Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder Book Review

Book Name: Junie B., First Grader: Toothless Wonder

Author: Barbara Park

Published: January 1, 2002

Publisher: Random House

Genre: Children's Fiction

Requested By: Kelly (burpingazn)

Posted By:

Blurb:

At first, Junie B. Jones is thrilled to have a loose tooth -- it means she's turning into a "big kid," and she'll be the first one in Room One to lose one of her top baby teeth. But when Herb tells her about his "toothless Uncle Lou," an alarmed Junie B. soon tries to get her tooth to stop wiggling -- until Grandpa Miller accidentally helps it pop out. Complete with a new smile that she begins to appreciate, Junie B. then confesses to her parents that she knows the real story behind the Tooth Fairy -- she's really a brush-riding Tooth Witch that eats "tooth apples" -- and she won't leave her tooth under her pillow. Mom and Dad try to discourage this theory, but Junie gets her class involved, and they all begin wondering about the Tooth Fairy's real motives for collecting teeth. Yet just when Junie thinks she has it all figured out and leaves her tooth out for the night, an unexpected surprise winds up answering her Tooth Fairy questions and making her extra-excited.

Lisamentary: 

This was unexpected, but I actually enjoyed this book. So, thank YOU, Kelly!! Reading Junie B. Jones was a HUGE blast from the past since I haven’t read one of these books since I was in the same grade as Junie B. It was really eye-opening and entertaining as well.  

Junie B. losing her first big tooth was a very momentous occasion and with that came new life lessons. For example, Junie B. learned what the Tooth Fairy actually did with the teeth she collected. This particular dilemma of hers I felt was kind of funny and so uniquely Junie B. Jones. Like I don't know anyone questioned what the Tooth Fairy did with the teeth she collected because all we cared about was the $$$$$!! Also, this is more of a American/white tradition, so I didn't get any money for losing my teeth. Sadly. Tear, tear.

However, moving away from my self-pity, I, Lisa, challenge you to the question: What does the Tooth Fairy do with the teeth? (This is quite the brainteaser, so I'd be really impressed if you knew the answer I'm looking for. Comment below your theories! But don't cheat and just click on the button!!!) 

 

Well, the Tooth Fairy recycles the tooth by giving to babies who are in need of baby teeth themselves.

That was unexpected, no? But, it was great nonetheless because it gave her an explanation and taught her the importance of recycling. Following, in this book, Junie B. also learned about fears associated with growing up and with being the first do something or doing something to do the first time at all. Also, she learned to not let bullies and sourpusses like May rain on her parade. Her stumping May with the question earlier really was the icing on cake since May had to stalk away not being able to answer. So, HA! HA! HA! In your face, May!

Overall, I think that Junie B. is a great character. She is the typical child but with a little kick. She's super inquisitive and always asks, "Why? Why? WHY????" She does not like her little brother, which I can totally relate to. (Just kidding, Phillip! Kind of.) Junie B. is also not easily swayed and sticks to her guns. I really commend her for that because nowadays it's so much easier to just accept what people say instead of questioning them. 

So, as you can see, Junie B. is a fairly good book--even for a teenager. It taught a lot of lessons and just reminded us how simple and easy the olden days were: the days where our biggest worry was losing our first front tooth and looking like a freak instead of our upcoming AP tests. I would definitely recommend this to everyone to read, regardless of age, since it is such a fast read (it only took me 20 minutes) and was so relaxing.

                                                                                                     

Rating:

Story: 9

Characters: 9

Enjoyment: 9.5

Overall: