Monday, November 29, 2010

2011 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee - Zoe Fleefenbacher's Hair Goes to School by Laurie Halse Anderson


Zoe Fleefenbacher has gloriously wild red hair, with a mind of its own.  Without any help from Zoe her hair is a master at multi-tasking.  It often simultaneously performs many tasks:  turning on the TV, petting the cat, working on the computer, and pouring a glass of juice.  When Zoe enters first grade, her teacher Ms. Trisk quickly informs her “School has rules. . . No wild hair in my class!”  Despite Ms Trisk’s attempts at getting it under control, Zoe’s hair just won’t be tamed. No amount of discipline – even meeting with the principal, can make Zoe’s hair behave.  In desperation, Zoe tries to control her hair with scrunchies, barrettes, and even duct tape – all to no avail.  The locks escape their confinement to help out with a demonstration on rotating planets and Ms. Trisk changes her mind about wild hair.
Anderson, well known for your young adult novels,  creates a sparkling and humorous narrative that will have students sitting on the edge of their seats to find out what Zoe’s hair will do next.  The illustrations done in pen and ink and watercolor add to the vibrant story.  Very much a tall tale, this story not only entertains children but covers important back to school themes like the challenges of transition from one grade to the next, problem solving and teachers learning from their students.  This is an excellent addition to any school library or classroom library.

Recommended for Kindergarten through 3rd Grade.

Mrs. Archer’s rating 5 of 5

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