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Set in 1960's Queens, sixth grader Julian Twerp Twerski chronicles a year in his life for what starts out as a punitive, reflective essay that turns into a brokered, alternative project to replace the dreaded Shakespearean assignment his other classmates must complete. What follows, in delightful voice, are the trials and tribulations of young Julian in a charming coming of age tale. Think "Brighton Beach Memoirs" or "A Christmas Story" for a sense of the narrative style. The characters are vivi
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This was a great read. Even though the story takes place in 1969, today's students will be able to identify with Julian. Julian is a good guy. He's smart (but doesn't like to call attention to that fact). He gets along with others. He starts out as a follower, but grows into a leader. I know it's cliche to say he learns from his mistakes, but it's true. Actually, it is probably more accurate to say he learns from his environment - the good and the bad.
Julian is a very likable character. Twerp is ...more
Julian is a very likable character. Twerp is ...more
Twerp fits in somewhere between Maniac Magee and Okay For Now. Like Jeffrey Magee, Julian's a neighborhood legend for his ability to run. Like Doug Swieteck, Julian tells his story in a way that let's you see through his tough guy act right into his heart of hearts.
Julian Twerski lives in Queens, New York in the year 1969. He's a sixth grader with a close group of friends in a tight-knit neighborhood. The story is told through a series of journal entries that Julian has to write because he got ...more
Julian Twerski lives in Queens, New York in the year 1969. He's a sixth grader with a close group of friends in a tight-knit neighborhood. The story is told through a series of journal entries that Julian has to write because he got ...more
Reminiscent of "The Wednesday Wars" by Gary Schmidt, this engaging story of a boy who choses to write an essay about why he was suspended rather than read "Julius Caesar." Instead he writes about his life as only an intelligent sixth-grade boy can. I kept thinking that eventually he would realize what a jerk his best friend, Lonnie, is. But I think he learned an even bigger lesson about himself.
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I think overall it had a good lesson in it that is important for kids to remember. No do-overs, when you choose to do something, you can't take it back.
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Mar 25, 2013
Monica Edinger
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May 26, 2013
Katie Day
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Jun 02, 2013
Beth Knight
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Wendy Garland
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Jul 15, 2013
Dan
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Jul 17, 2013
Rachel
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Maria Caplin
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Sep 10, 2013
Brandy
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Oct 09, 2013
Alison
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May 14, 2015
Cori Grady
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Jun 12, 2015
Maggi Rohde
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Dec 15, 2015
J.j.
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Oct 06, 2016
Margo Jantzi
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