The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School

( 4 )

All Available Formats + Editions

——

$12.99

NOOK Book

——

$12.99

The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School (NOOK Kids) Pub. Date: 7/26/2011 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
$6.50

$13.98

Hardcover

$6.50

$13.98

The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacher Goes to School Pub. Date: 6/23/2009 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Customers Who Bought This Also Bought

Advertising

Overview

Zoe Fleefenbacher has one blue eye and one green eye and bright red hair that goes on . . . forever. Her hair has always been unruly, but now she is in first grade and according to her teacher, Ms. Trisk, “first grade has rules.” It takes countless barrettes and scrunchies to finally hold Zoe’s hair. But when it can help with an uncooperative science lesson, will Ms. Trisk let Zoe’s hair free? Acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson and vibrant illustrator Ard Hoyt style a hair-raising story that is sure to be a ‘do!

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Rapunzel has nothing on young Zoe, whose flowing red tresses are not only her crowning glory but can also “turn on the TV, pour a glass of juice, pet the cat, and play on the computer—all at the same time.” But while Zoe's kindergarten teacher embraced the fact that the hair had a life all its own (“at nap time, the hair was a comfort”), first grade brings the stern Ms. Trisk, who is decidedly unamused. Anderson (Independent Dames) and Hoyt (Utterly Otterly Day) are comically sympathetic to the ways in which an unfortunate class placement can turn a school-age child's world upside down. But not to worry—by story's end, everyone's having a good hair day. Ages 6–10. (June)

Children's Literature

I have loved Anderson's young adult books for a long time; now I can add my enjoyment of her newest picture book. The story follows young Zoe and her amazing red hair from birth to first grade. Zoe's parents embraced Zoe's extensive hair, buying "two strollers and two cribs and two high chairs./ One for Zoe Fleefenbacher and one for Zoe's hair." Kindergarten was no problem either, especially when the teacher realized how useful the hair was in keeping the room clean and the classes organized. But when Zoe hits first grade and rule-focused Ms Trisk, the hair becomes a problem for Zoe because the hair increasingly seems to have a mind of its own. The more Ms Trisk insists on no rule-breaking, the more the hair acts out. It is not until Zoe is finally able to control her hair and a specific classroom activity that life returns to "normal;" Zoe's eventual control of this situation allows the story to make lovely points about self-identity and learning to work with others to create community. The illustrations throughout the text are vivid and playful; I cannot imagine any young reader not laughing out loud at some of the antics of the red hair as it does everything from "turn on the TV, pour a glass of juice, pet the cat, and play on the computer—all at the same time." This is a fun, engaging book that will certainly entertain a variety of readers. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.

More Reviews (2) Fewer Reviews

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2—Zoe has a glorious bright red mane. In fact, her "wild and beautiful" hair seems to have a mind of its own, performing various tasks (it can "turn on the TV, pour a glass of juice, pet the cat, and play the computer—all at the same time") and even allowing her to fly. While this isn't a problem in kindergarten, things change in first grade. Ms. Trisk bluntly states, "School has rules…. No wild hair in my class!" She tries to rein in Zoe's unruly tresses with disciplinary measures, a stretchy hat, and even a meeting with the principal. Finally, Zoe's locks are contained with scrunchies, barrettes, bobby pins, and duct tape, an arrangement that also weighs down the girl's spirits. However, when Zoe's locks break free to lend a hand with a demonstration about orbiting planets, it's Ms. Trisk who learns a lesson. Anderson's narrative sparkles with exuberant language and exaggerated humor. Hoyt's buoyant cartoons, done in pen and ink and watercolors, are filled with flowing lines and comical touches. While the plot specifics are a bit far-fetched, the tale touches upon pertinent themes, such as the challenges of transitioning between kindergarten and first grade, the importance of looking for solutions to problems, and the fact that teachers often learn from their students. An imaginative and appealing back-to-school choice.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

To say that Zoe's hair is unruly wildly understates the case. Zoe's red tresses "[go] on . . . forever," pouring juice, petting the cat and playing on the computer-simultaneously. Zoe's parents rightly celebrate it: "It was her sail, her kite, her flag." But when she gets to first grade, the odious Ms Trisk insists that it follow the rules, confining it till both Zoe and hair are miserable. That Zoe's hair will both burst out of its prison and save the day goes without question, but Anderson and Hoyt play the goof for all it's worth. The ink-and-watercolor illustrations depict a freckle-faced, knobby-kneed Zoe, whose magnificent mane twines luxuriantly and massively across the page. The just-deadpan-enough text carries the visuals with ease-a well-coiffed winner. (Picture book. 5-8)

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780689858093
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date: 6/23/2009
Pages: 32
Sales rank: 322,712
Age range: 6 - 10 Years
Lexile: AD530L (what's this?)
Product dimensions: 9.70 (w) x 11.60 (h) x 0.50 (d)

Meet the Author

Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times bestselling author of the National Book Award finalist Speak, Fever 1793, Catalyst, Twisted, and Chains. Laurie lives in Mexico, New York.

Ard Hoyt illustrated One-Dog Canoe by Mary Casanova and John Lithgow’s I’m a Manatee. His most recent title with Simon & Schuster was Utterly Otterly Day by Mary Casanova. He lives in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5

( 4 )

Rating Distribution

5 Star

(3)

4 Star

(1)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines

Tell the world what you think of this product.

Add Recommendations

Your Name: Create a Pen Name or Leave Anonymously

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.

Anonymous

Posted October 13, 2009

I Also Recommend:

Big Hit with My Preschooler

This story is hysterical. I first picked up because the title made me chuckle and I have a Zoe. It's definitely for older preschoolers and up. Zoe Fleefenbacher's hair is quite animated and might be a little scary for younger children. The story has a great cadance, some nice vocabulary words, rich illustrations, and gives you plenty to talk about as you read. My daughter loves books and this is a new favorite of hers.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Anonymous

Posted March 13, 2012

No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous

Posted March 13, 2010

No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous

Posted September 2, 2009

No text was provided for this review.

If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble