BenBee and the Teacher Griefer

What an intriguing format AND subject matter! Using free verse poetry, stream of consciousness, plus a traditional narrative to represent the 4 distinct personalities and divergent thinking of the main characters should grab the attention of teachers and students. Using the love of a "sandbox" style online game to unite these struggling students will likely confuse some teachers but thrill most middle graders, even those who are not obsessed with Minecraft or similar. Holt's steady revealing of key traits for Ben Bee, Ben Y, Javier, and Jordan J is done subtlety but even the most reluctant of readers will realize the depth of the grief felt by two, the shame that ties the tongue of another, and the pressure to succeed put on the last. Great choice for libraries, homes, and classrooms of students grades 4-8, especially those who love online gaming or who might be atypical learners. K.A. Holt keeps profanity, sex, and violence out of her book and does not throw any potentially controversial issues into the mix...unless someone might object to a teacher using what her kids love to connect with and teach the kids she grows to love. Name association and a few identified physical traits may be used to categorize the main characters by race, but it is not imperative to the plot, however, if a library is seeking to diversify their collection, it is probable that at least two are Hispanic and one could possibly be Black. Highly recommended

There was far more substance to this book that the title and format implies. BenBee along with a small group of “divergent learners” are stuck in summer school preparing for the FRAAT (aka FART) state exam retake. They are all reluctant readers and dread reading aloud as well as the upcoming state exam retake. Each chapter is told from a different character’s point of view and they each have a variety of formats--prose, chat, paragraphs, cartoons, etc. I wish the character names had been more varied because even I struggled to keep the characters straight because of their similar names and this may frustrate some readers. This formatting will appeal to reluctant readers and may grab some graphic novel fans.

Each character is struggling with parent pressure, learning disabilities, family deaths, etc. With the help of their understanding and amazing teacher, Mrs. J, they become friends and learn to appreciate their “divergent” needs. This will appeal to many of my students who see themselves as “different” and who enjoy quick, but meaningful reads.

I know just the right kids to share this book with first! The kids who are obsessed with Minecraft and technology. The kids who are reluctant to participate. The kids who want to read about kids who might be struggling in similar ways to themselves. I think that the different writing styles for the different points of view resonated well in expressing each character’s uniqueness. I think that the reminders about accepting people for who they are and about understanding who is in front of you were done in a way that will get through to readers. All in all, I’m glad I pushed this one forward on my reading list.

Thanks to Netgalley for the e-ARC! This novel in verse is going to truly hit home with many students who struggle with reading, yet succeed in other areas. Gaming and chat text are included and appeal more to the middle school crowd. It was a little difficult to read the e-ARC because of the different features, so a physical book would be best.

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.

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.

I was not able to read this book; I got an error every time I tried to open it. However, I am sure that I would have enjoyed it, and I still plan to purchase the book for my elementary school library.

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.

I loved this book because -

- the different styles the four kids wrote in - some drawings, some free verse, some journaling, etc. Kids will enjoy how the author mixed it up and used different writing styles to show the personalities of the kids in the story

- it showcased how different learning styles and sometimes even deficiencies can be overcome, used to advantages, and are important to know about and use going forward

- it taught us that friendship can be found anywhere, and with anyone, if we are willing to open ourselves up to the opportunity and accept people for who they are

K.A. Holt has done it again. She has written a book that is going to make all kids want to read. As an educator, it is such a gift to have books that you can recommend to kids that you know they will like. This story follows the summer school learning of four characters as they prepare to retake their Florida state assessment, lovingly referred to as the FART. Holt cleverly uses prose, poetry and pictures to have the characters tell their version of the story. This book addresses so many issues that are relatable for kids, especially kids with learning differences. This book will help academically struggling kids see themselves and know that they aren't alone. Mrs. J is a teacher that all educators hope to be—a divergent thinker who seeks to meet students where they are and who knows that learning is about more than the assigned content. This story is powerful and will be a favorite in my class this year.

