Realistic FictionI never read Judy Moody as a young student because it is a never series of books for middle elementary aged students, but I really enjoyed reading it now as a college student. I know a lot of third graders who love Judy Moody books, and my hopes as a teacher would be that students who really love Judy Moody would be hooked enough to read the other books in the series, and hopefully even try out other series that have similar characters and themes. This Judy Moody story is about Judy's trip to Boston and how she brought home the many themes of the American Revolution that she saw and learned about on her trip. She writes her own Declaration of Independence, has her own Boston Tea Party, and creates her own Freedom Trail. In the end, she didn't need any of those to become more responsible and independent, but hopefully the integration of so many historical facts throughout the whole story would keep students engaged and interested in not only the story, but the history behind this specific Judy Moody book. I would hope that if a student were reading this independently in my class, he or she would maybe have some background knowledge of the American Revolution or Boston and be intrigued to research the information further. Megan McDonald provides a brief but detailed explanation of many of the historical points that with some background research, students could really get into more information about the American Revolution. I would love to see a journal response to this book if a student read it independently. He or she could talk about the American Revolution, write his or her own Declaration of Independence, and relate this story to his or her own life experiences such as seeing museums or taking trips to historical landmarks. As previously mentioned, I would hope that Judy Moody books and other series would help hook students to read more of that series, more by that author, or other similar books. This is a great way to keep students reading and interested in what books they want to read. In addition, I think students would be able to connect to the Judy Moody books. She is around the same age as them and the setting of her books are usually at school or at home with her parents and younger brother. While Judy Moody's character is a little erratic, students could connect to her as if reading a friend's journal or even putting themselves in her shoes. This book is targeted for ages 6-9, so it may be easy for some fifth grade students, but I think it would be a great fit for this specific book and the whole series for grades 3-5.
Megan McDonald wrote another amusing story with her book Judy Moody Declares Independence. The illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds contribute to the overall fun feel of the book, and would support transitional readers as well. In this story, Judy, Stink, and her parents, are traveling to Boston where she learns about Paul Revere’s Ride, the Boston Tea Party, and the Declaration of Independence. She also makes a friend from England, Tori, and they become pen pals. When they return home from the trip, Judy becomes obsessed with gaining more independence herself and even stages her own Boston Tub Party. I learned a little bit of history myself when Judy’s teacher introduces her to the story of Sybil Ludington, another person who took a night ride to warn her village that the British were coming. Judy is very impressed and wants to know why there are not more stories like Sybil’s in history books. In typical Judy and Stink shenanigans, the story gets messy before it wraps itself up in a nice bow, perfect for readers in first through fifth grade. The historical accuracy and inclusion of a woman in history would make it a great read aloud during a social studies unit on the American Revolution in elementary school.
What do You think about Judy Moody Declares Independence (2010)?
I thought this book is good because she tries to control her parents alot when she meets a friend in Boston and they keep sending each other things and sends judy some tea packets.
—Dalia Gomez
Following a family trip to historical Boston the irrepressible Judy Moody writes her own Declaration of Independence from homework, hair-brushing, and “baby bedtime” in an attempt to convince her parents she is responsible enough for more freedoms. Young readers will identify with the spunky heroine’s frustration over wanting more independence, sympathize with her mistakes in judgment (reenacting the Boston Tea Party in the bathtub, for instance), and admire her courage to act in a minor crisis. Reynolds’ fun black and white illustrations and lots of juvenile jargon-laced dialogue set in large typeface will have readers enjoying themselves so much they may not notice all the historical facts they’re soaking up. An easy read-aloud for grades 2-4, use this quick novel to introduce students to American patriots Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and Sybil Ludington.
—babyhippoface
I loved the all Judy Moody books when I was kid! They were always so adventurous and interesting. Megan really knows hot to write books for kids withour making them too complicated or too easy. The illustrations are really good to. When I was a kid, I would always try to draw and recreate the pictures. I really love Judy's cat, Mouse?,. It's just that he's? always there randomly.Stink was amazing character too. Smart and funny. I find it hilarious that a parent would name there kid Stink. I love his series too! I also love Toady. Ahh, memories. I remember always buying Judy Moody stickers too. The stories were amaizng! Some events in the books can really relate to real life stuff.Judy Mooy Forever. ♥
—Michelle. D.
