What do you think?
Rate this book
Hank Zipzer #1
Niagara Falls, Or Does It?
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 by too quickly for Hank to know what's on, he decides to take apart the cable box to try to slow down the crawl. Great! Now Hank has found the perfect science project! But what he wasn't counting on was his sister's pet iguana laying eighteen eggs in the disassembled cable box. How is Hank going to get out of this one?
Illustrated by Carol Heyer.
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 by too quickly for Hank to know what's on, he decides to take apart the cable box to try to slow down the crawl. Great! Now Hank has found the perfect science project! But what he wasn't counting on was his sister's pet iguana laying eighteen eggs in the disassembled cable box. How is Hank going to get out of this one?
Illustrated by Carol Heyer.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Henry Winkler
106 books515 followersHenry Winkler is instantly recognizable and admired by audiences of all ages for his role as the Fonz on the long-running series, Happy Days. In addition, he is an award-winning producer and director of family and children's programming. He is also the author of the critically-acclaimed Hank Zipzer series, which follows the everyday adventures of a bright boy with learning challenges.
Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.
Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.
Mr. Winkler has also continued his acting career on the big screen, including a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Nightshift, a starring role in the box-office hit Scream, and co-starring roles in The Water Boy, and Holes. On television, he has guest-starred on ABC's The Practice and NBC's Law & Order: SVU. He recently starred on Broadway for nine months in Neil Simon's play The Dinner Party.
Mr. Winkler is deeply committed to children's welfare and works with numerous children's groups. He is involved with The MacLaren Children's Center (a facility for abused children), The National Committee for Arts for the Handicapped, The Special Olympics, and The Los Angeles Music Center's Very Special Arts Festival, as well as numerous teenage alcohol and drug abuse programs. He is a founding member of the Children's Action Network, a non-profit organization that sponsors informational briefings for writers, producers and directors on children's issues and serves as a clearing-house for the entertainment industry on children's issues.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
October 30, 2008
I gave this book the ranking of "It was amazing," not because it was the greatest piece of literature I have ever read, but because of what it does for students with learning disabilities. Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver have helped to put words to the feelings that many children have. The fact that Hank is a fourth grader helps students not feel that this is a "baby book." These are excellent books to be READ TO struggling students or for struggling students to listen to the audio on cassette or CD. My third grade godson is dyslexic. He is reading independently at an early first grade level, but his listening comprehension is advanced, at a fourth grade level. I recommended that his parents read the Hank Zipper books to him, after hearing Henry Winkler speak about his own learning problems. My godson loves the stories and the exaggerated humor. It helps to make him and other struggling students realize they are not alone and they aren't simply "not trying hard enough." I heard that at book signings, Henry writes "There is greatness in you," in each book he signs. I can't think of anything better to tell all children. This book series is also important for other students to read in order to help them uderstand and empathize with classmates.
July 8, 2010
I listened to the audio version of this, and found it to be a really fun, humorous story--and also inspiring and upbeat. I think I would have liked the story anyway, but Henry Winkler's energetic, hilarious reading really made it for me :-)
January 17, 2024
Such a fun and entertaining book. I found it much better than the Ramona series. Perfect for middle grade readers, and adults young at heart that want something light and fun.
November 11, 2018
I've read a few of the Here's Hank books, and really enjoyed them. So, I thought I would give the actual series a try. The first book, is just as adorable as the Here's Hank books. The children are a little older, their in the 4th grade here, but they are still the same characters. Hank is still hilarious, I love that little guy, I feel, he could actually be my real son, if I ever have one. His learning challenges and the way he describes them, reminds me a lot of my time in school. Just like Hank, when I was in the fourth grade, I was tested as well and learned I also had learning challenges. But unlike Hank, my fourth grade teacher was a gem, it was because of her, I was tested and learned of my challenges. Hank's teacher, Ms. Adolf, is a terrible teacher for Hank, he needs a teacher that will work with him and help him understand his school work better.
August 29, 2011
As an adult, I found the "funny" scenes a bit contrived, but my son liked them very much. Adults are given a good degree of complexity, and fathers and mothers are both involved in their children's lives. It is very refreshing to see fathers dropping off or picking up their kids from school while mothers work. There is also some mild stereotyping in the character of the grade 4 teacher, but the overall message was so good that it is hard to find fault. (This image of the teacher might change as the series progresses. I've only read two books so far.) The bully character covers two stereotypes: he is not just mean, he is also the "keener" who goes out of his way to impress his teacher. From what I've read so far,I think the series could do without this character, but I assume he is there because the authors feel kids will encounter this type of person at some point in their lives.
