Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes

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Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. The Law of Finders Keepers. The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Greece. The Letter For The King. Feb 27, Wendi Lee rated it did not like it Shelves: The first two Alvin Ho books were great, they were funny and interesting and featured a non stereotypical Chinese American boy as the main character. It's rare to read a book with an Asian American character without an immigrant story attached, and as much as those stories are important and relevant, books with Asian kids just being kids are equally important.

Alvin is obsessed with dressing up in a caricature of a Native American "deluxe Indian chief" costume. There are I'm annoyed. There are even illustrations of Alvin in the headdress. I actually checked when this was published, because it felt like I was in the s. Then there's the innuendos about what it means to be a boy versus a girl, which is also eerily ish. Cause girls couldn't possibly become scientists. So deeply annoyed and disappointed. Jun 09, Amy added it Shelves: If there was anyone who could tell me how to survive a girls' party, it was my cousin Bucky. Her real name is Lizard Breath.

She's eight-going-on-eighty-eight, which means she was born with a teacup in her hand and a purse on her elbow. She goes to an all-girls school, which is where no boys are allowed on account of they might ruin things. I love Alvin's voice. I think he's hilarious - maybe a little too hilarious for a second-grader. And now that I've paid this book a compliment, If there was anyone who could tell me how to survive a girls' party, it was my cousin Bucky. And now that I've paid this book a compliment, I'm going to go ahead and list a bunch of issues I had with it.

Which is weird, because I really did like the book. First, I'm really not sure what kind of kid I would recommend it to. It's definitely super-funny, but I think adults would actually get the most out of the humor; some of it may fly right over most kids' heads. I would peg the reading level as appropriate for 3rd-5th graders, but the protagonist is a 2nd grader. That's problematic, because my experience has been that, once kids start reading chapter books, they typically don't want to read about kids who are younger than they are. If anything, they want to read about older kids. Next on my list of grievances: I love that this series stars a Chinese-American character, because I think that diversity in children's books is really important.

But then I felt like my "yay for diversity! Finally, I feel like I've gotten the gist of the series after reading two books. Yes, Alvin is funny love those Shakespearean insults!

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Unless I was sick or feeling really depressed -- then I think another Alvin Ho book would hit the spot. This book was great for my own personal enjoyment, but I'm scratching my head in terms of what kind of kid I would give it to. May 10, Maya Orama rated it it was amazing. This story is about Alvin ho. Alvin was already frightened about it.

Finally, the bus stopped. Alvin looked in the window. Alvin jumped because he was scared, and all his Pdk box things came out. Alvin was already frightened. Finally, they were at the Alcott house. Alvin was looking at the pictures. Alvin went in the bathroom wrote go to the bathroom, stay in the bathroom. Finally, miss p told every one to come back. Alvin and his brother went home. Alvin was running around, and his little sister was poking holes.

Alvin wished for something , then he jumped back on his bed because he thought their was a monster under his bed. Alvin made a card for flea because tomorrow was her birthday party. She was mad that he hit her. Alvin went back home. Soon, it was Picture day. Alvin was Dressed like a balarina. Apr 24, Clare Cannon rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: I love Alvin - his books are such a great combination of childish humour that's still funny for adults too , little boy attitude that means well so you can't get annoyed and a genuine love and respect for his parents that just melts me.

There's a tiny bit of boy humour too - but actually it's quite funny and doesn't take over the whole book, I don't think it goes too far. Some of my favourite moments in this one: Alvin's shopping with his mum, who wonders how long it's been since the two of t I love Alvin - his books are such a great combination of childish humour that's still funny for adults too , little boy attitude that means well so you can't get annoyed and a genuine love and respect for his parents that just melts me.

Alvin's shopping with his mum, who wonders how long it's been since the two of them spent time together, Alvin's so happy spending time with his mum that he doesn't know what to say he's often speechless , so he just stays quiet so that he doesn't 'spoil the moment' Then in the same episode he says "I'm trying to be a gentleman for my mum on account of that's what she's used to from my dad" sweet! When Alvin's not looking forward to being the only boy at a girl's birthday party, his brother Calvin recommends he use their mother's "miracle cream" to make him invisible Then they go on a class excursion to meet some 'authors' who've been dead for years but still give tours of their houses There's so much more, the pictures and text have you laughing out loud on every page View all 4 comments.

Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes

Mar 27, Irene rated it it was ok Shelves: Once again, Lenore Look brings us a funny and quirky book about Alvin Ho, a second grader trying to make his way in a world full of scary things. As always, I love the way Lenore Look casually incorporates multiculturalism and diversity.

Alvin just happens to be Chinese-American, and his classmates include Nhia, who is Cambodian, and Flea, who wears an eye patch and has a limp.

