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Sophie Simon Solves Them All
For a third-grader, Sophie Simon is one smart cookie. She enjoys teaching herself advanced calculus and has performed successful heart surgery on an earthworm. She's also very clever when it comes to dealing with her clueless parents. But Sophie is no genius when it comes to calculating the high value of friendship--until, that is, she has to use her incredible IQ to help out some classmates with their own parental troubles.
170 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2010
22 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Graff
21 books494 followersLisa Graff is the critically acclaimed and award-winning author of the National Book Award nominee A Tangle of Knots, as well as Lost in the Sun, Absolutely Almost, Double Dog Dare, Umbrella Summer, The Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower, The Thing About Georgie and Sophie Simon Solves Them All. Originally from California, she lived for many years in New York City and now makes her home just outside of Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 8, 2010
One Sentence Review: Difficult protagonists are rare beasts in children's literature, making Sophie's tale one of the more enjoyable little stories of the year.
July 6, 2019
“Sophie Simon Solves Them All” by Lisa Graff is a humorous chapter book, which combines unique characters, scientific and philosophical concepts and the eternal struggle between parents and children about what the latter should like and do.
The main character Sophie is a third-grade genius, who is smart, serious, and quite antisocial. Instead of spending time with other kids, Sophie tinkers, reads big, fat books and does science experiments. Her favorite subject is math, and especially the very complicated kind of math, calculus. She studies it when riding the bus to school and at night under the covers.
Unfortunately, Sophie’s parents don’t understand her passion for math and would rather prefer her to be a regular kid and get friends. But Sophie doesn’t want to have friends, considering them a total waste of time. Instead, she dreams about a graphing calculator, Pembo Q-60, which costs 100 $. When her parents refuse to buy one for her, Sophie has to find a way to get the calculator on her own. She doesn’t have enough money, but some of her classmates are ready to pay Sophie if she can solve their own problems: getting out of a ballet recital, having a rabbit, and finding a great news story.
Although all the grown-ups in the book have a somewhat cartoonish feel, always trying to impose their will on the kids, I guess this portrayal may be relatable to many children. So, in my view, reading this story would be beneficial to all parents as a reminder to listen to their kids more.
I also liked the glossary at the end of the book, explained in a funny and entertaining way, as well a cool recipe of the saltwater taffy.
This story, told in a fun, lighthearted tone, with cute black & white illustrations, is a great find for all math-loving kids and their parents!
The main character Sophie is a third-grade genius, who is smart, serious, and quite antisocial. Instead of spending time with other kids, Sophie tinkers, reads big, fat books and does science experiments. Her favorite subject is math, and especially the very complicated kind of math, calculus. She studies it when riding the bus to school and at night under the covers.
Unfortunately, Sophie’s parents don’t understand her passion for math and would rather prefer her to be a regular kid and get friends. But Sophie doesn’t want to have friends, considering them a total waste of time. Instead, she dreams about a graphing calculator, Pembo Q-60, which costs 100 $. When her parents refuse to buy one for her, Sophie has to find a way to get the calculator on her own. She doesn’t have enough money, but some of her classmates are ready to pay Sophie if she can solve their own problems: getting out of a ballet recital, having a rabbit, and finding a great news story.
Although all the grown-ups in the book have a somewhat cartoonish feel, always trying to impose their will on the kids, I guess this portrayal may be relatable to many children. So, in my view, reading this story would be beneficial to all parents as a reminder to listen to their kids more.
I also liked the glossary at the end of the book, explained in a funny and entertaining way, as well a cool recipe of the saltwater taffy.
This story, told in a fun, lighthearted tone, with cute black & white illustrations, is a great find for all math-loving kids and their parents!
January 3, 2021
This is one of the best "girl has friend and parent drama" books I've read. Most of the books I've read with that theme end up with girls trying too hard to make friends or girl makes fool of herself trying to make friends - but not Sophie. She's a genius and wants to read college grade material, and study calculus. She doesn't want friends; she wants a Pembo Q60 - a calculator. But her parents want her to make friends and be a normal girl.