Hank gets sent to the principal's office and admonished by his father because it is assumed he is not focusing on his schoolwork. It turns out that he has a "learning challenge." The series seems to be about the discovery of this challenge by the adults in Hank's life. There is a strong message about friendship in this series, as Hank talks openly about how much he can count on his friends. Hank also has a very strong relationship with his grandfather.
Whenever I read a series like this, I like to get my son's take on it. He enjoyed the first two books very much and is looking forward to reading more.
Hank gets sent to the principal's office and admonished by his father because it is assumed he is not focusing on his schoolwork. It turns out that he has a "learning challenge." The series seems to be about the discovery of this challenge by the adults in Hank's life. There is a strong message about friendship in this series, as Hank talks openly about how much he can count on his friends. Hank also has a very strong relationship with his grandfather.
Whenever I read a series like this, I like to get my son's take on it. He enjoyed the first two books very much and is looking forward to reading more.
April 18, 2021
Anyone who has been reading my reviews for a while knows I'm a fan of classic television; I've mentioned it countless times, even on here, despite this being a book review website. So, when I saw this series at a garage sale, and that it was written by the one and only Henry Winkler, I decided to pick it up...and I was glad I did! This first book reminds me of the kind of stories I grew up on: Lizzie McGuire, the comic strip FoxTrot, Judy Blume's Fudge books, etc. Despite this book being targeted at younger audiences, older readers who are young at heart may enjoy it, too.
August 17, 2018
I was so excited when I found out that Henry Winkler narrates the first four kid's books he wrote in the series about Hank Zipzer: The Mostly True Confessions of the World's Best Underachiever. I love Henry's personality and if you've ever seen him tell a story on TV then you know how wonderful he is at storytelling. This book also has a very important message about being different and dealing with learning challenges. I don't know if I'll read all 17 books in the series, but I will definitely listen to the 4 he narrates.
July 16, 2024
I've wanted to check out this book since reading Henry Winkler's excellent memoirs earlier this year. Up to then, I'd enjoyed him in his many TV/movie roles but didn't know he had also authored a children's book series. Took a while for me to be able to get a copy of the first book at our local library (it must be popular!), but I'm glad I finally did!
Fourth-grader Hank Zipzer is funny, creative, and a loyal friend. He just can’t do math, spell, or write, which causes him endless frustration at school and at home.
In Zipzer, Winkler has created an entertaining alter ego. Kids will love Hank and laugh out loud at his wit and antics, which, in this book, include building a model Niagara Falls in lieu of writing a “what I did this summer” essay, and planning/putting on a magic show with his two best friends at the local bowling alley.
Many young readers will also empathize with Hank’s frustration; he always means well but gets in trouble for the unintended consequences of the things he says and does. He is often frustrated with himself because of the negative feedback he gets from adults around him who think he is lazy and careless, until one day he meets an adult who recognizes that Hank might have other issues…
A thoughtful story that also includes lots of laughs!
Fourth-grader Hank Zipzer is funny, creative, and a loyal friend. He just can’t do math, spell, or write, which causes him endless frustration at school and at home.
In Zipzer, Winkler has created an entertaining alter ego. Kids will love Hank and laugh out loud at his wit and antics, which, in this book, include building a model Niagara Falls in lieu of writing a “what I did this summer” essay, and planning/putting on a magic show with his two best friends at the local bowling alley.
Many young readers will also empathize with Hank’s frustration; he always means well but gets in trouble for the unintended consequences of the things he says and does. He is often frustrated with himself because of the negative feedback he gets from adults around him who think he is lazy and careless, until one day he meets an adult who recognizes that Hank might have other issues…
A thoughtful story that also includes lots of laughs!
