Martin Bridge: Out of Orbit!

November 1, 2007
Gr 1-4-In the first of these two stories, Martin's frustration with a classmate's continual lies and exaggerations reaches a boiling point after Harper boasts that his father is a spy who has created a jet pack for him to use. It is only after Harper arrives at school wearing the same astronaut costume as Martin that he really loses control, causing Harper to be accused of something he did not do. Next, Martin learns the danger of imitating his cartoon hero, Zip Rideout, too closely and that bouncing on a pogo stick in a tree fort is never a good idea. Young readers will identify with Martin's reaction to these humorous predicaments and many will share his interest in space and superheroes. The frequent charcoal illustrations will help early-chapter-book readers make sense of the text, and the quality of the storytelling makes this title a good read-aloud."Kathleen Meulen, Blakely Elementary School, Bainbridge Island, WA"

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