by Tom Birdseye
Just Call Me Stupid by Tom Birdseye is a 1997-98 Hoosier Award Nominee for Fourth through Sixth Grades.
Patrick Lowe's father drank alcohol all the time. He was really mean to Patrick. One time he even locked Patrick in the closet when he couldn't say the alphabet right. He would tell Patrick he was stupid and so Patrick thought he was stupid. It didn't help matters that he was in fifth grade and still couldn't read.
His mom pretty much ignored that Patrick didn't read; Mrs. Romero, his teacher, was frustrated by him; and Andy Wilkinson, a school bully, didn't help matters. Patrick would have gone through life believing he was stupid if Celina hadn't moved next door to Patrick. Celina loved to read and when she became Patrick's friend, she taught him to believe in himself enough that he realized he could learn to read.
Because I love to read so much, this book really held my attention. I don't know that I have ever known anyone who couldn't read. Even though sometimes I don't like how my parents handle situations, they have never done mean things to me. I think this book was an eye-opener to me. I saw how some other kids have to live and how your home life can affect your school life. The story made me realize how lucky I am my parents encourage me in my education and take an active part in it.
I would highly recommended this book to all kids. I think it teaches us that no matter what the circumstances in your life are, you can do anything you want to do and be anything you want to be. It's easier if your parents are there to help you, but there is always someone . . . a friend, teacher, a counselor or a principal who can make a difference in your life. You can purchase Just Call Me Stupid on line through Amazon secured order site!
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