Book Review: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Synopsis

In her own words, a young girl describes her feelings about starting kindergarten and what she does when she decides not to ride the bus home.

Comments

Who gives a ‘pause’ rating for a book in this age-range??  I know, I know…and there is nothing too concerning about this book, except that it is common beginning chapter book for young kids and the transition from gentle picture books to Junie B.’s sassiness is just a bit startling.  The book is definitely hilarious for this age group, but it was the first time I ran across the word ’stupid’ as my kids got into older books.
     This book address the concern that some little kids have with riding the bus to school in a fun way.

Language

Word usage: stupid, hate, dumb [?]

Sexual Content

None

Drugs/Alcohol

None

Violence/Disturbing

There is an illustration of a hat with devil horns on it and Junie B. says they are supposed to be ’scary’.  ‘I can beat that boy up, I think.’  Junie B. is afraid to ride the school bus, and afraid the door to the bus will cut her in half.

Social/Family

Junie B. hides in a classroom closet and later the school all by herself. Calls 911 when she can’t get into the bathroom and is about to have an accident.

Religion/Spiritual

None