Judy Moody Goes to College

In Judy Moody Goes to College by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, Judy reflects on the importance of attitude. As such each chapter is titled ____-i-tude, such as Math-i-tude, Brat-i-tude, Cat-i-tude, and Grat-i-tude. The only exception is one titled A New Attitude. The titles are a fun play on word to spark creativity with words and to instill a love of word play.

At the start of the book Judy is clashing with a teacher filling in when Mr. Todd has an accident while on vacation. Judy is annoyed that the teacher recommended she could use the extra support of a math tutor. However, she quickly changes her mind when she realizes that she will go to college for her math tutor and that the sessions are from from the way her little brother said they would be. She ends up loving her time with her tutor and frequently brags about it to her classmates. Her chattering about college becomes so much of a distraction that the substitute teacher sends her to the Attitude Tent.

An interesting plot, accompanied by engaging art, makes this book an excellent choice for an early chapter book. Because it is a part of a series, readers can read other books by McDonald benefitting from the familiarity that comes with reading about the same characters.