Module 13: Junie B. Jones Aloha Ha Ha

Summary: 
Junie B. is thrilled to learn that she will be acommpanying her parents on a trip to Hawaii (without Ollie!). She even gets to ride on an airplane. When she shares this news with her class, she receives some bad news- homework! Her teacher, Mr. Scary assigns her a different type of journal to use during her trip, a photo journal. As Junie B., Delores (her hula Barbie), and Phillip Johnny Bob (her elephant), set off for the islands, Junie B. realizes that taking the perfect photo for her journal might be tougher than she thought. Her first try on the airplane ends with the cranky ladies sitting around her. Her next few include the too small swim ring she HAD to have, which is now stuck around her waist. Even a bus trip (with old people!) to see beautiful flowers can't provide the perfect picture, instead it ends with a bird caught in her overly flowered hair. Luckily, once she recovers from the traumatic incident she finally snaps a photo worth showing her class, and heads home to tell everyone about her trip to Hawaii.

My Thoughts:
I am a HUGE fan of Junie B., ever since my first purchase in college. Each year I read the series to my class as an after recess cool down time. Kindergartners and first graders alike have loved Junie B. and her craziness! Aloha Ha Ha was no exception. The Junie B. photos and her thoughts on travel are just too funny for words. I especially enjoyed the plane trip, as I can relate to both Junie B. and those sitting around her. As compared to the rest of the series, this is not one of my top three, but I do enjoy seeing Junie B. out of her traditional settings. One thing I will say about the Junie B. series as a whole is that her language and behavior can sometimes be quite over the top. When reading to my class, I often sensor what she says, and even make up discipline from the adults. It seems that although Junie B. is 5 or 6, these books my best be enjoyed around the 2nd grade age when a student is able to read for themselves, and can also determine what not to emulate about the characters. For the younger set they can still be enjoyed, but require more adult discussion and explanation.

Their Thoughts:
Excerpt from Julia Beiker's Children's Literature Review-
"The unique and adorable voice of Junie B. delights her audience as she bubbles over with excitement about going on a vacation. She finds herself in quite the pickle when her teacher asks her to keep a picture journal of her trip to Hawaii. It seems simple to Junie B. She clicks off pictures and puts them in the picture diary. Well, Mr. Scary makes it a little complicated when he expects her to write simple captions under the pictures. Junie B. can handle that until her adventure in Hawaii starts with her being stuck between two grouchy ladies on the airplane. It has to get better, but it doesn’t. One picture after another and Junie B. still is not having her dream vacation, until her new friend, Don, takes her family into the wilds of Hawaii where Junie B. becomes everyone’s hero. Again Barbara Park takes her wonderful Junie B. character and shows her young readers how to make a vacation fun and educational."

Awards and Accolades-
Buckeye (Ohio) Children's Book Award, 2008
Colorado Children's Book Award, 2008

My Ideas:
I once used a tri-fold board to create a display on Barbara Park, and would love to do so again. While many students may love the Junie B. series, it is easy for them to outgrow her humor by second grade. By using a tri-fold board topped with a larger than life Junie B., I can grab the readers attention using a familiar character. In the display, there would be a collection of Junie B., but also other novels written by Barbara Park for the readers to try. While the typical patron may not know of Skinnybones, I know they will appreciate the author's writing style just as much as in the Junie B. series.