89 pages • 2 hours read
Janet TashjianA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian follows 12-year-old Derek Fallon, who lives in California with his family and dog, Bodi. Derek's summer plans of fun and mischief take an unexpected turn when he discovers a newspaper article about a girl's drowning. While grappling with this mystery and his summer reading list, Derek learns about responsibility, friendship, and overcoming challenges. The novel addresses themes of drowning and loss.
Janet Tashjian's My Life as a Book has been praised for its engaging and humorous portrayal of a reluctant reader's summer. Reviewers appreciate the relatable protagonist and the creative integration of illustrations, though some note the plot's predictability. Overall, it’s seen as a delightful, accessible read for middle graders.
Readers who enjoy My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian are typically middle-grade students who appreciate humorous, illustrated novels. Fans of Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Lincoln Peirce's Big Nate series will be drawn to the relatable, mischievous protagonist and engaging narrative style.
Lexile Level
880LRealistic Fiction
Humor
Children's Literature
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Education
Grief / Death
Parenting