Niagara Falls, Or Does It? (Hank Zipzer, #1)

Shows that being different, and solving things differently, is OK

A funny story from the Fonz. This is the first in a series. Touches on more serious issues such as learning disabilities but mostly stays light. Appropriate for fourth grade and up...

Fourth-graders Hank, Ashley, and Frankie are excitedly preparing for a magic show at the Rock 'N Bowl when Hank's creative alternative to an English essay lands him in detention and grounded the week of the show.

When a 4th grade dyslexic boy is faced with the overwhelming homework assigment of writing five whole paragraphs about his summer vacation, Hank Zipzer comes up with his own ideas about how to share his experience differently. Henry (though he likes to be called Hank) has great friends and an even

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greater Grandpa, who calls all of his friends "Grandkids", and lets them eat rootbeer floats without telling them it'll ruin their dinner. Based on his own childhood experiences, Henry Winkler allows us to enjoy this fast-paced, fun read, exploring the challenges and creativity that goes hand in hand with those struggling with a learning disability. While 4th and 5th graders are the intended readers, older middle schoolers will identify with the everyday struggles of a child with a learning disability, as did my 7th grade nephew who quickly sped through the series. Highly recommended. 4th-7th grade.

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This is the first in the Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler. Hank is given an assignment to write about what he did on his summer vacation. The problem is that Hank has always had trouble with writing, so he decides to build a working model of Niagara Falls and floods the classroom. Hank’s music

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teacher begins to suspect that Hank has some learning problems and suggests that he get tested.

I enjoyed the story about Hank. I loved the humor that Mr. Winkler included in the novel. It is definitely quality literature. I would include it in the school library because I think it would be a great series for any kid who is having trouble in school to read so they would not feel quite so alone. It would also be great for other kids to read to help them understand that everyone has “learning differences.” It could help with tolerance issues.

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Niagra falls or does it is a book that basically explains a kid that has learning problems and doesnt want to write a report so he does a project instead. I dont think this book stays on topic very well. It is more for littler kids. I think the author should have stayed on topic a little better

Hank Zipzer is very creative but sometimes finds it hard to complete his work. His first assignment of the year is to write a 5-paragraph essay about what he did last summer. In order to get out of it he used the help of his two friends to create a living model of Niagara Falls. But everything goes

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wrong...and he ends up in detention for two weeks. There he meets a great music teacher who explains to his parents that he might have learning difficulties that keep him from focusing on long tasks. Luckily, his parents allow him to do his magic school with his friends at the bowling alley.

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Lots of kids will relate to Hank Zipzer as he navigates the rocky road of fourth grade and teachers who don't understand him. He may not be a whiz at spelling or multiplication, but this funny protagonist learns that he's got a lot going for him nonetheless.

This was the first book in Battle of the Books that I've finished so far. Winkler does a terrific job of getting into the head of a boy with learning challenges. Hank Zipzer has a hell of a time in school, mostly because his head isn't suited for learning in the traditional, acceptable way. His way

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of dealing with the struggle to write a 5 paragraph essay on his summer vacation inspires the book's title (without giving a whole lot away).

This is the first book in what appears to be a pretty big series. Alena thought it was okay, but there are other books so far that she's enjoyed more.

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This was the first book in Battle of the Books that I've finished so far. Winkler does a terrific job of getting into the head of a boy with learning challenges. Hank Zipzer has a hell of a time in school, mostly because his head isn't suited for learning in the traditional, acceptable way. His way

Show More

of dealing with the struggle to write a 5 paragraph essay on his summer vacation inspires the book's title (without giving a whole lot away).

This is the first book in what appears to be a pretty big series. Alena thought it was okay, but there are other books so far that she's enjoyed more.

Show Less

This was the first book in Battle of the Books that I've finished so far. Winkler does a terrific job of getting into the head of a boy with learning challenges. Hank Zipzer has a hell of a time in school, mostly because his head isn't suited for learning in the traditional, acceptable way. His way

Show More

of dealing with the struggle to write a 5 paragraph essay on his summer vacation inspires the book's title (without giving a whole lot away).

This is the first book in what appears to be a pretty big series. Alena thought it was okay, but there are other books so far that she's enjoyed more.

Show Less