Book Review: The Report Card by Andrew Clements

Title: The Report Card

Author:  Andrew Clements

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers 

Date Published: December 20, 2005

Reading Level: Grade 5.1

Interest Level: Grade 3

Fifth grader, Nora Rowley, is gifted and realized, early in life, that she is different from her peers. As she goes through school, she learns how to act normal so she does not show off her gifts. Nora has everyone fooled into believing she is an average student, including her parents. But 5th grade is a turning point for many students, this is the year that it is decided whether a students go on to advanced classes in middle school.

Nora observes how test scores can make students feel good or bad about themselves based on scores alone. She sets out to prove a point, that test scores do not determine intelligence or lack thereof. So, Nora and her best friend Stephen convince most of the 5th grade to get zeros on their next quiz. The parents and teachers are outraged and Nora must figure out the next right thing to do.

I rated this book a 4 out of 5 stars. I think most students can relate to this book. Test scores do tend to boost or crash an ego. I liked the story and I can see the point the author is making about grades not determining intelligence.  As a parent, I think grades are extremely important and I hope my 7 year old, who read the book, and agrees with Nora's point of view, will not decide to get a zero on her next test.