Thank you Chronicle Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for an honest review. I am a HUGE KA Holt fan and so I went into this book knowing it would be wonderful...and it was!
Here are the reasons why I found this book to be so wonderful:
-short chapters
-4 perspectives
-diverse backgrounds in characters
-each character had their own trauma
-"classroom under the stairs"
-Different styles of writing-verse, stream of consciousness, doodles
-gaming
-teamwork
-humor

Gosh, I did love this book and know you would too!

This 100% reminds me of a book written FOR kids - which duh, isn’t that the point? A story written from 4 different perspectives; verse, prose, and illustration — which as a teacher has my wheels spinning with how I can use the entire book as a mentor text. The storyline follows this group of kids who are in an isolated class for retaking their Florida State Assessment that they call the FART - but it digs even deeper by building a huge bond through Sandbox a Minecraft type video game that they even get their teacher in on. As I read this story I thought of how many students are going to connect to each of these kids in many different wants. Whether it’s their academic struggle (504s, dysgraphia, stuttering, anxiety for test taking) or their family struggles (Parent expecting perfection, single parents, losing a dog, losing a family member, not feeling accepted by your family) - this book has something for every single student sitting in your classroom. Again, another K.A. Holt book done phenomenally. Can’t wait to share.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading this story of 4 children in a remedial test-prep class. The students struggle studying, but they get their teacher to play a video game in exchange for them reading aloud. Will definitely push this to my middle school students. The various formats are really interesting!

I love verse books and K.A. Holt. I think my students would really enjoy this book because of the video game connections--and they will love the FART idea for the state testing! It took me a little bit to keep everyone straight, and that might be difficult to do for my students as well. The book also uses many different types of writing, which can be good or bad for some kids. However, maybe the changes in writing styles might get more students into verse books who might not give them a chance otherwise.

I had the hardest time reading Jordan's entries because there was SO much! I found myself skimming those sections for the main ideas. I really liked the way the story pulled together at the end, and once I got into the book, I enjoyed it.

I received an electronic ARC from Chronicle Books through NetGalley.
Interesting concept and writing style. Told by the four main characters - each has their own unique delivery style - some poetry, some prose, some drawings.
These divergent thinkers all end up in summer school as they failed their standardized test. Combine this with a love for one video game - think Mindcraft - and middle grade readers will appreciate this book.
Holt reveals more about her characters throughout the story. Readers will relate to their life situations and how they handle them. Powerful message about learning styles, uniqueness and how life factors affect learning.
Hope we see a seventh grade sequel.

This is the perfect book for any child who feels like they don't fit the "mold" as a student, who has experienced loss in life, who is struggling to understand their gender identity, or honestly just any student. And, every educator needs to read this book! The group of kids in this book are thrown together in summer school due to failing the state test, but they learn so much more then how to pass a test during their time together. Their teacher, Ms. J, is the perfect leader for this group of kids since she also understands not fitting in and seeming to fit the expectations of others.

This book is chock-full of kid appeal with its multimedia format, its different POVs and narrative styles (stream of consciousness, verse, sketches, and traditional), and, of course, the Minecraft-esque game that pulls everything together. Readers will enjoy following four neurodiverse kiddos (Ben B., Ben Y, Jordan, and Javier) and their librarian-turned-teacher Ms. J. as they struggle through summer school and preparation for the FART (yet another source of kid appeal). I would love to get my hands on a print copy, as the ebook format made some of the multimedia exposition hard to follow, but overall I'd recommend this book for reluctant readers and any middle grader who loves gaming.

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer tells the story of four middle schoolers who need to go to summer school to boost their reading skills. They bond with each other over their love of video games, and their teacher finds a way to connect with them and encourage them through this love of video games.

I found this book to be very entertaining. Each chapter was told through the point of view of a different student, and told in various ways - in verse, stream of consciousness, drawing, and game chat room. This helps the reader to really get to know the characters beyond what is simply written on the page.

I will say that I shared the book with my 12 year old son, who could very much be a character in this story. He was very confused by the beginning pages of the book (teacher notes on test score results, followed by a page from a “book” that was similar to a choose your own adventure book), and wasn’t sure how to read it. As he is a reluctant reader, it was enough to turn him off from reading it completely. I am hoping now that I have read it and can give him insight on why those pages were placed in the front of the book, he will give it another try, because I think he would enjoy it.