April 21, 2011
This book should be required reading for all teachers,students, and most parents (those who shouldn't read are those whose kids have no struggles in school and get all "A's" on second thought perhaps they need to read it too...to have an understanding of what others go through) This book probably would be considered to be a young adult (or younger) book, however, the story is for everyone. Hank is a smart kid and the book says he is creative and funny. He wants to do well, but has challenges. Many claim he is lazy and trouble finds Hank. (reminds me of Jonathan Mooney and how he talks about students who are called lazy/crazy) Hank has trouble with organization and seems to have difficulty keeping track of things....like school supplies. First day in 4th grade, the teacher gives Hank an impossible assignment. He needs to write an essay, a FIVE paragraph essay about his summer vacation. Hank has great difficulty getting his thoughts on paper and decides to do a project instead. He makes a working model of Niagara Falls (how could he not follow directions???) The model fails and water runs all over the classroom. Hank gets detention and ends up with the music teacher. The music teacher is the teacher every kid should have and helps Hank to discover that his brain has plenty of good information in it and some creative ways to get that information out. All kids should have a Mr. Rock in their lives. The end of the book, Hank talking to his grandpa...wise man. Grandpa says, "We're all different and that makes us great.....Take pickes there are big ones, little ones, bumpy ones, bread and butter, dill.....the point is they're all different, and they're all deliciousto someone."
May 28, 2015
Would you like to read a great book full of adventure than you should read Hank Zipper this summer, its short funny and really intresting .It has its boring parts but over all it was great.I do recommend this book to ages 9-12
August 11, 2009
This is a book with several plots: will Hank, starting fourth grade with his friends Ashley and Frankie, be able to dazzle Ms. Adolf with his project on "What I Did On My Summer Vacation" so she forgets that it is not a 5 paragraph essay? Will Frankie, Ashley and Hank be able to pull a small furry creature out of a hat at their premiere magic show at the Rock 'N Bowl? Will we find out why, despite his amazing creativity and memory for facts, Hank doesn't do well in school, and is often late and in trouble? Although I've put this on my middle school bookshelf, it is more appropriately an elementary book. It should be easy reading for a 5th or 6th grader, and it is short, though it often seems that brevity was achieved at the cost of too much telling rather than showing. Additionally, some of the characters are comlete cliches (the bully, Nick and the principal, Mr. Love are notable examples). However, Hank, his friends, his grandfather, and Mr. Rock, the music teacher at his school are likeable characters. Some of the situations in the book will be interesting to children, and this would be a book to recommend to kids who want to read something like Jack Gantos's Joey Pigza books.
Read
August 16, 2018For a kid who can directly empathize with Hank, this is a five star read. It's a bit too juvenile & silly for me and I am not excited to reader further in the series. Otoh, I do ache for kids who don't get diagnosed until 4th-grade (or later), who try hard but are always in the principal's office anyway. So I am glad this series is available.
(I think I prefer Joey Pigza, though.)
(I think I prefer Joey Pigza, though.)
May 11, 2014
Entertaining book from "The Fonz" with a great message regarding the differences in how people learn and how we treat those who don't fit the mold.
June 2, 2015
It was OK kind of funny and boring I don't recommend this book if you like adventure
January 5, 2022
I started reading this book to my seven year old a few days ago and we finished it last night. It was a really fun read! Hank and his friends are very likable characters. I love their loyalty to each other as well as their creativity. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and also reading Here’s Hank when he’s in second grade.
November 23, 2018
I was introduced to this book several years ago when looking for potential therapeutic books in my work as a psychologist. I was informed that this would be a great book to work with kids with ADHD or other learning challenges. I was not informed, however, that this story was actually a series of chapter books, and while the included title is only one of these stories, there are upwards of 17 additional stories in the Hank Zipzer series. I'm glad this is the case ,as I not only enjoyed listening to Hank's stories of his travails, but his relatibility for kids with learning differences. In this first installment, the reader is introduced to Hank and his family, and knowledge that he is facing an upcoming writing assignment that particularly challenges his academic abilities. His family demonstrates the common assumptions of many families of children with learning differences; it is often assumed that he is "lazy," and is constantly compared to the high-achieving sibling. What also makes this story great (and relatable) is that his own high intellect shows through in his development of an alternative assignment, although possibly not thought out effectively, in demonstrating his knowledge in a different way. Following Hank's journey through his determination to show his abilities, and the subsequent problems he faces in his actions, make this character and his world highly relatable to other kids with these similar problems in academic performance. It was also great to see a teacher in Hank's school recognize his unique way of learning and describe it in a way that would make sense of any other 10-year old reader to recognize in him- or herself. Of course, Henry Winkler was half of the team developing this character and his story, which was developed upon many of his own experiences with learning differences. The power of having this experience discussed in a fun, lighthearted, and direct way is incalculable for kids whom struggle with these same problems and have few places to find solace and understanding in just what makes them so different. More importantly, it demonstrates normalization of this phenomena, and allows kids to find some of these answers independently that neither shames them nor focuses on the differences as a problem, but rather a strength and asset. I highly recommend this book, and will likely state that this would extend to the rest of this series, to other families with school-age (and even older) children with ADHD, learning difficulties, or any other features that make them feel isolated or stand out in what may often feel like an alienating manner. This character solidifies that everyone's unique qualities have significant strengths and reframe what can be a potentially crippling way of functioning into a more realistic, positive way of being that holds high value.
