Today’s book pick is Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce. Its full title is Big Nate: In a Class by Himself, and it is the first book in the series, a funny comic-style school story for ages 8–12. It is a good next read for kids who enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
What Is Big Nate About?
Nate Wright is a sixth grader who is certain he is destined for greatness, because a fortune cookie told him so. Then his school day goes sideways. With his best friends Francis and Teddy by his side, Nate runs into trouble with teachers, classmates, and his own big plans. The story is told through short chapters mixed with comics.
Why Kids Love Big Nate
Lincoln Peirce is a cartoonist, and he drew the pictures himself, so the jokes land in the comics as much as in the words. Nate is confident, loud, and always sure things will go his way, which makes his mishaps even funnier. The humor comes from everyday school moments kids know well, like bad days, rivalries, and big dreams that don’t go as planned.
Who Is This Book Best For?
Publishers list it for ages 8–12 and grades 3–7. It has a graphic-novel Lexile of 500L, which is easier to read than many novels for the same age, so it works well for reluctant readers and kids building confidence. It runs around 220 pages, and because it starts a long series, there are plenty of Big Nate books to read next.
Talking About the Book Together
After reading, you can ask: Why does Nate believe so strongly in the fortune cookie? Is Nate a good friend to Francis and Teddy? Have you ever felt sure about something that turned out differently?
More Book Picks Like This
Want more funny school stories? See all of our Book of the Day picks. You can also read children’s books online for free on Epic.
