Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
My oldest daughter has really struggled with reading. Her struggles started in 1st grade. Because of this her reading level stayed at a "1" all last year during second grade as well. The worst part about this was finding books at her level that weren't about frogs and teddy bears. She is a typical 8 year old and loves girly things. I searched high and low for books at the correct level with topics that would interest her. We tried and failed many series and beginning chapter books.Finally, I found HEIDI HECKELBECK and it has answered my prayers. She is now at a level "2" in reading and this is perfect for her. Slightly challenging, but still readable. And the story! It's great and relate-able! All three of my daughters (8, 6 and 3) sit with rapt attention and listen to this book.I really appreciate that this book, unlike many others, does NOT display negative behavior by the lead characters. So many of these level of books have main characters calling their little siblings names like "pest" and "stupid" (like the "Ivy & Bean" books). I hate this behavior and don't allow it in my home. Heidi, although sometimes in a bad mood, never acts in an inappropriate or rude way to her family or peers.We are loving the story-line, illustrations and concepts in this book. A+ from this grateful mom! Heidi Heckelbeck will be starting second grade at Brewster Elementary School. However, she is definitely not excited about school at all! In fact, she has NEVER been to school! Heidi and her younger brother, Henry, have been homeschooled by their mother. So, Heidi is very nervous about her first day at a real school. As she sits at her very own desk, in her second grade classroom, Heidi notices a girl beside her making mean faces. Miss Melanie Maplethorpe (aka Meanie Melanie)! Heidi tries to be friends, but Melanie goes out of her way to be sneaky and mean. Heidi does not like school at all and wishes to be home with her mother! But Heidi has a special secret that just might help her enjoy school and teach "Meanie Melanie" a lesson along the way!This story was very easy to read and had cute illustrations that the targeted audience would enjoy! I would recommend this book for first to second graders. This series would be great for early readers that are just starting to enjoy chapter books because the text is bigger and easy to understand. Plus, the book has numerous pictures which would keep the reader interested.Possible readalikes would be "Junie B. Jones" and the "Fancy Nancy" chapter books. Both series are school related and would definitely appeal to young girls! They are very fast paced and move along for early readers!
What do You think about Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret (2012)?
A cute book for early readers who might be nervous about going to school.
—fernanguime
Pretty good story, great for beginning chapter readers.
—Naurah