February 12, 2024
Want to remember this series if I go back to teaching! ❤️
February 17, 2019
2.5 stars. Recommend for a child with ADD or ADHD or a classmate or a sibling. I am just not into elementary boy humor. This wasn't bad, but it's just not good. I think I will try listening, if I decide to try another book in the series.
Abandoned-series:
after 2 books. I read the first book & listened to the second book & now I'm done.
Likes:
* I hope that if Hank does have a learning challenge like ADHD, they can help him preferably without medication
* Hank's friends, Frankie & Ashley, were supportive, loyal and endearing, great friends
* Mr. Rock, the music teacher, was phenomenal
* Papa Pete, Hank's grandfather, was involved and sympathetic
* Could be good for a child with ADHD or ADD to have a character to identify with
* Hank is creative and not lazy or stupid, but has a problem in doing what's asked of him even when it isn't related to his sitting still or paying attention. Hank chooses to do what he wants and is surprised when it isn't applauded or appreciated
Dislikes:
* Parents who hold up a sibling as better...terrible parenting!
* Hank's parents tried, but they are clearly exasperated with Hank
* Trouble-making boy always being the good guy and all the adults being the bad guys on the side of the slimy bully
* Gotta hate Nick McKelty: greedy, mean, kiss up, bragging bully
Abandoned-series:
after 2 books. I read the first book & listened to the second book & now I'm done.
Likes:
* I hope that if Hank does have a learning challenge like ADHD, they can help him preferably without medication
* Hank's friends, Frankie & Ashley, were supportive, loyal and endearing, great friends
* Mr. Rock, the music teacher, was phenomenal
* Papa Pete, Hank's grandfather, was involved and sympathetic
* Could be good for a child with ADHD or ADD to have a character to identify with
* Hank is creative and not lazy or stupid, but has a problem in doing what's asked of him even when it isn't related to his sitting still or paying attention. Hank chooses to do what he wants and is surprised when it isn't applauded or appreciated
Dislikes:
* Parents who hold up a sibling as better...terrible parenting!
* Hank's parents tried, but they are clearly exasperated with Hank
* Trouble-making boy always being the good guy and all the adults being the bad guys on the side of the slimy bully
* Gotta hate Nick McKelty: greedy, mean, kiss up, bragging bully
February 6, 2024
Meet Hank Zipzer. He's a 4th grader with tons of creativity, a good memory and a big problem: He has a terrible time trying to read and write. Of course, the first assignment given the first day of school is to write a five paragraph essay about what you did during your summer vacation. Hank and his family went to Niagara Falls and had a great time. Hank wants to write about that but he doesn't know how. But, he comes up with an idea he hopes will be just as good, if not better. But will it get him a good grade or just get him into trouble.
Hank, of course, suffers from dsylexia, although he doesn't know it. He thinks he's just stupid. Too many kids suffer from the same malady and think they same thing. They're not stupid, they just learn differently. These students would definitely identify with Hank and his problem. The author, Henry Winkler, also suffers from dsylexia. That's how he can write the stories with so much authenticity.
This is the first book in the Hank Zipzer series. Enjoy!
Hank, of course, suffers from dsylexia, although he doesn't know it. He thinks he's just stupid. Too many kids suffer from the same malady and think they same thing. They're not stupid, they just learn differently. These students would definitely identify with Hank and his problem. The author, Henry Winkler, also suffers from dsylexia. That's how he can write the stories with so much authenticity.