The writing style is really quirky and fun. Had me laughing out loud a few times. I knew as soon as it was described that four-year-old Sophie dismantled a toaster and turned it into a working radio that I would like this book. And the fact she made a topical map of Zimbabwe out of mashed potatoes really confirmed it.
When other kids ask her for help with their problems, she turns them down. Who needs friends? Then she realizes friends can be mutually beneficial...
Owen the neat freak, Daisy the klutz, and Julia the journalist were also a ton of fun, and all four of the kids had chapters dedicated to them and their problems. It's too bad this is standalone. I'd love to read more about these kids' adventures. <3
The writing style is really quirky and fun. Had me laughing out loud a few times. I knew as soon as it was described that four-year-old Sophie dismantled a toaster and turned it into a working radio that I would like this book. And the fact she made a topical map of Zimbabwe out of mashed potatoes really confirmed it.
When other kids ask her for help with their problems, she turns them down. Who needs friends? Then she realizes friends can be mutually beneficial...
Owen the neat freak, Daisy the klutz, and Julia the journalist were also a ton of fun, and all four of the kids had chapters dedicated to them and their problems. It's too bad this is standalone. I'd love to read more about these kids' adventures. <3
July 8, 2014
Sophie Simon is a quirky, 3rd-grade genius. Sophie wants two things in life -- 1) a graphing calculator so she can teach herself calculus; and 2) for her parents to accept and feel proud of who she is. What Sophie doesn't think she needs are friends. In this tale of interwoven character lives, Lisa Graff reminds us that many times in life we have to rely on other people to accomplish our goals and solve problems that seem insurmountable on our own.
I read Graff's more recent TANGLE OF KNOTS before reading this book, and I am struck by the similarities between the two. Both books feature seemingly unrelated storylines that weave characters and events together to form the tapestry of the story. It is magical to see the relationships unfolding and coming to light as you progress through the book. This shorter chapter book is a level 4 read, but I would have placed it much lower. While it does reference world events and people that might be unknown to younger readers, Graff provides an encyclopedia in the back. She also has a character map at the front of the book, which is helpful to reference at the beginning of the story where you are getting to know a pretty large cast. There is also a Questions for the Author section in the back of the book which was interesting.
I can see this as a good book club book. This book also would work for Notice & Note readers to practice Again and Again moments. This book is a 2014 YHBA intermediate grades 4-6 nominee.
I read Graff's more recent TANGLE OF KNOTS before reading this book, and I am struck by the similarities between the two. Both books feature seemingly unrelated storylines that weave characters and events together to form the tapestry of the story. It is magical to see the relationships unfolding and coming to light as you progress through the book. This shorter chapter book is a level 4 read, but I would have placed it much lower. While it does reference world events and people that might be unknown to younger readers, Graff provides an encyclopedia in the back. She also has a character map at the front of the book, which is helpful to reference at the beginning of the story where you are getting to know a pretty large cast. There is also a Questions for the Author section in the back of the book which was interesting.
I can see this as a good book club book. This book also would work for Notice & Note readers to practice Again and Again moments. This book is a 2014 YHBA intermediate grades 4-6 nominee.
January 9, 2011
Sophie is brilliant- stratospherically brilliant. In third grade, she is reading college texts-- her parents are clueless, her teacher is clueless, her classmates uninterested in and uninteresting to Sophie- all fine with her until she realizes that her calculus text is useless without a $100 graphing calculator.
Her classmates are having parent problems of their own and realize a brainiac like Sophie should be able to figure out how to help. Ever logical (a somewhat unappealing) Sophie has no interest in the pedestrian- boring- problems of her classmates until she realizes they will Pay her. Then she is on board, oh until the money falls short, then she is uninterested again.
She is back in the game when she realizes if she helps everyone she will have exactly $100.
All goes as planned until Sophie makes a real sacrifice and ends up with friends instead of $100- who can take that to the bank? Until her friends come through with a new strategy for a calculator.
At the end we still don't know if Sophie has what it takes to be a real girl. The characterizations remain flat and stereotyped to the last page.