In fact, it is because Alvin Ho books are usually so inclusive that I am especially disappointed that this particular b Once again, Lenore Look brings us a funny and quirky book about Alvin Ho, a second grader trying to make his way in a world full of scary things. In fact, it is because Alvin Ho books are usually so inclusive that I am especially disappointed that this particular book featured Alvin pining for a Deluxe Indian Chief outfit, "complete with a huge feather headdress that makes you look like a giant bird!

Would the author have been okay writing about a white boy who pined for a Chinese play outfit, complete with a conical rice hat and a fake Fu Manchu mustache? That aside, the rest of the book does make for an entertaining story.

Alvin faces his fears and learns "to do the right thing". Without the racial insensitivity, I would have given the book 4 or maybe even 5 stars. Jan 31, Arsh M rated it liked it. I am currently reading Alvin Ho 3 by Lenore Look. I am at the part where Alvin and Flea are at a field trip to a cementry and meet a famous author named Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I think me and Alvin Have somethings in common like we both like writing and like field trips. I think the author does a good job of describing the characters like he makes Alvin scared like when he when he sees the grave he gulp and hides behind Flea and makes flea not really a girl like nobody knew that Flea was a girl an I am currently reading Alvin Ho 3 by Lenore Look. I think the author does a good job of describing the characters like he makes Alvin scared like when he when he sees the grave he gulp and hides behind Flea and makes flea not really a girl like nobody knew that Flea was a girl and she acts like boy.

I think would even be scared because when I was young I went to a cementer then when I saw all those graves I was really scared. I think you should read this book if you like humor. May 11, Jocelyn Brame rated it did not like it Shelves: I'm very disappointed with this installment in the Alvin Ho series. The portrayal of children playing Settlers vs. Indians was unnecessary, and Alvin's fixation on needing the perfect "Deluxe Indian Chief outfit with fringe" was troubling. This perpetuation of reducing Native Americans to stereotypes is unacceptable.

Sweet and funny Just right for read aloud's and also independent reading. My nine-year-old loves it! Album and how it's funny, relatable, and always manages to do the right thing even if it's tough at first. Plus it's really swag. Sep 21, Jen rated it really liked it Shelves: Alvin Ho is an elementary-aged boy who is a bit of a hypochondriac. He is old enough to know that he doesn't like girls, although he does have some girl friends. He gets teased about it at school, so he tries to impress the boys so he fits in be Look, L. He gets teased about it at school, so he tries to impress the boys so he fits in better with them.

In this third installment of the Alvin Ho series, we are witness to Alvin's adventures on a class field trip, his brother Calvin's solution to disappear using their mother's face cream to make lines disappear! From the get-go, the book has a lot of action, dialogue, and first person narrative. This style of writing held my attention throughout the book. I was always curious to know what would happen next, especially when I would finish a chapter and glance at the the next chapter's title. Look did a good job teasing the reader into wondering how the next chapter of Alvin's story develop by writing intriguing chapter titles, and also by creating a humorous character like Alvin.

He is inventive and curious; quirky and eccentric- just the kind of kid that reluctant readers would want to read about. I would definitely recommend this to my nephew, who is in the 6th grade and might even rather spend an evening reading Alvin Ho than playing Minecraft. I think that boys, especially, could related to Alvin being put off by girls, but also being a little curious about them.

One thing that I would be wary of recommending this title is that I was a bit disturbed by the playing "Indian" subject. In this day and age, I think it's wrong to be calling Native Americans "Indians," and think playing "Indian" is appropriate. I would have to read the other Alvin Ho books before I write the series off. Other than this glitch, I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Diary of a Wimpy Kid Reader's advisory notes: See the second paragraph about playing "Indian.

Alvin Ho, protagonist, elementary school-age I wasn't clear on his exact age from reading the book ; Calvin, Alvin's older brother; Anibelly, Alvin's younger sister; Alvin's mother; Alvin's father; Flea, a girl at school who invited him to her birthday party; Bucky, his cousin who tries to teach him manners; Hobson, a boy at school who is having a party the same day as Flea's, but Alvin doesn't get an invitation for the longest time vi.

Alvin Ho is afraid of everything. When he gets an invitation to a girl's birthday party, he freaks out!

See how Alvin deals with having to get ready and go to a girl party. Feb 20, Katie Fitzgerald rated it really liked it Shelves: The first two installments saw Alvin and his PDK personal disaster kit taking on such terrors as piano lessons, the class bully, a camping trip, and getting trapped in a dishwasher box. This time around, he's plagued by a field trip where Louisa May Alcott clones won't stop following him, and worse, an invitation to a girl's birthday party! I love these books. For one thing, I'm so glad to see a loveable chapter book character coming from a Chinese-American background.