This is the first book in the Hank Zipzer series. Enjoy!
February 18, 2014
Hank Zipzer has trouble in school and when fourth grade begins, his class is given an assignment that he is sure he cannot do. Ms. Adolf assigns a five paragraph essay on their summer vacation. He struggles, he tries, he contemplates...but, then he decides to use his creativity and create a 'talking essay'. After all, he knows tons of facts about Niagara Falls, his summer vacation destination with his family, he just has a difficult time getting those facts down with pencil and paper.
He creates a magnificent model of Niagara falls with a turkey pan, toilet paper tubes, and water. It all goes well until it springs a leak and Ms. Adolf is soaked! He gets detention and is grounded. Luckily for Hank, Mr. Rock, the new music teacher is his detention teacher. Together, they struggle through the essay and do a bunch of cool things, too. Mr. Rock recognizes that Hank may have a learning disability when no one else did. Hank's parents really don't believe it, but Mr. Rock and Papa Pete believe in Hank. Good thing there are compassionate people around who take the time to discover how everyone is wired a little differently and learn in their own way and their own speed.
Niagara Falls, Or Does It? is full of humor, empathy, and confidence building...made even more special by the author's own struggles with dyslexia. Just having listened to 'The Fonz' speak at Anderson's 12th Annual Children's Literature Conference, I got a sense of what drives this friendly, humorous, caring man and why his passion is helping all children achieve what they are meant to do.
He creates a magnificent model of Niagara falls with a turkey pan, toilet paper tubes, and water. It all goes well until it springs a leak and Ms. Adolf is soaked! He gets detention and is grounded. Luckily for Hank, Mr. Rock, the new music teacher is his detention teacher. Together, they struggle through the essay and do a bunch of cool things, too. Mr. Rock recognizes that Hank may have a learning disability when no one else did. Hank's parents really don't believe it, but Mr. Rock and Papa Pete believe in Hank. Good thing there are compassionate people around who take the time to discover how everyone is wired a little differently and learn in their own way and their own speed.
Niagara Falls, Or Does It? is full of humor, empathy, and confidence building...made even more special by the author's own struggles with dyslexia. Just having listened to 'The Fonz' speak at Anderson's 12th Annual Children's Literature Conference, I got a sense of what drives this friendly, humorous, caring man and why his passion is helping all children achieve what they are meant to do.
November 21, 2015
It is the first day of 4th grade and the loud speaker in the classroom crackles on. Over the PA system comes the voice of principal Love "Hank Zipzer! report to Principal Love's office at once."
The classroom gets very quiet and as Hank leaves the room the loud speaker crackles to life again.
"And don't you dare stop in the bathroom, young man."
When Hank arrives in the Principal's office he receives a reprimand for being late to school. Oh no, Hank is in trouble already and it is just the first day of school.
Hank returns to class just as his teacher is announcing the assignment. Write 5 paragraphs about "what you did this summer". Hank groans to himself. He cannot write. True he did go to Niagara Falls during the summer, and he has told his bet friends, Frankie and Ashley, great stories about his trip. But try as hard as he can he just cannot put the words on paper.
So Hank comes up with an idea and Frankie and Ashley help him. Together they build a scale model of Niagara Falls. Hank takes it to school the day the assigned 5 paragraphs are due. He begins to demonstrate Niagara Falls and provide lots of useful information about the Falls when Principal Love enters the room and Frankie whispers in his ear that the project has "sprung a leak". Soon the room is covered in water and paper machier.
1. what will happen to Hank now?
2. will he ever be able to write a story?
3. will he ever be on time for school?
If you ever feel like you can do nothing right this is a great book to pick up and read.
The classroom gets very quiet and as Hank leaves the room the loud speaker crackles to life again.
"And don't you dare stop in the bathroom, young man."
When Hank arrives in the Principal's office he receives a reprimand for being late to school. Oh no, Hank is in trouble already and it is just the first day of school.
Hank returns to class just as his teacher is announcing the assignment. Write 5 paragraphs about "what you did this summer". Hank groans to himself. He cannot write. True he did go to Niagara Falls during the summer, and he has told his bet friends, Frankie and Ashley, great stories about his trip. But try as hard as he can he just cannot put the words on paper.
