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Children's Fiction Humorous Stories

On a Scale from Idiot to Complete Jerk

by (author) Alison Hughes

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Apr 2014
Category
Humorous Stories, Friendship, School & Education
Recommended Age
9 to 12
Recommended Grade
4 to 7
Recommended Reading age
9 to 12
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459804845
    Publish Date
    Apr 2014
    List Price
    $9.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459804869
    Publish Date
    Apr 2014
    List Price
    $7.99

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

When grade-eight science-project time rolls around, J.J. Murphy skips the beakers and the papiermâché and dives into research about jerks. And idiots. But mostly jerks.

By his own estimation, his science project, On a Scale from Idiot to Complete Jerk, is groundbreaking, exhaustive, highly scientific and seriously worthy of bonus marks. Beginning with the dawn of humankind and concluding conclusively with a very cool pie chart, the project dissects the elements of jerkosity through extensive case studies and scientific illustrations. It explores the who, what, when, why and how of jerks and, more important, peppers the lively research with sciencey-looking graphs and charts that reveal a lot about J.J., his family and friends, and the jerks of this world.

About the author

Alison Hughes writes for children of all ages, and her books have been nominated for numerous awards. Alison also volunteers at the Centre for Family Literacy and does frequent presentations at schools, libraries and young-writer conferences. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, with her husband and three children. For more information, visit www.alisonhughesbooks.com.

Alison Hughes' profile page

Awards

  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Editorial Reviews

"The format of a science report with lots of case studies to dip into makes this an engaging read for kids who prefer non-fiction, as well as a lively read for those who like fiction. The material is lots of fun and often thought-provoking, J.J.’s voice is strong and the various observed behaviours are familiar to any one who has encountered an idiot or jerk or acted like one (i.e. all of us). Bravo, Alison Hughes! Bonus marks awarded."

National Reading Campaign blog

"After establishing that jerks existed in prehistory using cave paintings and throughout history using folk tales and children’s literature, eighth-grader J.J. Murphy explains the need for a scientific study of jerk-ishness...His voice rings true...[An] amusing collection of anecdotes."

Kirkus Reviews

"Hughes has crafted an authentic and endearing narrator–J.J. Murphy is the kind of boy most readers would like to be friends with...Hughes is a skilled writer, words roll off the page, and most readers will keep turning the pages. The “case studies” of various jerks–young jerks, old jerks, sports jerks, etc–are illustrated with amusing stories and observations...A witty and skillful account of those ‘idiots’ and ‘jerks’ that populate the lives of children."

CM Magazine

"A wonderfully cheeky and smart read."

Canadian Family Magazine

"A quirky, funny glimpse into the life and mind of a 13-year-old boy. Structured as a science report written by J.J., On a Scale from Idiot to Complete Jerk presents a narrative about human nature that middle-grade kids will find relatable, humorous, and genuine. Let’s face it, what kid wouldn’t love a book in which every other sentence bears the word “jerk”?...In addition to the unorthodox format, what makes this book work is its universal appeal. Young readers will enjoy J.J.’s stream-of-consciousness narration, his cheeky tone, and his efforts to convince his teacher that this is actually a science report when it’s anything but...Edmonton author Alison Hughes deserves an A+ for her smart, engaging middle-grade read."

Quill & Quire

"Contains numerous anecdotes that will amuse...As a read-aloud in preparation for a Science Fair I think this would be highly successful."

Resource Links

"J.J.'s descriptions will have readers not only laughing out loud but also reading passages aloud to whoever will listen—they are that funny."

Canadian Children's Book News

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