Junie B Jones is my first book club chosen and both books I read from the series were very similar,  though I jumped from the first of the series to a later publish. As much as I adore this book, re-reading as an adult brings many questions of the climax and strong point of each book. Most of the book is Junie acting out, getting into shenanigans and maybe one page is directed towards a lesson, or what I can assume is close to a lesson. Most of the book seems like it spans over less than a day, following Junie B Jones through one single adventure, though this seems as it would be ideal for a younger reader. Younger readers are obviously the wanted readers, and they may find relation with Junie B. While they may relate, Barbara Park was almost feeding into the assumption of children, from the point of view from people who don’t want children? The assumption created this imagery of Junie B. Jones being every adult’s nightmare: wild, loud and opinionated. The never ending energy, questions and statements; the relationships in this chapter book are as impermanent as expected for a young child. Everything in this book, from the length to relationships is directly related to its audience, as it should. Junie B Jones attitude is the child every child can giggle with, learn with and relate to, believe it or not. The assumed image of this child, may not be based on one child, but since Junie B. Jones is so crazy and wild, it is likely that somewhere, every child can wish they were her or relate to that hopefulness. It’s unfortunately obvious that every child kind of wants to be a nightmare.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

My childhood heart is beaming while reading my series, Junie B. Jones. This series has a special place in my life, as the first and full book I ever completed on my own, reading out loud to my own private school room. My childhood bedroom was painted with clouds as I read Junie B. and her wild adventures; though reading this series is much different as an adult. Junie B. Jones is my nightmare as a future educator; hyped up, sassy and opinionated. Junie B. has a loud personality, verbally and physically and the books makes this clear as day. In a conversation between Junie B. Jones and a fellow classmate in first grade Junie declares

“Now mind your own beeswax, you snoopy pooper, May.”

The star of the show is obviously Junie B. Jones while all others are merely helpers, including her teachers “Mrs.” And “Mr. Scary”. This book makes my heart warm for the words used, in such a form that a child would, as if the writer is narrating as a 6 year old. That being said, some of the writing would make me nervous if readers were aged out of the grade aimed for, most of the writing is easily put and easy to read, ideal for younger readers, much too immature level wise for older readers.

“His name is Principle.
Principal is a baldy.

He talked to us.”

Younger readers, mostly populated near first grade, are ideal. Mostly young feminine individuals would probably enjoy this reading, as Junie B. Jones isn’t known for her sports teams and adventures. The assumption that is related to the characters in this book, is creating the image of children pretty well.

“I held my foot way high in the air.

‘See how shiny they are? Before I put them on, I licked them.’”

Barbara Park paints the imagery of impatient children, eager to participate, share and overshare. Even though this series may not be ideal for advanced readers, it may be a fun book to read out loud to a future classroom. The character build and voices would be very inviting for a group reading, creating a fun environment for reading out loud.