So Hank comes up with an idea and Frankie and Ashley help him. Together they build a scale model of Niagara Falls. Hank takes it to school the day the assigned 5 paragraphs are due. He begins to demonstrate Niagara Falls and provide lots of useful information about the Falls when Principal Love enters the room and Frankie whispers in his ear that the project has "sprung a leak". Soon the room is covered in water and paper machier.
1. what will happen to Hank now?
2. will he ever be able to write a story?
3. will he ever be on time for school?
If you ever feel like you can do nothing right this is a great book to pick up and read.
May 6, 2015
Literature Requirement Award Winner – 2015 Blue Stem Nominee
Hank Zipper the main character a misunderstood to be little bit of a rebel rouser. He is called into the principals office his very first day of school. He returns to class a little bit shook up and his teacher has giving him a writing assignment to write a whole whooping five paragraphs about his summer vacation. Hank has difficulty writing even one sentence how he is he ever going to get this assignment done. Hank has dyslexia but he doesn't let that deter him he utilizes his innovative mind and decides to show his class what his summer vacation was. He creates a living essay of sorts only his living essay of his trip to Niagara Falls crescendoed to fill the entire room, this is not the first impression he intended to make at all. Will Hank face cataclysmic consequences for the tidal wave of water currently inundating his classroom? Pick up the first book of the series of Hank Zipper adventures Niagara Falls, Or Does It to find out. This is a must read for all ages it is a fun engaging adventure story with relatable heartfelt characters. Henry Winkler has clearly constructed a wave of full of happy days with the fun and wacky but cute adventures of his character Hank Zipper and his friends Frankie Townsend and Ashley Wong. This is only the first book of the Hank Zipper series based off Henry Winkler's experiences has a child with dyslexia and ADHD.
Hank Zipper the main character a misunderstood to be little bit of a rebel rouser. He is called into the principals office his very first day of school. He returns to class a little bit shook up and his teacher has giving him a writing assignment to write a whole whooping five paragraphs about his summer vacation. Hank has difficulty writing even one sentence how he is he ever going to get this assignment done. Hank has dyslexia but he doesn't let that deter him he utilizes his innovative mind and decides to show his class what his summer vacation was. He creates a living essay of sorts only his living essay of his trip to Niagara Falls crescendoed to fill the entire room, this is not the first impression he intended to make at all. Will Hank face cataclysmic consequences for the tidal wave of water currently inundating his classroom? Pick up the first book of the series of Hank Zipper adventures Niagara Falls, Or Does It to find out. This is a must read for all ages it is a fun engaging adventure story with relatable heartfelt characters. Henry Winkler has clearly constructed a wave of full of happy days with the fun and wacky but cute adventures of his character Hank Zipper and his friends Frankie Townsend and Ashley Wong. This is only the first book of the Hank Zipper series based off Henry Winkler's experiences has a child with dyslexia and ADHD.
May 1, 2012
This book tells the tale of Hank Zipzer, who feels like the world's greatest underachiever. It's Hank's first day of year four and the teacher sets the task of writing a five paragraph essay chronicling what they did over the Summer holiday. Hank struggles with dyslexia so decides to build his project (a replica of Niagara Falls) instead and bring it into the classroom, which results in a classroom flood and two weeks detention. It seems that Hank's creative ideas keep getting him into trouble and his self-esteem is seriously battered until a new teacher suspects that Hank may have a learning disability.
This book is a light-hearted and witty read with a serious message underneath about how difficult it can be for those with learning disabilities without proper support or provision. This would be a fantastic book both for children struggling with with dyslexia like Hank, but also, with its fast-paced humour and colourful cast of characters including a soup-eating iguana and the disdainfully strict Ms Adolf it would appeal to all children. I would recommend this book for KS2 children, particularly Y3 & 4 but would also work really well with less confident Y5&6 readers.
This book is a light-hearted and witty read with a serious message underneath about how difficult it can be for those with learning disabilities without proper support or provision. This would be a fantastic book both for children struggling with with dyslexia like Hank, but also, with its fast-paced humour and colourful cast of characters including a soup-eating iguana and the disdainfully strict Ms Adolf it would appeal to all children. I would recommend this book for KS2 children, particularly Y3 & 4 but would also work really well with less confident Y5&6 readers.