I received a physical ARC from the publisher as well as a digital ARC from Netgalley.

I loved the style of writing and the idea of this book. It's really nice and I love everything that happens. It's so real and I found myself engulfed in this book. It was such a awesome read and a really funny one two. I definitely laughed a lot while reading. This book is perfect for readers ages 8-11.

Wow! K.A. Holt does it again with this amazing book written for all the divergent kids we serve. A must read title for any middle grade library. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Summer school! Ugh! Four sixth graders fail the Florida state test and have to attend summer school. The four students’ distinct voices tell the story of their time together as they actually attempt to completely finish a book for the first time. Ms. J, their teacher, is learning just as much as the kids. The foursome of “divergent learners” convinces Ms. J to learn to play Sandbox, a popular video game, in return for their reading. As the five get to know each other, friendships form. The characters work together to solve their problems.

Students will enjoy the different writing styles of each character: free verse, stream of consciousness, chat, and graphics. This book will have a strong appeal to a variety of readers. I’m thinking a lot about the kids who read Jeff Kinney repeatedly. Students will definitely see themselves in the characters. Told with humor and pathos, this is a book I will heartily recommend. And to think I almost passed it by.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

As an educator this book is very near and dear to my heart and I cannot wait to share it with my students. I love how the book is written in different formats- verse, prose, and illustrations. More importantly, I love how this book showcases students who struggle with reading and have a love for video games. I have had many students in the past who could relate to these children. I know I personally love being able to relate to characters in a book and I know my students feel the same way. Furthermore, this book sets an excellent example for students who are struggling and how you can overcome your challenges. As a teacher I strongly identified with Ms. J. I too use video games as a reward for some of my students. I will admit the fact that Ms. J often referred to Ben Y as Benitia numerous times despite Ben Y correcting her, did make me feel aggravated for Ben Y. However, this issue is addressed and not forgotten by both characters.

I would love to get a kid opinion on how much the game references ring true, but I see a lot of kid appeal and some some good value. The representation of the teacher as a whole person with her own professional troubles as well as some hidden talents (and even a FIRST NAME) is something I wish we saw more of in kidlit. Meanwhile, the diverse group of kids is dealing with grief and loss, disappointed parents, a stuttering problem, and more, while their teacher tries to help them embrace their "divergent thinking" as a strength. Even though that's what made them fail the Florida Rigorous Academic Assessment Test, which they call the FART. The Minecraft-esque hook may help engage reluctant readers, who will then see themselves reflected in the characters.

K. A. Holt knows kids sooo well. Her new book in verse is going to be a book that kids actually read. This is a story about a group of kids who failed the Florida State Assessment aka the FART and have to attend summer school. The kids are obsessed with Sandbox, a Minecraft type video game, which is way more engaging and fun than the baby books they are given to read. The group of divergent thinkers doesn’t like to read, which is actually true for the majority of students in any given classroom, regardless if they are good readers or not. Somewhere around 5th grade, we lose most boys to video-games since they find books boring. Knowing kids, I know that they will read this book because it gets them and it speaks to them.

I think the style of this story - that it is written and presented in multiple styles, each of which matches its narrator - is its greatest strength. Free verse, stream-of-consciousness, and "doodle art" are all present, along with other bits of non-narrative storytelling. Building this story around a Minecraft-style game is also excellently handled.

I love the way the story shows the intelligence of each of these "divergent" kids. I love that the teacher is genuinely trying to do her best to give them what they need to succeed. (As a teacher, I am quite fond of Ms. J.) I love that the kids are given agency and voice, and while there are some loose ends that I am left wondering about, I am generally satisfied that we got all of this story.

Recommended for upper elementary and middle school students, teachers who need to be reminded that kids have massive skills that exist outside of a classroom space, and probably anyone into a world-building game like Minecraft.

