Beatrice puts the WOW in everything she does. She is full of energy and unique ideas. She faces the changes in her life with spunk. I think my students will love getting acquainted with Miss Zinker.

This book is a cute story of girl learning how to share friends. I felt it didn't really resolve anything or explain why her friend was acting the way she was. I liked the characters, but I felt the plot wasn't really one. I wished the book had been a little bit better explaining everything.

Beatrice Zinker Upside Down Thinker @shelleyjohannes Amusing, creative, quirky, friendship, accepting others #titletalk #kidlit #mglit

Beatrice is an out-of-the box thinker who does her best thinking when she is hanging upside down. She has planned a secret mission, Operation Upside, with her best friend, Lenny. On the first day of third grade, clad in her ninja suit, Beatrice is ready to put her plan into action, but Lenny has a new friend and is less than enthusiastic about Operation Upside. Beatrice, it seems, will go to any lengths to keep her friend and carry out her mission.

There are many qualities to love about Beatrice. She is determined, but also unique, imaginative, and humorous. Although Beatrice's actions are sometimes frowned upon, especially by her teacher, her intentions stem from kindness. Beatrice remains true to herself even when others aren't accepting of her uniqueness.

There is both humor and warmth in this book. Beatrice is a fun character who finds herself in a predicament that will amuse young readers. Beatrice can also show young readers something about kindness, friendship, and accepting others in spite of their differences. Anyone who has ever felt a little different will be able to relate to Beatrice. The illustrations, mostly black and white with a splash of color, are charming. This is a great book to recommend to those who enjoyed books such as Dory Fantasmagory, Piper Green and the Fairy Tree, and Hazy Bloom and the Tomorrow Power.

Sometimes, you read a book and you absolutely know it will resonate with your students. Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker is one of those books. Telling the story of Beatrice’s first day of third grade, it’s a perfect fit for upper elementary classrooms.

There are so many themes explored by this book that are necessary in today’s classrooms. Learning styles, friendships, family dynamics: these are all things that our students think about often and should have the opportunity to explore through literature. Through watching Beatrice navigate her own social situations, family scenarios, and school environment while maintaining her individual spirit, students can learn how to do the same.

This book is for the dreamers, the free spirits, the artists, and the innovators who walk into our classrooms every day. It’s for the kids who may have felt like they didn’t quite fit in. Just as importantly, it’s an opportunity for all of us to put ourselves in the shoes of someone who thinks a little differently. This book is a must-add for your classroom bookshelves this fall!

This is a delightful story that celebrates differences. Beatrice is not like anyone in her family or in her second grade class. At the end of the second grade, Beatrice and her friend Lenny make a plan for the upcoming school year. When schools starts everything is turned upside down by Chloe, Lenny's new friend. Rather than losing her friendship with Lenny, Beatrice finds a way to modify the plan to include a new friend. This is a great story for all young readers.

This book fills a need I see for readers in grades 1-3. The vocabulary stretches students, but the characters are relatable and real. Beatrice is a great role model through her unabashed uniqueness and her open heart. The illustrations support and enrich the story, reflecting the main character's quirky personality. I hope to see many more adventures from this upside-down thinker!

What a fantastic early chapter book. Beatrice is a fabulous character. Love this writing style. Love the simple story with a deeper message about friendship and acceptance and being who you are meant to be. I cannot wait to share this book with students.

Beatrice's best friend Lenny has been away all summer, so Beatrice has spent all summer break planning their secret organization for the beginning of the new school year. But when Lenny comes to school in the first day back she looks and acts different, and worst of all, she's not dressed in her ninja costume like the two had agreed, Beatrice must get to the bottom of it. Beatrice investigates and remains steadfast in her own self understanding and identity. Beatrice doesn't feel threatened by Lenny's new friend, Beatrice is understanding and even supportive of Lenny as she explores other identities and interests. Best of all Beatrice builds bridges that nurture and encourage new friendships rather than starting battles that perpetuate catty female relationships.

The narrative voice is adorable and fits perfectly with Beatrice's personality. This was fun to read aloud. The cute illustrations added a lot to the narrative, they flowed well with the story and were fun to look at.

Parents and kids will have fun with this story if they read it together, but the positive message will easily impart itself to youngsters if they read on their own.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. But I'll be picking up a copy for my youngster when it comes out. Loved this one.

I have been looking forward to this book since meeting Shelley Johannes at a summer conference 2 years ago! This is a great book club book to read with 3rd graders at the beginning of the school year or 2nd graders at the end of the school year. It would also be a book that I would recommend to a school counselor to use with a small group of girls that are working through friendship issues (new friends, accepting differences, etc.). I am looking forward to reading more books in the future by Shelley Johannes!

I love Beatrice! I bet if Clementine went to her school, they would be best friends when they weren't arguing about which brilliant plan to execute first.

As a teacher of gifted and talented students, Beatrice hit a homerun. This book would be an encouragement and a light to many of my students. Like Beatrice, they don't like to be put in a box and when given the opportunity to think independently, they truly shine. This tale of a child who thinks differently and sometimes struggles to "fit in" quickly found a spot in my heart. It was a great reminder that it only takes one person to believe in you and see what is often overlooked, to inspire true greatness. Can't wait to read more from Johannes!

This is a fantastic book! I absolutely adore Beatrice and would love to have this book be the start of a series! It is perfect for those 'treehouse' stage readers and the characters are regular everyday kids! I saw many of my students in Beatrice and I think they'll see themselves in her as well. This will be a must add to my school library collection! Thank you for the ARC!