April 3, 2018
This is a tale written about a fourth grader, (Henry) Hank Zipzer. The story contains a lot of humor, both in language jokes within the text and pratfalls of situations gone horrible wrong. The important aspect of this story is that our main character, at the end, is about to be tested for a learning disability. This book is geared towards third or fourth grades, but it was written by The Fonz and I couldn't turn it down.
The story moves along quickly, Hank is called into the office on the first hour of the first day. His teacher, Ms. Adolf, "doesn't believe in laughing" (p.4). Hank is given the task to write a five paragraph paper "What I did this summer." Instead of writing about his family's trip to Niagara Falls, he creates a working model of the falls. High-jinks ensues; the model falls apart, Ms. Adolf is doused, the principal walks in on the scene. Hank is grounded and unable to perform with his friends at the magic show in the bowling alley. Through work and luck, he gains permission to be a part of the magic show. It is wildly successful.
The story moves along quickly, Hank is called into the office on the first hour of the first day. His teacher, Ms. Adolf, "doesn't believe in laughing" (p.4). Hank is given the task to write a five paragraph paper "What I did this summer." Instead of writing about his family's trip to Niagara Falls, he creates a working model of the falls. High-jinks ensues; the model falls apart, Ms. Adolf is doused, the principal walks in on the scene. Hank is grounded and unable to perform with his friends at the magic show in the bowling alley. Through work and luck, he gains permission to be a part of the magic show. It is wildly successful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2010
Henry Winkler (The Fonz) has written a wonderful series of books about a boy named Hank Zipzer (The World's Greatest Underachiever). These stories are based on some of his experiences as a youth with dyslexia. This is book 1 in the series. Hank really wants to do well in school and in life, but his best intentions have a funny way of falling apart. My dyslexic son loves them -- not just because they are funny and engaging, but because Winkler does such a great job describing the feelings and experiences of growing up this way. My son will often sound like he's in revival meeting when we're listening, because he'll shout out, "Yep, that's just what it's like!".
Hank Zipzer doesn't think very well of himself. He is really misunderstood at school (except for his music teacher), but he has a wonderful network of people to support him at home, and you get a sense of how important that may have been in his own life. Great, funny, stories. If you get them on CD, they are read by Winkler which, if you are old enough, will remind you of Happy Days episodes (music and all).
Hank Zipzer doesn't think very well of himself. He is really misunderstood at school (except for his music teacher), but he has a wonderful network of people to support him at home, and you get a sense of how important that may have been in his own life. Great, funny, stories. If you get them on CD, they are read by Winkler which, if you are old enough, will remind you of Happy Days episodes (music and all).
August 12, 2014
Hank Zipzer decides to make a hands-on school project rather than write the five-paragraph essay assigned by his teacher. Hank dreams of the accolades he will receive for his creativity. However, when his project demonstration goes awry, Hank earns no praise, only detention and grounding. Lucky for Hank, he spends his detention with Mr. Rock, the music teacher, who looks beyond Hank's "shortcomings" and recognizes Hank's strengths. Winkler and Oliver, in writing the Zipzer series, help readers see what it is like to live as a child who learns differently than others. For those students, school can be a painful, frustrating, demoralizing experience. Throughout the story, especially in the triumphant magic show finale scene, they make sure we see just how smart Hank really is. Although implicit, this book makes a strong case for the need in education for alternative assessments. I can see how this series wold be helpful for a child who is struggling like Hank to know that he or she is not alone.
Read
April 8, 2016Hank Zipzer: Niagara Falls, or Does It? follows the realistic story of a boy named Hank Zipzer and his wild adventure. Hank lives with undiagnosed dyslexia which makes him the perfect underachiever with wildly funny stories. Those his brain may not understand math or reading he is the perfect creative mind which sometimes gets him in trouble. In this first book Hank has to create a science project where he decides to put together a report and a replica of a working Niagara Falls. During his presentation though, things go terribly wrong.
This realistic fiction story is perfect to help students with learning disabilities relate to the world. Its funny and creative and doesn't shed a negative light on dyslexia. Though at first Hank is undiagnosed by the end of the book he becomes officially diagnosed. The book does a great job at showing the struggles someone with a LD have both before and after being diagnosed. Any student would find this book enjoyable but those who can relate may find this book just a little bit more cherish-able.