Her classmates are having parent problems of their own and realize a brainiac like Sophie should be able to figure out how to help. Ever logical (a somewhat unappealing) Sophie has no interest in the pedestrian- boring- problems of her classmates until she realizes they will Pay her. Then she is on board, oh until the money falls short, then she is uninterested again.
She is back in the game when she realizes if she helps everyone she will have exactly $100.
All goes as planned until Sophie makes a real sacrifice and ends up with friends instead of $100- who can take that to the bank? Until her friends come through with a new strategy for a calculator.
At the end we still don't know if Sophie has what it takes to be a real girl. The characterizations remain flat and stereotyped to the last page.
July 8, 2015
This is a rather annoying book, filled with stereotypes, unsympathetic adults, and bratty or stupidly portrayed children. The stereotype that hits home most with me is the characterization of Sophie, the gifted genius. Her nose is always in a book, she has no interest in friends or people at all, she only helps the other kids, because she wants money to buy a graphing calculator, so she can teach herself calculus. The second most annoying caricature is Sophie's parents, clueless grownups who call her nauseating and ever changing pet names and are supposedly only interested in her being what some pop-psychologist calls "well-adjusted".
I like some of Lisa Graff's other books, notably Lost in the Sun, which I just finished a few days ago. This one, I do not. Thank goodness it is a library book and I can return it.
I like some of Lisa Graff's other books, notably Lost in the Sun, which I just finished a few days ago. This one, I do not. Thank goodness it is a library book and I can return it.
March 5, 2014
This was an odd book. I got it as a read aloud for my 1st grade daughter. She LOVED this book. There were things I liked about this book - good writing, an unexpected story, a girl not afraid of being smart and exactly who she is - and things I didn't like about this book. The adults were cartoonish buffoons. The kids were, while not stereotypes, cartoonish as well. The story revolved around Sophie Simon, girl genius who would rather not relate to people, solving other kids' problems to secretly earn money to buy a graphing calculator. In the end, she does a selfless act and gives up her calculator to keep her new "friends" out of trouble. The ending was a bit hard to swallow. It tried to be a lesson in friendship, but the lesson was definitely lacking.
3 stars from me. 4.5 from my daughter
3 stars from me. 4.5 from my daughter
November 9, 2010
When all the grown up reviewers start going on about "cute" and "adorable" my alarm warning of approaching saccharine begins to beep. And sure enough, by the time I'd read the first chapter it was beeping loudly.
There are lots of jokes here for the grownups about helicopter parents, wrapped around a slight story about a kid who resembles Roald Dahl's Matilda in her genius. Only Matilda really WAS adorable and likeable, and Sophie isn't. And I'm not sure there's as much kid appeal here as there is appeal for librarians and other grownups.
There are lots of jokes here for the grownups about helicopter parents, wrapped around a slight story about a kid who resembles Roald Dahl's Matilda in her genius. Only Matilda really WAS adorable and likeable, and Sophie isn't. And I'm not sure there's as much kid appeal here as there is appeal for librarians and other grownups.
August 24, 2020
کتاب خوبیه برای بچه های ۸ تا ۱۱ سال
مثل همیشه دیر اقدام کردم به خوندنش😬😑
درباره یه بچه ۹ ساله که خیلی بیشتر از سنش میفهمه و نابغه ست.
و پدر مادرش اصلا موافق نیستن با این موضوع و دوست دارن بچشون عین همسن و سالاش باشه.
و خب برای طرفدارای کتاب ماتیلدا نوشته رولدال ،میتونه جذاب باشه☺💙
مثل همیشه دیر اقدام کردم به خوندنش😬😑
درباره یه بچه ۹ ساله که خیلی بیشتر از سنش میفهمه و نابغه ست.
و پدر مادرش اصلا موافق نیستن با این موضوع و دوست دارن بچشون عین همسن و سالاش باشه.
و خب برای طرفدارای کتاب ماتیلدا نوشته رولدال ،میتونه جذاب باشه☺💙
December 11, 2021
This has a bonus recipe after the story... ❤
Right...the book itself?
