Niagara Falls, Or Does It? #1

by Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler

Book Overview

Inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, the Hank Zipzer series is about the high-spirited and funny adventures of a boy with learning differences. It's science project time in Ms. Adolf's class. This is good news and bad news for Hank-he loves science, but he hates the report part. So Hank turns to TV to take his mind off things. But when the program directory scrolls...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0448431629
• ISBN13: 9780448431628
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Hooray for the Fonz!

Normally, I don't bother reading children's books written by celebrities, but this series of books is funny, lighthearted, and full of the nonsensical humor of the Fonz. In the beginning he describes his 4th grade hero, Hank, as the "world's best underachiever." Hank abhors school essays, so instead of writing about Niagara Falls, he builds a working model of the falls and brings it to class for show and tell. The resulting disaster lands him in the Principal's office. According to the authors Winkler and Oliver, "The hall is a only place when you're sitting outside the Principal's office." This book is ideal for readers aged 8-10. It uses silly, irreverent, classroom humor to tell the story of a young boy who enlists the aid of his classmates to keep him out of trouble. This is one book in a series of similar stories, and promises good reading for both parents and elementary school kids. As an aspiring writer for children (Abby and the Bicycle Caper), I found this book entertaining and suitable for family reading.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a ten year old student reporter, I had the honor of interviewing Henry and Lin at a writing conference in Los Angeles. I have read the first three books in this series and look forward to reading all of them. These books are hysterical and moving. As a girl with (around) a twelfth grade reading level, I mostly don't read books as easy as this. But all in all I loved all three. I have read them each about three or four times. Don't you just love the last name "Zipzer"? Anyway, these three books are totally awesome, I will keep on reading them for the rest of my life. As soon as you finish reading this review, buy the Hank Zipzer books. It is worth it. Also, in case you didn't know, Henry Winkler is dyslexic so when you buy his books about a dyslexic boy in many ways you are supporting him. All he wants is for kids to not have to go through what he did as a child. P.S. I didn't mean to sound as if I was bragging before.

Thank you Henry Winkler!!!!!

My son, who has dyslexia, loves this series. He actually goes out of his way to read them. Anyone who knows a child, or has a child with dyslexia, knows how difficult it is to get them to read. He cannot wait for the next one to come out.

This is a good one!

I've always liked Henry Winkler and respected the challenges he has overcome in his life so when I found out he had written a couple of books for kids, I had to buy them! My fifth grade son read it in less than 24 hours. He really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. He even took it to his class and recommended it to all of his classmates. I have only read the first few chapters but I have found it to be easy and enjoyable to read. It's obvious that Mr. Winkler is in touch with the feelings and behavior of young boys; he has captured their spirit perfectly. I like the idea that my son has been able to gain some insight into learning difficulties some kids may face and to be understanding of their challenges. I highly recommend this book to kids of all ages.

A Grandmother?s Point of View

This book is "a must read" book for all ages. In this extremely entertaining story you are very apt to recognize some child you know. As a young reader you may gain a better understanding of a friend with a learning disability. If you have a learning disability, you may identify with Hank and his problems and realize you are not alone. Adults will grasp the feelings of a youngster with reading, writing and spelling problems. I highly recommend this book, along with its sequel, "I Got a D in Salami" and look forward to more adventures of Hank Zipzer.