What happens when a bunch of reluctant readers who have failed a standardized test get a second chance- with a teacher who is willing to do whatever it takes to inspire their love of reading? Mayhem and video games, of course. As an educator and mom I thought this was sweet, funny, and just super cute! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer is the perfect middle grade novel for the Minecraft fan in your life. Written by K.A. Holt, BenBee is a novel told from the perspectives of four students in summer school. Ben B., Ben Y., Javier and Jordan J. all struggle with reading, and the state standardized testing doesn’t take into account their “divergent” abilities. The students find their strengths playing Sandbox, a Minecraft-type game, and they get help from a teacher who is willing to learn and work with them so they can succeed. The novel is a mix of verse, prose and drawings, with a chat logs from Sandbox mixed in. I’m looking forward to adding this one to my middle school collection and book talking it with my students (though honestly, it won’t be a hard sell).

3.5 stars

So, I love stories that have what I call “The Breakfast Club Trope”. Take a group of plucky misfit kids that aren’t friends and throw them together so they become best friends in the end. (Make it multiple perspectives and throw a special teacher into the mix and you’re pretty much golden.) So, I did love that aspect of it.

I also really loved how Javier’s and Jordan’s thoughts were presented. (Jordan with ADHD having a lot of run-on sentences and distracted thoughts and Javier’s being presented in drawings.) And I also love seeing learning disabilities displayed in a positive but realistic light.

Overall, though. I feel like this particular story - while cute - was not for me personally. I also found it to drag a little in parts so there was that. I don’t think I plan on reading the rest of the series. However, I can see where other people would really love this book.

Perfect for fans of Gordon Korman’s THE UNTEACHABLES and Sarah Scheerger’s OPERATION FROG EFFECT.

Will I be purchasing in September?

Probably not.

KA Holt is just amazing. Her approach to middle grade novels is creative and exciting, keeping readers engaged with verse, throwing scribbled notes and blackout poetry, drawings and doodles in to catch readers where they live. I loved Rhyme Schemer and ended up using blackout poetry in my library at the time to get kids looking at words differently. Now, Holt takes on "divergent" kids and uses Sandbox, a game similar to Minecraft, to reach readers. Four characters: BenBee, BenY, JordanJ, and Javier are four kids in summer school for failing a Florida state standardized test (not-so affectionately referred to as the FART). Their teacher is Ms. J, a librarian-turned-teacher who's got her own assessment she's sweating over; she has to turn these "divergent thinkers" into readers that can pass the FART. The book unfolds through each tween's narration, told in their very individual styles: free verse, stream of consciousness, and art. Ms J isn't your normal type of teacher, and these kids - "the kids under the stairs", as that's the area where their classroom is shoehorned - aren't your typical students. Each is grappling with bigger issues than the FART, and Ms. J eventually understands that she's got to meet these kids where they live: namely, Sandbox.


BenBee and the Teacher Griefer has it all: grief and loss, learning disabilities and overbearing parents, a teacher willing to do the unconventional work to reach her students, and... Spartacus. The characters are realistic and relatable, fully realized on the page; the frustration with standardized testing and the "one student size fits all" approach, and the pressure on teachers to cram students into that one-size-fits-all model. The book is voraciously readable and deserves a spot next to the most popular Minecraft adventures and the best new kidlit.

I absolutely loved this book. Between the compelling visual format, the awesome teacher librarian, and the very real appeal of multiplayer gaming, this book will appeal to every middle grade student!

I really like how this book was written. As if the highlight the diverse thought processes of the diverse group of kids, each perspective is told in a different, unique way. This made the novel move quick, but it also gave such a great understanding of each character. I think all students will find someone they can relate to in this novel!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Another great book by KA Holt. She always manages to bring complex issues to light in a very child friendly way. I loved the group of children gathered together in this novel.

This story shares what it is like to be in a summer school reading class when everyone, except your teacher, thinks you are a failure. This novel is told in four different points of view and each time it switches, the writing style switches, as well. I think this is great book for middle school students. The students will love the how the book is laid out and the gaming references. It was not my favorite book of 2020, but I think kids will like it.