Ida B and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and Possibly Save the World

by Katherine Hannigan

Book Overview

The New York Times bestselling debut novel from acclaimed children's author Katherine Hannigan is both very funny and extraordinarily moving, and is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 043983712X
• ISBN13: 9780439837125
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.0" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

Ida B Brilliant!

As a fourth grade teacher, I can relate to Ida B Applewood since she is a fourth grader herself, but I cannot say that I have ever met a student quite like her! Aside from her lifelike relationships with the apple trees on her family's orchard and her talent for thinking critically, Ida B is definitely a girl with a plan. Ida B professes that, "I believe good plans are the best way to maximize fun, avoid disaster, and, possibly, save the world." However, Ida B brings life that goes from planned to unplanned to reality for readers. Ida B is a story that will personally allow you to get to know the main character, Ida B, who experiences what it is like when plans fall apart. As a reader, my heart went out to Ida B whose life underwent some serious changes that not all fourth graders or even some adults ever have to endure. Throughout the book, I thought that Ida B excellently exhibited a strong searching within herself for the coping skills she thought she needed to deal with life's changes. As an adult reader and a teacher, this book provided me with real insight to what life could actually be like for a child experiencing such changes as Ida B. Hannigan brilliantly lets us into Ida B's head through the reasoning and planning this wonderful character is constantly doing. Although this read can become deeply emotional and make you want to scream through the pages, "Everything will be alright, Ida B!", it promotes an overwhelming feeling that no matter how unplanned life may seem, there really is a plan! Ida B goes on my list of all time favorites without a doubt!

Kids love this book, and I do too

I have recommended this book to half a dozen elementary school age kids, and all of them have loved it. And in contrast to the views spotlighted above, several of them have also read Kate DiCamillo's "Because of Winn-Dixie" and think that "Ida B." is a much better read, and I agree. This is the rare book that creates a direct connection between the reader and the protagonist's emotions and motivations; the children I know who have read the book all have remarked about how the author allowed them to "get inside" the protagonist's head in ways they hadn't experienced before. Ida B. has all the runaway emotions and issues of self-control that elementary school children struggle with -- anger at her parents for not fulfilling all of their promises, anger at her schoolmates and teachers for not allowing her to fit in, anger at the very environment around her for not staying perpetually the same. She has moments of elation and moments of deep depression. She comes up with creative ways to "punish" her parents for breaking their promises. In other words, she's a real child and not the usual paragon that we typically find in children's fiction. Eventually Ida B. manages to reconcile herself to her surroundings in different ways -- by the end of the book she is able to make peace with herself and those around her in ways that rang true to me and to the children I know who have read the book. Ultimately, the book's message for children is an optimistic one -- don't despair, because no matter how hard things seem, you will find ways of coping, and this too shall pass.

Couldn't put it down!!!!

I have loved many books...but this one beats them all. I am in 4th grade and I read a lot. As soon as I picked up this book, I couldn't put it down. I like Ida because she was creative and things happen to her that kids or people can relate to. Sometimes, I refer to it as an apple book because of all the orchards. In the future, I would definately love to read more books by this author. If you like books like Molly Moon, Chasing Vermeer, Series of Unfortunate Events or Harry Potter, you will love this book too.

A beautiful book

I read this book aloud to my two boys, ages 6 and 9 and it made quite an impression on all of us. Beautifully and skillfully addresses issues of love and fear and loss in a simple and accessible way. Ida B. is a memorable, imperfect little girl, full of spunk and hope, and we often refer to her in our home as if she were a personal friend. I highly recommend this book. We are looking forward to Ms. Hannigan's next novel.

Ida B: a real gem!

Ida B. Applewood is a delightful character who is sure to inspire and amuse young readers. Ida B. is a touching and humorous story about a quirky little girl living an idyllic life in the country. She is home-schooled by her doting parents, and the whole earth is her classroom. Her family, the trees, the brook, and her animals are all the companionship she needs. Ida B.'s life drastically changes when her family faces a crisis and she is forced to start attending public school. Ida B.'s response is to harden her heart and shut out the world. We get to experience her internal struggles and see the messes she creates for herself with her new tough-as-nails demeanor. A caring teacher slowly helps peel away the layers so the true Ida B. Applewood can shine again.