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#3 in My Weird School Series

My Weird School Graphic Novel: Dorks in New York!

illustrations by
4.42
on Goodreads (175)

What’s inside...

Graphic novel fans, it’s time to visit the Big Apple with A.J. and friends! New York Times bestselling author Dan Gutman and veteran illustrator Jim Paillot have brought you a third zany My Weird School graphic novel! A.J. and his friends are visiting New York City! They’re hitting all the classic tourist stops—Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, the Met, and more. Their tour guide, Mrs. Mentry, is determined to show the kids all her favorite spots. But will A.J. and the gang be able to fend for themselves after they’re separated from their chaperone?  Full of visual gags, hilarious pop culture references, fun facts about New York, and transportive full-color illustrations, this is the weirdest graphic novel in the history of the world! With more than 32 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading!

Why read this book

  • Captivating adventure in New York City.
  • Encourages creativity and social skills development.
  • Enhances vocabulary through engaging dialogue.
  • Supports emotional growth and friendship values.
In series
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What did you think about A.J. and his friends' adventure in New York? Which part was the most exciting for you?
How did the characters work together to navigate their challenges? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
The story mixes humor and learning. What was one funny moment you remember, and what did it teach you?
If you could visit New York City like the characters, what places would you want to see and why?
How do you think the characters changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the story by asking them to predict what might happen next or how they would have handled a situation differently.
Discuss the settings of New York City as vividly described in the book, relating them to any family experiences of urban environments or aspirations to visit such places.
Connect the book's themes of friendship and teamwork to your child's personal experiences in school or sports.
Utilize the humorous elements of the story to keep the conversation light and enjoyable, fostering a love for reading and discussing books.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The characters in 'My Weird School Graphic Novel: Dorks in New York!' encounter diverse cultures and perspectives while adventuring in New York. This offers a narrative that values differences and encourages inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from various backgrounds, fostering a positive environment in schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters must collaborate to navigate the challenges they face. This highlights the effectiveness of working together to accomplish goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of cooperation and teamwork in group tasks at school or during play.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the story often encounter problems that require creative thinking and resourcefulness to solve.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and creatively in their daily interactions and challenges, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the characters explore New York, they adapt to new situations and unexpected events, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being adaptable in different situations whether it’s adjusting to a new school environment or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The story's setting in New York, a melting pot of cultures, exposes the characters (and the readers) to various cultural elements, enriching their understanding and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and explore different cultures, which can enhance their social interactions and global understanding.