absurdly unrealistic and dowdy margins.

Let little children be little children, let them not be ashamed to say "I hate peas!" and let them know that it's okay to have thoughts and feelings that mommy would sometimes call "harsh," or we will be raising the most emotionally constipated and dull creatures you are allowed to imagine.

However, if we must be constipated grammarians, allow this English teacher-turned-librarian to point out that if any of my students were to hand in a paragraph peppered with words written in all capital letters, he or she would have had to revise that paragraph until a point could be made without such horrible mechanics. The red pen would be blazing across the page to point out that the word "totally" and the phrase "a lot" are overused and abhorently amateur, and I would then assign that student to write the correct spelling of the word "author" ten times, to be handed in before they were allowed to go to the cafeteria for a lunch of bland soup and dry toast. Thank God for "young mothers" out there teaching our children from their vast experience and wealth and depth of misinformation. I pity the teacher who has these poor children in her class, teaching them not to write their names in capital letters and not to use the word "hate" so very often when referring to poverty or disease... (Children do speak often of poverty and disease at this age, do they not? Some would say children are just as concerned about who sits by them in lunch or if they are this week's line leader... The shame of their ignorance!)

Junie B. Jones is Not a Grammarian - nor is any other first grader, and obviously neither are some reviewers. Take life a little less seriously, and allow books to be a pleasure to read, not a task to be confronted with. Do not crush creativity for your children. If children learn bad grammar or harsh language from Junie B., they have little other experience in their lives.

Junie B., you're simply wonderful!


Popular books for a reason!!   May 18, 2003
A. Booth (Medina, OH USA)
33 out of 35 found this review helpful

Oh my goodness. Some people take these books far too seriously. The books are meant to be made from a child's point of view. While we may not like children using these words, they are going to hear it from classmates regardless. If these books interest a child and they are actually reading because they like the books, I don't see a problem. Now, as a parent there are lessons to be taught with books that use words such as "hate." Ask them about the books. "Why do you think Junie B. says the word hate and stupid?" "What other words could Junie B. say that would be better?" While asking your child these questions you can really form a bond over these books and teach lessons. They like it because the point of view seems true to life and you'll like it because you have the opportunity to let your child know what to do when they read or hear these words in school. I like Junie B.'s adventures and the kids do too!


Junie B. Jones is the koolestess 6 year-old on the hole planit!!!!   November 19, 2005
Clint Potts (Arizona)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Yes, I know there are typos in the title. Yes, I intended them. If you can't get over them, you aren't quite as mature as is Junie B. Jones. My daughter is 6 and in first grade. We discovered the Junie B. Jones series when one was sent home in her reading folder for homework. Thank you to her teacher for sending that book. We have since read every title we can find in the series. While I'm reading to our daughter, my wife is laughing from the other room as she tries to listen to Junie B.'s wonderful antics. While she is learning to spell (just like my daughter) she is wise beyond her ears (as Junie would say). Reviewers of these books who can't get over Junie's use of grammar are missing the point. The stories have wonderful themes and Junie always learns the right lesson by the last chapter, despite her best efforts. Each and every title fits the world of a first grader to a T. My daughter is getting 5 more titles for Christmas this year. Please don't tell her. I want it to be a surprise! If I can let you in on a secret, I'm looking forward to her getting them, too...and my mother was such a strict grammarian that she wouldn't even let me use an adverb incorrect. JOKE!!!!!!!!!

Fortunately for me, I got over it. You should too. You are missing some of the best children's books of our age. Read them aloud to your children and enjoy! Let their joy be your guide to how great these books are for kids.


Junie B. Jones Boxed Set   May 20, 2003
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

My 6-7 year-old daughter is a little older than other reviewers and she has enjoyed reading and LAUGHING at these books on her own and to me. She is old enough to understand that Junie's grammar and antics are wrong. The stories are funny and there are good lessons to be learned. Clever books keep kids interested in reading. These books, and others, have encouraged my daughter as a reader and a writer. Thanks for listening! - Mom in Redondo Beach, CA


First Grader, Toothless Wonder   November 20, 2003
10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I LOVE Junie B Jones. My daughter LOVES Junie B Jones. She is 6 and took a liking to Junie B. when she was 5 years old. She is reading them to me and enjoying every minute of it. She laughs and giggles and rolls her eyes at some of the things Junie B. will say. And for that some reviews have bashed the grammar but that is what gives the books their charm. All parents know that a 1st grader is not going to speak correctly all the time. It is our duty as a parent to make sure they learn to speak correctly and not get their grammar lesson from a book that is meant to be enjoyed. I enjoy hearing my daughter read these well writtn books to me. She thinks they are wonderful and can't wait to finish one just so she can pick up another one to read.