Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things

Good book for kids even though my son didn’t enjoy it.

I purchased this book for a local elementary school library because it showed up on a list of top 20 read aloud books. I am now reading it to a class of second graders who find it, "hilarious." It is a chapter book so an advanced read but it has captured their attention and imagination. The author, Lenore Look, has managed to weave the roots of our country's history as well as art, music, literature and famous historical figures into her very funny story line. Each week that I read, I use the first five or ten minutes to introduce what is new to the children. We have read some Shakespeare (Alvin is allowed to curse in Shakespearean dialogue as long as he doesn't hurt anyone as he is a "gentleman in training.") I have played short snippets of Brahms, Beethoven, and even a song from the Music Man as well as shown works by Frieda Kahlo, Gauguin, and Van Gough. The children had never heard of the Minutemen and the Redcoats and now play the same game on their California playground as Alvin does on his playground in Concord, Massachusetts. Henry David Thoreau is Alvin's personal hero and we have discussed Thoreau at first because of his strong pro environmental stance in the 1800's. During the week of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, I read from King's autobiography where he credits Thoreau's essay on "Civil Disobedience," for inspiring his method of passive resistance during the Civil Rights Movement. The students are so taken with the book that they have been to the school library to find out when it was published, one child has already read the sequel--imagine a 7 year old reading a 166 page chapter book! They want to know when the next Alvin Ho book is coming out and have suggested the author create a Christmas special for TV and call it, "Alvin--Ho, ho, ho."

The book is very relatable as we are Asian American family. It was an easy to follow story line and helps engage my son with questions. Nice read and appropriate for 3rd grader

Please Note: Posting on behalf of 5yo reader! "The main character, Alvin Ho, is really scared of things that aren't even scary at all! At school, he's so scared he can't even talk. But Flea, his brother, Calvin, and his psychotherapist all try to help him. Alvin does do a lot of interesting things in this book. He takes piano lessons, he uses mean Shakespearean words when he gets angry, and he even steals hid dad's Johnny Astro. My favorite part of the book was when Alvin's dad let him fly his Johnny Astro. I also liked when Pinkie dared Alvin to jump off the top of the house. Alvin made an excuse so he could escape. He's so smart! My least favorite part of the book was when Alvin Ho's dad got very mad when Alvin stole Johnny Astro. To calm down, he played the piano like crazy! That was funny. One fact that I learned from this book is that in Concord, Massachusetts where Alvin was born there was a war. It was called the Revolutionary War. I would recommend this book to seven-year olds, six-year olds and five-year olds because it will definitely be super funny to them. They will also learn that it is hard not to be scared when you're like Alvin Ho but you can try!"

I purchased to read to my Grandkids (ages 5-10) while here on vacation. The book is written from Alvin Ho's point of view and is adorable. It kept the kids interest, had so many things they could relate to and brought a ton of laughs. I bought the entire series of 6 books for them and they have really enjoyed.

These books would be good for boys and girls. My 2nd grade son and I read this entire series together. Every night we looked forward to learning what predicaments the well-meaning Alvin got himself into. Alvin is smart, sweet, creative, funny and tries to be a gentleman. Alvin is also shy, anxious, and unable to speak in public. My son says,"I like to read Alvin Ho. I think these are good books. I hope there will be more, like books #7, 8, 9 and 10! I think the next book should be 'Alvin Ho:Allergic to history, reading and other big stuff.'"

I really get into character, and even though there is content here and there that may be unfamiliar to my students, it lends itself to me stopping and giving brief explanations when necessary. The students still maintain their interest and sit on the edge of their seats to continue listening.

Funny, relatable, wholesome. Son wanted more in the series.

This book is really funny and very well written. I love it

Kids love it!

Great book. My son really loves it.

The book was a bit too difficult for the age group I had in mind. Could however see some similarities.