I absolutely love all the details of Chinese culture that are infused into these books. I also think Alvin is a really realistic example of a second grader. Sometimes, Alvin wants to impress the other boys, and he'll make mistakes or do the wrong thing, knowing it's wrong, but other times, he just wants to hold his dad's hand, or curl up next to his mom. And Lenore Look doesn't shy away from any of those feelings. Wherever a second grade boy's interests and emotions might go, Look follows them there.

For me, as an adult, the "afraid of everything" gimmick is starting to wear off. I still thought this book was funny, but some of the scenes were a little over the top, such as Alvin's class switching clothes before school pictures, and Alvin ending up in a dress. But chapter book series are somewhat gimmicky by nature, and it's the repetition of those familiar things that makes them so appealing to kids, and especially to reluctant readers.

And while not every kid is likely to be afraid of everything Alvin fears, each of his fears is being experienced by a second-grader somewhere. And I think that's what makes these books so popular, at least in my library. Kids like to see Alvin triumph over his fears, because it gives them confidence to conquer their own. There are three books so far: Saya menunggu kelanjutan dari serial Alvin Ho sejak terakhir membaca buku yang kedua. Tapi sepertinya memang belum ada yang menerjemahkan lagi. Setelah mencari-cari ebooknya, akhirnya ketemu juga.

Entah kenapa saya suka dengan tokoh anak kecil penakut dan absurd ini. Kali ini Alvin Ho dan teman-teman sekelasnya sedang melakukan tour mengunjungi beberapa rumah milik penulis terkenal. Yang Alvin ketahui pemilik rumah yang juga penulis terkenal itu sudah meninggal ratusan tahun yang lalu. Bagaimana Saya menunggu kelanjutan dari serial Alvin Ho sejak terakhir membaca buku yang kedua. Bagaimana caranya mereka bisa berdiri dan menjadi pemandu dalam tour ini?

Perasaan Alvin lantas tidak nyaman. Apalagi ketika dia melihat ada beberapa Louisa May Alcott. Wow… sekarang Louisa sudah diklon menjadi banyak!! Untunglah tour segera berakhir. Tidak lama kemudian Alvin mendapatkan undangan pesta ulang tahun dari Flea, teman sebangkunya. Padahal Alvin inginnya pergi ke pesta ulang tahun Hobson, anak laki-laki di kelasnya. Alvin mencari tahu bagaimana isi pesta anak perempuan, dan ia bertanya kepada kakaknya Calvin.

Calvin menjelaskan jika pesta anak perempuan itu berisi jamuan minum teh dan lebih parahnya semua yang datang adalah anak perempuan. Alvin ketakutan tidak bisa berbuat apa-apa di pesta itu. Dia pun belajar pada sepupunya, Bucky. Sementara itu, untuk menghadiri pesta ulang tahun anak laki-laki, Alvin harus punya kostum kepala suku Indian. Bagaimana caranya agar dia bisa punya kostum itu? Kelakuan Alvin yang konyol dan absurd membuat saya tertawa.

Alvin masih sering ketakutan ketika berhadapan dengan orang banyak atau sesuatu yang tidak diduga. Alvin tidak suka kejutan. Dalam buku ini, kita bisa melihat bagaimana ayah dan ibunya Alvin berusaha membuat Alvin seperti anak biasanya. Meski kalau dari cerita sudut pandang Alvin, tetap saja lucu.

Jan 26, Beth G. The third installment of this series about worry-ridden second grader Alvin Ho runs along the same lines as the previous two. Alvin is still carting his PDK Personal Disaster Kit everywhere he goes, still making lists, and still trying to navigate the tricky spots where the world of girls and the world of boys intersect, especially since his best friend happens to be a girl.

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There are some very touching moments when Alvin gets a little bit of guidance from his father, while Alvin's struggles t The third installment of this series about worry-ridden second grader Alvin Ho runs along the same lines as the previous two. There are some very touching moments when Alvin gets a little bit of guidance from his father, while Alvin's struggles to communicate with his mother and his bickering with his older brother and younger sister keep the family life from getting too sweet.

Alvin's relationship with his dad is a stand-out feature of this series; as in most kid books, the parents are largely relegated to the background while the children take center stage, but Alvin's parents especially his dad are clearly level-headed, responsible, loving parents, and Alvin's respect for them shines through.

LeUyen Pham's appealing pen-and-ink illustrations add just the right visual element to Alvin's ridiculous predicaments. Any of the books in this series can stand alone and would be a good choice for fans of Roscoe Riley looking a little longer though still quick-paced read. Jul 06, Angie rated it it was ok Shelves:

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