Fun read about a girl who enjoys reading & learning, but doesn't have or want friends. For some reason this book caught my eye on a Dollar Tree shelf, and after reading the description on the back I had to have it!
"Sounds autistic I'm in!" was my first impression, and now having read the book I'm not sure there's enough information to say that she is or isn't.
I like a good book with an unusual main character, and that shows different doesn't equal bad or wrong. Sophie is definitely gutsy, and has some crazy ideas...however she is smart & has a lot of good ideas too.
Though the parents can seem abit dramatized, some parents are dramatic about how their kid should feel/act, and what they should like/dislike. Some parents can be clueless on why a kid may like something & be overbearing about it-- that sounds very unhealthy. I know in my teens my mother tried to control what I wore, and instead of modest dress she wanted me to, and couldn't understand why I didn't want to dress like a street-walker. At least my dad was sensible, and perfectly okay with me dressing comfortable & not wearing as little fabric as possible. My mom also hated that I was a bibliophile, and would rather read books above what my grade-level should be. I never went through the boy crazy stage, and at one time thought I might be asexual without knowing there was a term for it or that it was okay not to be someone fighting lust 24/7 or obsessing over a crush. My mother actually used to get mad at me because I'd rather sit alone, and read for hours without socialization. I'd rather read a book about electrical wiring over putting make-up on. I also liked videogames, and would prefer a good rpg storyline or a goog puzzle-game over having small-talk.
My personal history aside, I can relate to sophie-- though unlike the back if the book I cannot recite the Russian alphabet or anything (yet but eventually ill work on that language too).
It's good having a book where the main character is female, and different in a good way. I mean there are other such books with strong female leads, but it's nice to see diversity in books.
There needs to be more books-- a series about this character's adventures, and perhaps a movie (if they don't butcher it of course).
Right...the book itself?
Fun read about a girl who enjoys reading & learning, but doesn't have or want friends. For some reason this book caught my eye on a Dollar Tree shelf, and after reading the description on the back I had to have it!
"Sounds autistic I'm in!" was my first impression, and now having read the book I'm not sure there's enough information to say that she is or isn't.
I like a good book with an unusual main character, and that shows different doesn't equal bad or wrong. Sophie is definitely gutsy, and has some crazy ideas...however she is smart & has a lot of good ideas too.
Though the parents can seem abit dramatized, some parents are dramatic about how their kid should feel/act, and what they should like/dislike. Some parents can be clueless on why a kid may like something & be overbearing about it-- that sounds very unhealthy. I know in my teens my mother tried to control what I wore, and instead of modest dress she wanted me to, and couldn't understand why I didn't want to dress like a street-walker. At least my dad was sensible, and perfectly okay with me dressing comfortable & not wearing as little fabric as possible. My mom also hated that I was a bibliophile, and would rather read books above what my grade-level should be. I never went through the boy crazy stage, and at one time thought I might be asexual without knowing there was a term for it or that it was okay not to be someone fighting lust 24/7 or obsessing over a crush. My mother actually used to get mad at me because I'd rather sit alone, and read for hours without socialization. I'd rather read a book about electrical wiring over putting make-up on. I also liked videogames, and would prefer a good rpg storyline or a goog puzzle-game over having small-talk.
My personal history aside, I can relate to sophie-- though unlike the back if the book I cannot recite the Russian alphabet or anything (yet but eventually ill work on that language too).
It's good having a book where the main character is female, and different in a good way. I mean there are other such books with strong female leads, but it's nice to see diversity in books.
There needs to be more books-- a series about this character's adventures, and perhaps a movie (if they don't butcher it of course).
January 16, 2021
I did not care for this book. The characters were too cartoonish and extreme for me. Other reviewers focus on how great it is that Sophie Simon is a young female character who is smart and interested in math...but that doesn't mean much to me when she's also more antisocial than Sheldon Cooper - so unconcerned for other humans that it borders on psychopathy. The parts that were supposed to be funny were not funny to me. The kids' version of "civil disobedience" didn't impress me or even strike me as educational. In fact, I feel like some kids might read it and think, "Oh, if I don't like something my parents tell me to do, I just won't do it." Even beyond all that, I didn't find the story that interesting, and the way everything came together in the final chapter didn't make much sense. Meh - this just wasn't for me. Would kids enjoy it more? I'm not so sure. It never circulates at my library.