This realistic fiction story is perfect to help students with learning disabilities relate to the world. Its funny and creative and doesn't shed a negative light on dyslexia. Though at first Hank is undiagnosed by the end of the book he becomes officially diagnosed. The book does a great job at showing the struggles someone with a LD have both before and after being diagnosed. Any student would find this book enjoyable but those who can relate may find this book just a little bit more cherish-able.
March 25, 2018
Sometimes I need a change of pace, especially with listening to a lot of gut-wrenching books. I grabbed this book off the library shelf at work because of the author Henry Wrinkler. I didn't know it was inspired by his childhood until a friend told me. Then I read the credits.
" 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."
So now I think I will continue reading about the antics of Henry (aka Hank to his friends) Zipzer. This book was a very fun read.
Hank has a few problems in school: reading, writing and arithmetic and I will not forget his teacher Ms Adolf.
He is given an assignment to write a 5 paragraph report on his summer vacation, but he hates writing so he decides to show what he did. Making a paper-mache' of Niagara Falls including the waterfall. But what happens when he adds said water to the mix, makes for a very messy conclusion.
" 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."
So now I think I will continue reading about the antics of Henry (aka Hank to his friends) Zipzer. This book was a very fun read.
Hank has a few problems in school: reading, writing and arithmetic and I will not forget his teacher Ms Adolf.
He is given an assignment to write a 5 paragraph report on his summer vacation, but he hates writing so he decides to show what he did. Making a paper-mache' of Niagara Falls including the waterfall. But what happens when he adds said water to the mix, makes for a very messy conclusion.
December 15, 2013
A few years ago I went and met Henry Winkler and heard him speak about this series. I had never actually read any of them until now, but I ended up really liking this book. It might be that I'm partial to the whole "music teacher saves the day" kind of idea, but it was awesome. I'm looking forward to reading more of them and seeing the doors that open up for Hank due to the one teacher who finally takes the time to get to know him.
One little problem with the story...
-My third graders know all about me. I get asked about Mr. McHugh and Georgie every day... the fact that Hank's teacher doesn't act like a "real" person in front of her students makes my heart hurt. The fact that she doesn't seem to care if kids like her, and that she doesn't let them laugh, is super upsetting. Between her and the mean principal, I felt like the staff at Hank's school was pretty horrible... until Mr. Rock came along. Thank goodness for that breath of fresh air!
One little problem with the story...
-My third graders know all about me. I get asked about Mr. McHugh and Georgie every day... the fact that Hank's teacher doesn't act like a "real" person in front of her students makes my heart hurt. The fact that she doesn't seem to care if kids like her, and that she doesn't let them laugh, is super upsetting. Between her and the mean principal, I felt like the staff at Hank's school was pretty horrible... until Mr. Rock came along. Thank goodness for that breath of fresh air!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2011
Age of readership: Ages 8-10
Genre: Series Book
Diversity: Everyone learns differently
Illustrations: None
My response to the book: This is the first book in a series and is written from the perspective of a 4th grade boy growing up in NYC who has difficulty with homework assignments and school work in general. He states repeatedly that he thinks he is stupid, but as the story unfolds you see his family and friends in the neighborhood he lives in as a very supportive network and one teacher brings up the idea of having him tested for learning differences, but that is not explained in the book. I have read that the author is speaking from his own experiences as a child growing up with dyslexia.
Curricular/Programming connections: This book could be used for the basis of a book report, in fact several of the individual books in the series could be assigned to all students in the class and they could give an oral report on the selection that they read.
Genre: Series Book
Diversity: Everyone learns differently
Illustrations: None
My response to the book: This is the first book in a series and is written from the perspective of a 4th grade boy growing up in NYC who has difficulty with homework assignments and school work in general. He states repeatedly that he thinks he is stupid, but as the story unfolds you see his family and friends in the neighborhood he lives in as a very supportive network and one teacher brings up the idea of having him tested for learning differences, but that is not explained in the book. I have read that the author is speaking from his own experiences as a child growing up with dyslexia.
Curricular/Programming connections: This book could be used for the basis of a book report, in fact several of the individual books in the series could be assigned to all students in the class and they could give an oral report on the selection that they read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews