This book has all the high points for my "reluctant readers." (I dislike that term...I prefer "refined readers"). It's a verse novel...check, it is from multiple voices...check, it refers to a "minecraft-like" program...check, it has a graphic-y feel...check, and it's about kids who don't want to read. Oh, I forgot the best part - the book is written by K.A. Holt! Most of my middle schoolers will now read pretty much anything by her because they trust her as an author to deliver content worthy of putting in the effort.

I am a huge fan of K.A. Holt! Her books always engage readers and prove to be mirrors in which they can see themselves. I adored this book. The format- verse, chat, illustrations-coupled with such powerful story lines made this an unforgettable read. I cannot wait to share and until then, will keep book talking it. Thank you for the opportunity to read.

I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really struggled with this rating and review. I think there are many kids who will find themselves in the pages of this book. I've read other books by K.A. Holt and have enjoyed her stories and writing. Where I struggled with this particular one, was in the idea that the kids who most need this book may struggle with the writing styles and/or the transition between styles. I liked the story, and the characters, and hope that the kids who need it find it and find it accessible.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this ebook in exchange for this truthful review.

I saw this book on Netgalley and immediately requested it. I have seen this author reading parts of her other books on YouTube.

I am a Special Education Teacher and this book spoke to me in a way that I seldom see. I would give this book a 10 if I could. I am not ordinarily interested in books that are not written in a typical way. I picked this book up and truly did not want to put it down. It took me a minute to understand the writing style but once I did I loved it. I want to be this teacher! The character development was outstanding and the world building... I felt like I was standing under the stairs with these students.

This is my favorite book so far this year and will read any book by this author without even having to think about it!

Ebook ARC from NetGalley.

This story follows 4 "divergent thinkers" in a summer school remedial reading class and their teacher, Ms. J. They make a deal: 10 minutes of the kids reading aloud during class equals 10 minutes of Ms. J playing Sandbox (a building game), to better understand her students' shared obsession with the game. And of course to motivate them to read...

We go through the book from the viewpoints of the 4 school mates and the external stressors and learning issues that affect their performance on a standardized test. Although the book addresses some learning disabilities, it also provides learning opportunities for our main characters on listening, differences in perception of another's motives, and forming friendships.

I read this one with my 6 year old son. He looked forward to reading it. I'm sure this book was intended for an audience older than him (my guess is 9-12), but it was interesting and engaging.

The characters felt like real people, and the problem they face in the book are real and sometimes heartbreaking. The development of these characters is obvious throughout the story, and it's told in such a unique way. Each character has a clear voice and style.

This book is very well done! I would definitely purchase this book. Recommend a print copy, as it was a challenge to read in ebook format due to sizing issues of images.

Dear Chronicle,

Please, PLEASE, PLZ, move the pub release date of BenBee and Teacher Griefer up to July or August. EVERY teacher, librarian, administrator, social worker, school psychologist, parent, and middle grade learner needs this book and it would be so great for them to read before the new school year begins.

Sigh. It is so good. I rarely walk away from reading the last line of a book to immediately opening up my computer to reflect. And to be completely honest, on my way, I stopped at the trash can, tossed in my used tissues, grabbed another one and then opened up the computer.

Four divergent kids.
One divergent summer school teacher "She teaches differently/She like, listens to us."
Trying to get them to pass the FART (Florida Rigorous Academic Assessment Test)
Mixed up in the Sandbox in this fantastic
Divergent GENRE of
Verse, prose, graphic novel, video game chats of the "Divergent Dingleberries"
Sprinkled with some references that maybe only adults will get (Ms. J's first avatar will have you singing a popular song from the 80s. And author, "Tennessee Williamson").

Ms. J picks up that Ben B would excel if he was able to type:

"A 504, huh?/Typing every day?/It does sound like jeans/it sounds like a comfortable fit/sized perfectly just for me."
But his dad disagrees and does not like labeling his son "special" with accommodations:
"Am I not special?/Is special bad?/Do I not want to be/special then./I don't understand."
I told you--this book is for EVERYONE!

Ben Y stays after with Ms. J. It's been a year since she lost her brother:

"Pain/Sadness/It drips out of me/impossible to contain,/like trying to put a raw egg/back in its shell,/a shattered mess,/impossibly crushed,/broken."
I have been a fan of KA Holt since Rhyme Schemer. She just gets better and better. Put this book on your Fall purchase order, unless dear, Chronicle, moves up the pub date 😉.

Everyone's friend, Jordan J (no relation) who I was most curious about because at the #middlegrademagic2020 event last month when Holt wondered, "What is Jordan doing during quarantine?" Now I'm curious. Is he playing a lot of Sandbox? How are they all doing? Talking on the phone? Staying away from chat infractions?

Javier moved from out of state and will not read aloud. "...im never gonna read out loud zero percent chance of that" With a ring of fire, that just might change...

And probably one of the best lines in the book:

"I'm not sure they realize that librarians cause more trouble than ANYONE."



I know I have jumped around a lot, but this book is important for ALL. I cannot wait to read it with my students and get it in the hands of so many adults.

Please, plz, PLEASE Chronicle, if you can, the sooner we can get this out, the better.
THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
A troublemaking librarian 😈

PS: Thank you Netgalley for the digital arc!

As a parent of children who were avid Minecraft players while I was basically ambivalent about the game, I found this book to be delightful. The scene where the kids get frustrated because Mrs. J takes forever to make her "avatar", made me laugh out loud as that reflected my own experiences with my own gaming kids. This book has the perfect combination of humor and heart.

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer is a story of a small group of kids and their summer school teacher. These group of kids has been brought together in their common inability to pass their state testing and read proficiently. All of them are smart students, but they all bring pain and heartache to the realization that they are not reading like their peers. Each kid's perspective is shared in this story. As the story unfolds, the children in the room will switch and take turns offering their insight into life at summer school.

As a teacher, I thought this story was very insightful. It really gave me a peek into what my struggling students may be feeling when they aren't finding success.

In terms of KA Holt's writing, this book didn't hit the levels I have seen from her in the past. Her last book, Redwood and Ponytail, was so powerful and raw that I just felt this book didn't hit that same passion or level. It was a little bit of a let down for me. However, it was still done well. It just lacked KA Holt's intensity.

I am a huge fan of K. A. Holt's writing, and I couldn't wait to read BenBee and the Teacher Griefer. This story follows a group of 4 kids who have failed a reading assessment. Before retaking it, they must complete summer school with Ms. J. As a teacher, there were a few aspects that I thought were inaccurate in the book (having to retake an assessment, forcing kids to read out loud to practice reading, etc.). I did enjoy getting to know each of the characters in the book. It was obvious the kids and their teacher formed a special relationship. I am sure that readers will enjoy this title!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.