Monday, March 30, 2015

MMGM: Alvin Ho: Allergic to the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace, and Other Tourist Attractions



This book is a little different from what I normally feature. It’s for the younger range of middle grade and the protagonist is 7 ½. But the title was so hilarious, I knew I had to read it. Alvin Ho is an endearing character—and China is excellent foil for someone who’s fearful. And although my sons are no longer at the chapter book age, I’m always excited to find interesting books in this category, because I remember how hard it was to find appealing books at that stage.


Here’s the synopsis (from Amazon):

Here’s the sixth book in the beloved and hilarious Alvin Ho chapter book series, which has been compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and is perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers.

Alvin, an Asian American second grader who’s afraid of everything, is taking his fears to a whole new level—or should we say, continent. On a trip to introduce brand-new baby Ho to relatives in China, Alvin’s anxiety is at fever pitch. First there’s the harrowing 16-hour plane ride; then there’s a whole slew of cultural differences to contend with: eating lunch food for breakfast, kung fu lessons, and acupuncture treatment (yikes!). Not to mention the crowds that make it easy for a small boy to get lost.

From Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham comes a drop-dead-funny and touching series with a truly unforgettable character
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What I loved about Alvin Ho:

         1.  A relatable main character: I loved that Alvin is so scared of everything. It adds a lot of humor, but I also think a lot of kids can relate or at least it will make them feel like they are not so fearful next to Alvin. 
      2. A book for reluctant/early readers that features a boy main character. As a mom of boys, I have been very frustrated at the dearth of reading material for the chapter book range that appealed to my boys.  It’s also refreshing to read a book for this age group that features a diverse cast of characters.

      3.  A dad who spouts Shakespeare curses and is a calm contrast to Alvin’s fears. I loved Alvin’s dad so much, especially how he handled the central conflict in this story. When you’re afraid of everything, you need a sympathetic parent who can go with the flow.

          4. An interesting setting: I probably wouldn’t have been so keen to pick this book up if it hadn’t been set in China. It was fun seeing the Great Wall and the Forbidden City from Alvin’s perspective—even though both trips got caught short by his antics.
   
      5. Humor: I loved the running joke of how Alvin called his baby sister different fish names and the various adventures with his PDK (Personal Disaster Kit). I think I need one of those!
      

This book reminded me a lot of BOBBY VS GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY) by Lisa Yee, albeit with a younger protagonist. I think it would appeal to kids who like humorous reads and travel. This is the sixth book in series. The others include: ALLERGIC TO GIRLS, ALLERGIC TO CAMPING, ALLERGIC TO BIRTHDAY PARTIES, ALLERGIC TO DEAD BODIES, and ALLERGIC TO BABIES. Don’t they sound fun?

Have you read any good chapter books for the younger MG reader?

If you're looking for Marvelous Middle Grade suggestions, check out Shannon Messenger's blog.


13 comments:

  1. Fish names? That's funny. You're right, not many books aimed at boys.

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    1. Yes, that captures how an older brother feels about a baby sister, doesn't it?

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  2. Great that this is a book that would appeal to boys who are reluctant readers. And you're right, there aren't that many for them.

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    1. We definitely need more. And it's always nice to find ones with well-rounded characters.

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  3. I read one Alvin Ho book and really didn't like it. Maybe I should give this one a try some time. You make it sound pretty attractive.

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    1. It was a lot of fun, but then I love anything set in China. I hope you enjoy it, Rosi!

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  4. I remember reading and loving the first book in this series. Alvin is so endearing, with his "so-so anxiety disorder." (i.e. social anxiety). How funny that he calls his baby sister different fish names. Reminds me of the way Clementine (another chapter book protagonist) calls her baby brother various vegetable names.

    Clementine is a series that I think appeals to both girls and boys, since she's not a "girly girl". My older son (now 28, so it's been a while) adored Cam Jansen books at that age. And Encyclopedia Brown. Don't know if those are still available. Dan Gutman's My Weird School seems to appeal to boys and girls.

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    1. Thanks for all the recs, Joanne! My son has enjoyed the Cam Jansen books too. I've forgotten about Encyclopedia Brown. I will have to check out the Gutman series. It sounds like fun!

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  5. Sounds totally fun- and just crazy enough that kids would read it.

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  6. I read the first Alvin Ho book but have never had the time to read any of the sequels. This one sounds great. I'll be sure to track it down. Thanks for bringing Alvin back on my radar screen.

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  7. Some years ago I attended a Humor Panel at SCBWI NYC Nationals where Lenore Look opened up her bag of humor tricks and generously shared her tips. Something I still tap, when stuck, and use regularly! I've been a fan of her books since, but let myself get distracted from them of late. Looks like I need to pick them up again!

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  8. I'm a HUGE fan of the Alvin Ho books and am glad to see someone else likes them. Yes, we definitely need more younger-grade books for boys

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