This is the first Hank Zipzer book I have read although I have watched many students check them out from my school library. Hank seems to be the British equivalent of Greg Hefley. Both consider themselves underachievers, and much of the book focuses on the antics of the main character trying to get out of a situation they put themselves into.

In this book, Hank’s sister and parents are out of the apartment while his sister gets her tonsils out. Hank has planned a “Grand Pizza and Ice-Cream Gala and Soiree” with his friends. This would be fine except he has a report on WWI due the next day. Add that he must take care of his sister’s pet lizard and let the shenanigans begin. The story is well-paced with short chapters that are just right for more reluctant readers. The sister’s brilliant character is fun as she shows more sanity than her parents over her operation.

What is most special about this book is the font. It is written in OpenDyslexic which increases the readability for those with dyslexia. The font is heavier at the bottom which seems to help ground the letters.

I would definitely recommend this book for students who have read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and are looking for something new. They won't be disappointed with this one. ( )

Hank is a twelve year old with big ideas for fun and little motivation for schoolwork. In this story Hank’s little sister Emily, who is an absolute precocious hoot, is having her tonsils removed and is spending the night in the hospital. Hank is thrilled his sister and his parents will be away so he plans “Uncle Hank’s Grand Pizza and Ice-Cream Gala and Soiree” with his two best friends. Unfortunately Hank has a huge history project and presentation and he hasn’t even started on. He also agreed to take care of Katherine, Emily’s pet lizard who luckily gives Hank an idea for his project. The characters and story are wonderfully relatable and it was amusing to experience everything with Hank. This book was based on characters created by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver and set in font designed to help readers that are dyslexic. ( )

I really enjoy this series and this title "Hank Zipzer: The Pizza Party" is another worthy addition. Based on a tv show that I don't know, this fiction chapter book claims to be for ages 7-10. I'd like to suggest for those kids struggling with dyslexia, that older readers might actually enjoy the humor here. Also, short chapters (26) and Candlewick has again used a dyslexia-friendly font. All of these are helpful and the humor of Hank wrangling with his sister and her lizard named Katherine. He's planning a party at home while his family is at the hospital for his sister. He's neglecting a school assignment in favor of a menu/invitation that is hilarious. His worries ramp up a bit when Hank realizes the folder his sister handed him on her way out the door and to the hospital is for lizard care. Lizard-sitting isn't what he cares about so he gets back to "Phase One of Operation Party Time". A fun read and don't limit this to younger students if you have someone who could benefit from the design of this book. ( )

I was excited to get this book for many reasons. It is a book that will immediately get the attention of young readers. The real life shenanigans make for comedic reading. Students will relate to Hank and how he desires to avoid school work while having a good time without his parents around. As an adult I can remember feeling many of the same things Hank feels, which is a great reminder of what students are still feeling today. It was also easy to read with the font used. While I am not dyslexic I appreciated how easy to read the font was and am excited to add a humorous book to our school library that can also be a resource for our dyslexic students. ( )

This is the first Hank Zipzer book I have read although I have watched many students check them out from my school library. Hank seems to be the British equivalent of Greg Hefley. Both consider themselves underachievers, and much of the book focuses on the antics of the main character trying to get out of a situation they put themselves into.

In this book, Hank’s sister and parents are out of the apartment while his sister gets her tonsils out. Hank has planned a “Grand Pizza and Ice-Cream Gala and Soiree” with his friends. This would be fine except he has a report on WWI due the next day. Add that he must take care of his sister’s pet lizard and let the shenanigans begin. The story is well-paced with short chapters that are just right for more reluctant readers. The sister’s brilliant character is fun as she shows more sanity than her parents over her operation.

What is most special about this book is the font. It is written in OpenDyslexic which increases the readability for those with dyslexia. The font is heavier at the bottom which seems to help ground the letters.

I would definitely recommend this book for students who have read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and are looking for something new. They won't be disappointed with this one. ( )