  | Other Felix Author: Graff, Keir | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Worrying about his father losing his job and the bully at school gives Felix nightmares of the same monster-filled place in his sleep.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 4.30 Points: 4.0 Quiz: 146871 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 3-5 Reading Level: 3.50 Points: 8.0 Quiz: 56485 | |
Common Core Standards
Grade 3 → Reading → RL Literature → 3.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 3 → Reading → RL Literature → 3.RL Craft & Structure
Grade 3 → Reading → RL Literature → 3.RL Integration & Knowledge of Ideas
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Key Ideas & Details
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Range of Reading & Level of Text Complexity
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Craft & Structure
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → 4.RL Integration & Knowledge of Ideas
Grade 4 → Reading → RL Literature → Texts Illustrating the Complexity, Quality, & Rang
Grade 6 → Reading → RL Literature → 6.RL Range of Reading & Level of Text Complexity
Grade 6 → Reading → CCR College & Career Readiness Anchor Standards fo
Grade 5 → Reading → RL Literature → 5.RL Range of Reading & Level of Text Complexity
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (09/01/11)
School Library Journal (12/01/11)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (12/11)
Full Text Reviews:
Bulletin for the Center... - 12/01/2011 Fourth-grader Felix wakes up in the bedroom of his family’s small apartment with a tear in his robe, a missing slipper, and mud on his sheets-evidence that his recent dreams about being chased through a forest by terrible monsters may be more than just dreams. Unfortunately, reality has recently gotten just as unsettling for Felix as his nightmares: his mom and dad seem more stressed out and distant than usual, and Chase, the new kid at school, has decided Felix makes a perfect fall guy for his thieving ways. At least in his dreams, he has the Other Felix, a boy who looks exactly like Felix but who is much braver and stronger than the original. Predictably, the real Felix learns a thing or two about courage from his alter ego, and predictably, Felix also uncovers secrets about both the monsters and the bully that make them less frightening. Most readers will see where this symbolic tale is going from the moment Chase comes on the scene, but some will be able to look past the heavy-handed moral and recognize a kindred spirit in Felix. Quiet, unassuming, and plagued by realistic and universal insecurities, Felix is an amiable protagonist to whom even more boisterous youngsters will readily relate. Some of the more metaphorical aspects of the land of monsters and Felix’s interaction therein may fly over the heads of youngsters on their own, but this tale of maturation and friendship is suitable for sharing between parents and their children. KQG - Copyright 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.
School Library Journal - 12/01/2011 Gr 4–6—Fourth-grader Felix Schwartzwalder has it rough in his dreams and in his waking life. Each night, he finds himself in the same nightmarish forest filled with scary monsters. When he escapes by waking up, his mother notices a clawed bathrobe and muddy sheets, but neither parent takes him seriously when he says that monsters are to blame. Stressed and distracted, they leave him on his own to deal with his dilemmas. One of his biggest problems is the new kid at school, Chase, who steals a calculator for the sole purpose of getting Felix in trouble and succeeds in turning the teacher as well as classmates against him. Felix is too intimidated to stand up to the bully. Back in his dreams, though, he befriends a boy who looks just like him. The Other Felix is brave and self-sufficient. He teaches Felix how to hunt and survive in the forest, and he isn't frightened of monsters—at least at first. When something goes wrong, and the Other Felix doesn't think he can be strong anymore, Felix decides he needs to learn how to fight monsters. The story has a beautifully crafted innocence reminiscent of The Little Prince. This is a satisfying tale in and of itself, as well as a helpful and sensitive guide for those children who are just learning to confront life's sticky challenges. The ending is exquisite.—Diane McCabe, Loyola Village Elementary School, Los Angeles - Copyright 2011 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
