Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The Quirks and the Freaky Field Trip (#4) by Erin Soderberg...

How I Heard About It:  One of my favorite series for fourth graders is The Quirks by Erin Soderberg.  The last few years Erin has visited my classroom and been our guest author to discuss the first book in the series.  I have also read book #2 and book #3 which were so fun and entertaining.  This past Saturday I went to the book signing party for the fourth and final book in the series.  

What It Is About:  The Quirk family is back with this fourth and final installment of their "quirky" adventures.  This time around Uncle Cork is visiting from Europe.  He spends several days with them and brings a new "spirit" to this already crazy family.  The girls class is heading on a field trip to a spooky museum.  Grandpa and Uncle Cork volunteer to be chaperones.  Of course little brother Finn wants to go, but everyone tells him NO.  If you know Finn, you know he always finds a way to get what he wants.  The time of year is Halloween so everyone is gearing up for costume time.  Penn and Molly end up on different teams on the field trip to create the best monster at the museum.  During the field trip Penn's imagination runs wild which can only mean one thing:  Chaos!  

What I Thought Of It:  I loved this book as much as I have loved the other three.  Erin writes such an engaging story.  This family is awesome and to be honest, I'm a bit sad their story is over.  Many of the questions readers had during stories one, two, and three are finally revealed during the telling of this story.  The character of Uncle Cork added a new dimension and showed a new side of the mother.  The overall message at the end of the story is heart-warming and one that all of us should remember.  

Who Should Read It:  The series is perfect for fourth grade readers.  They are chapter books, include illustrations, and aren't too long.  All of these elements make it perfect for the middle-grade reader.  Strong third grade readers could handle the books all the way up to a sixth grade reader that enjoys magic, fantasy, and quirks.  The stories would also make for excellent read alouds.  Be sure to introduce book #1 because I guarantee the reader will then move on to the rest of the series.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

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