February 7, 2018
A quick read (less than a hundred pages), and humorous good fun. Well written and easy going, with Lisa Graff's usual skill. We were able to read it in two days, two sittings, and everybody loved it. Not a profound novel, but clever, creative, and cute.
January 26, 2021
The beginning of the book did not wow me but I became a fan by the middle and by the end, I appreciated the overall humor and smart way the story came together. I think my 8-year-old son will enjoy it.
December 14, 2018
This is a funny book for 3rd graders on up.
March 22, 2022
It was good for the age recommendations
A cute funny quick read
A cute funny quick read
June 10, 2021
Intro to the book:
Sophie Simons is an extremely intelligent 3rd grader teaching herself most of what she learns. She has surpassed her 3rd grade curriculum and now teaches herself advanced calculus and so on. She’s a smart, curious and pretty antisocial but she only really wants two things; A graphing calculator and her parents approval. Her parents are extroverted and all they want is for their daughter to have friends and live a fun life. Since she knows achieving her parents approval for her smarts and introvertedness would be very difficult she decides to pursue her dream of the 100$ graphing calculator. As a 3rd grader she has obvious difficulties getting this calculator as her parents won’t pay and she can’t afford such expenses. But when a difficult homework is given to the students she realizes that a lot of people don’t want to do this homework, and their willing to pay.
My Review:
This book was an easy yet entertaining book. Sophie Simons is a developed character without having a very difficult backstory. I think this would be a very good class reading book as it's easy to read and understand while still keeping it short and interesting. Also the book is based mostly in a classroom which could be fun. Even though the book seems to have a simple plot, you will be surprised by not necessarily the twists but the additions to the book. Lisa graff is known for her children’s novels and even though this wasn't my favourite of all her books it’s still should hold a place at the table as being one of her most interesting freestanding novels. I would recommend this book be read and most enjoyed for people between the ages of 8-11 depending on your reading ability and comprehension.
Final rating: 3.50/5-1 R.
Recommended age: 8-11
Recommended setting: Leisurely read, Class reading
Unrecommended setting: Bedtime story
Sophie Simons is an extremely intelligent 3rd grader teaching herself most of what she learns. She has surpassed her 3rd grade curriculum and now teaches herself advanced calculus and so on. She’s a smart, curious and pretty antisocial but she only really wants two things; A graphing calculator and her parents approval. Her parents are extroverted and all they want is for their daughter to have friends and live a fun life. Since she knows achieving her parents approval for her smarts and introvertedness would be very difficult she decides to pursue her dream of the 100$ graphing calculator. As a 3rd grader she has obvious difficulties getting this calculator as her parents won’t pay and she can’t afford such expenses. But when a difficult homework is given to the students she realizes that a lot of people don’t want to do this homework, and their willing to pay.
My Review:
This book was an easy yet entertaining book. Sophie Simons is a developed character without having a very difficult backstory. I think this would be a very good class reading book as it's easy to read and understand while still keeping it short and interesting. Also the book is based mostly in a classroom which could be fun. Even though the book seems to have a simple plot, you will be surprised by not necessarily the twists but the additions to the book. Lisa graff is known for her children’s novels and even though this wasn't my favourite of all her books it’s still should hold a place at the table as being one of her most interesting freestanding novels. I would recommend this book be read and most enjoyed for people between the ages of 8-11 depending on your reading ability and comprehension.
Final rating: 3.50/5-1 R.
Recommended age: 8-11
Recommended setting: Leisurely read, Class reading
Unrecommended setting: Bedtime story
April 14, 2020
I thought this book was very repetitive, but this would be a good book for a student.
January 14, 2015
This book is absolutely adorable. I immediately loved Sophie Simon (who is smarter than I am, and probably has been her entire life) and---while she doesn't have any friends---she knows pretty much everything and once you do know essentially everything, who needs friends anyway?
Except it turns out Sophie does, because she wants a graphing calculator, which is $100, and her parents won't buy it for her. (Well-adjusted children don't want a graphing calculator because well-adjusted children hate math.)
And while Sophie doesn't particularly care about being well-adjusted, she does really, REALLY want that calculator. So she hatches a plan with some other children with problems of their own. And at $5 a pop, she's bound to get that calculator in no time. :)
I'm hoping to work my way through Lisa Graff's entire backstory this year. While Absolutely Almost is still my favorite, this one is incredibly cute (and short---barely 100 pages, according to my Kindle). I also see she has two books out this year (both in May) so maybe I'll have them all read by BEA.
Except it turns out Sophie does, because she wants a graphing calculator, which is $100, and her parents won't buy it for her. (Well-adjusted children don't want a graphing calculator because well-adjusted children hate math.)
And while Sophie doesn't particularly care about being well-adjusted, she does really, REALLY want that calculator. So she hatches a plan with some other children with problems of their own. And at $5 a pop, she's bound to get that calculator in no time. :)
I'm hoping to work my way through Lisa Graff's entire backstory this year. While Absolutely Almost is still my favorite, this one is incredibly cute (and short---barely 100 pages, according to my Kindle). I also see she has two books out this year (both in May) so maybe I'll have them all read by BEA.
May 24, 2011
Sophie can't be bothered with things like friends. She's got more important things to think about--like complicated math equations. Only for the kind of math she's interested in, she needs a special graphing calculator: the Pembo Q-60, which costs $100. But when her classmates come to her hoping she can help solve their problems, Sophie just might find a way to get her calculator...and make a few friends along the way.
For fan of Lisa Graff(
,
), mathletes, and any who feels like their loved ones just don't quite "get" them.
For fan of Lisa Graff(
,
), mathletes, and any who feels like their loved ones just don't quite "get" them.November 8, 2016
Sophie Simon is a genius. Her parents are discouraged that their child is not normal. When other kids want to play outside, she wants to be reading. When other kids are asking for the new toys to play with, she's asking for a graphing calculator. Her parents are not happy. So when she wants the calculator, her parents refuse her. Now she has to solve her problem to figure out how to get it on her own. She finds friends that need her help and realize that they will pay her for her help and she can eventually meet more than one goal if she helps them. I like that this book encourages students to read and learn. It is good for intermediate grades and is fiction. In a reading classroom setting, it would be great in a classroom library and as independent reading. It would also work well as a read aloud book.
October 10, 2010
I've always wanted to like Lisa Graff's books but none of them have really ever grabbed me. Until now. Sophie Simon is a uniquely self-interested genius who wants only one thing: a brand new graphing calculator. Trouble is, she has moron parents who would sooner drop dead than give her own. Meanwhile, three of Sophie's schoolmates have problems of their own. It's possible that if Sophie solves their problems, she'll be able to make enough for her calculator. What she doesn't count on is the possibility that she'll end up with friends as well. Smart, short, and sweet. This book has a finely honed and crafted feel to it. There's not an extra word or phrase anywhere to be found, and it's a kind of a relief to meet a somewhat unsympathetic brilliant heroine for a change. - B
June 2, 2014
Sophie Simon would be a GREAT read aloud for 2nd - 4th graders! Cute short little story about a 3rd grade genius, who just wants to read and to have her own Pembo Q-60 calculator. Her parents worry she has no friends. A few classmates approach Sophie for help, either to get out of a ballet recital, or to try to get a rabbit for a birthday. All ends well for Sophie, her parents and classmates. A cute little story will have children laughing at loud when teacher Mr. St. Cupid goes over his ever expanding rules " No spelling anything rong." Or when Madame Robespierre looses control at a ballet recital and uses phrases like" zat is what sey do to zee baby toes!" Very cute little story with a subtle moral at the end. YHBA ( Young Hoosier Book Award) book for 2014-2015 school year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2011
Sophie Simon is VERY advanced academically for a 3rd grader. She loves calculus and psychology, but her parents want her to be "normal" and giggle with her friends; her teacher wants only rote compliance. Sophie wants a graphing calculator. In the course of the story, Sophie finds that some of her classmates have problems, too, problems that she can help solve. In the end, Sophie finds there is a place for her in school and and in life and that sometimes her classmates can help her to get her heart's desire.
A nice book, especially for any girl who feels different (and what child doesn't occasionally--or always--feel different?). Third grade and up.
A nice book, especially for any girl who feels different (and what child doesn't occasionally--or always--feel different?). Third grade and up.
February 23, 2019
Language - G, Sexual Content - G; Violence - G
Daisy hates ballet, but is forced to take classes. Owen never gets what he wants for his birthday, but the complete opposite. Julia wants to be a journalist, but will be forced to quit if she can't get a published story. Sophie is a genius, especially math, but can't get the calculator she wants. Can a solution be found for them all?
This was a cute story about problem solving and friendship. Teamwork is a very key factor in both of these and it is shown in this short story. It's very cute and nice, short read.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Daisy hates ballet, but is forced to take classes. Owen never gets what he wants for his birthday, but the complete opposite. Julia wants to be a journalist, but will be forced to quit if she can't get a published story. Sophie is a genius, especially math, but can't get the calculator she wants. Can a solution be found for them all?
This was a cute story about problem solving and friendship. Teamwork is a very key factor in both of these and it is shown in this short story. It's very cute and nice, short read.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
March 6, 2011
This book won me over with its humor (a similar tone to the Mercy Watson books) and some puzzle solving that was just complicated enough to keep the reader's attention and yet not frustrate the intended age group. I appreciate that Lisa Graff created a character that is so resolutely into what she is into that her social life suffers. The vast majority of girl characters in books do not swing this way, and its good to see one that knows what she likes to do and is very smart. This has the makings of a Nancy Drew but even smarter series. One can hope.
April 4, 2014
This book is adorable and perfect for 3rd graders who are just starting to delve into longer chapter books. It just makes the required length of 100 pages! It's a fun, somewhat silly book, but it has a message of some depth underneath--parents should let children be who they are. We used it for a lunchtime book club and had fun with snacks that corresponded to the many endearments Sophie's parents use with her--everything from dill pickles to snickerdoodles! Lisa Graff seems to have her pulse on what kind of books appeal to kids. My students have adored everything she has written.
July 14, 2014
Sophie is a smart kiddo who sees the world a little differently than most of her peers. When her one goal can be accomplished by helping others meet theirs, Sophie finds out that it actually is nice to have friends after all. The story is funny with clever bits. I thought Sophie Simon's Encyclopedia of Things She Can't Believe You Don't Know Already was a fun conclusion. My only problem with the book was that absolutely every adult was baffoonish or out of touch with kids. Was that really necessary to the story?
January 18, 2011
A novel about independence and making friends, and figuring out how to help others.
Sophie is very smart, so smart that everybody makes fun of her and she has no friends. Her smarts make her the go-to person when a few kids have a dilemma that they need a way to solve. Sophie helps them all solve their problem, and one of her own at the same time.
But mainly, Sophie learns how to make friends, and what friends are all about.
Great story.
Sophie is very smart, so smart that everybody makes fun of her and she has no friends. Her smarts make her the go-to person when a few kids have a dilemma that they need a way to solve. Sophie helps them all solve their problem, and one of her own at the same time.
But mainly, Sophie learns how to make friends, and what friends are all about.
Great story.
December 18, 2014
This is another Battle of the Books selection for the grade 3-4 team. Sophie is a highly academically gifted girl who is determined to obtain a graphing calculator - total focus on her goal. Graff weaves in many threads about how parents' hopes, dreams and expectations for their children often differ from those of the child. Driven by her own personal goal, Sophie helps parents and children come into closer alignment. Lots to discuss with your child if you read the book together.
October 13, 2011
Sophie is a genius with few social skills. She solves the problem of the dance recital with the mean ballet teacher, and the boy who wants a rabbit whose parents pay no attention to what he wants. And she gets the graphing calculator she wants. It was funny and clever, though I didn't feel a strong connection to the main character. She feels kind of distant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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