Book Reviews
SASP
by
Jonathan
Perez
Three
young
sisters
and
a
neighbor
girl
from
single-parent
families
experience
friendship,
adventure,
and
adult
support.
Jonathan Perez is a writer worth watching. SASP is an engaging escapade; I look forward to more of the Piper family adventures.—Dan Barnett, The Buzz
SASP is a powerful reading experience for both young readers and parents. Perez clearly remembers the frustrations of growing up and not being taken seriously, while at the same time knows of the many challenges parents face. This novel promises to spark conversation between young readers and adults. —Sadie R. Levine, Sierra Middle School, Parker, Colorado
Reluctant readers will become involved with these characters quickly. The story line is entertaining yet exposes the heart of a family that is struggling to find their way in the real world. —Julie Toske, DeLong Middle School, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
SASP is an exciting escapade in the company of three sisters who, with their father and other friends, show us the value of adventure, friendship, kindness, and essentially, sticking together. Readers are reminded of the timeless virtue of making the most of life. —Meghan McCarty, 6th grade teacher, Enders-Salk Elementary School, Schaumburg, Illinois
I would encourage parents to read SASP with their kids. There are many opportunities to discuss topics such as friendship, sibling relationships, bullying, single parenting, and personal responsibility. —Laura Ofstun, St. Helens Elementary School, Longview, Washington
Suede, Alex, Sara, and Nitsy leap from the pages as Jonathan Perez seamlessly weaves together a story that includes vivid imagery, heightened suspense, and lessons learned. He captures the essence of all childhood adventures. —Sue Ackley, Via Sante Elementary, Rail Ranch School, Murrieta, California
Jon Perez’s story of three girls is an excellent springboard for teachers to engage their students with discussion about choices and conflicts. Equally important is the rich language and word choice this story exhibits. This writing can be used for examples to help students with their own writing. SASP is an excellent book for all age levels. —Heather Ray, Second Grade, Hawk Hollow Elementary, Bartlett, Illinois
The book kept me interested and Perez was able to achieve a visual description of each character and the area that they were in. I also liked how the girls learned real lessons in their lives. … I hope to see this book in kids’ hands. It will help them in life. —Sara Smith-Fuhlhage, Crawford Elementary, Aurora, Colorado
I enjoyed the story of the honey jar. I could really see the characters come to life in this story. I loved watching the characters grow, especially Suede as she learned she was brave. —Melody Cox, Brookridge Elementary, Overland Park, Kansas
Suede, Alex, and Sara Piper, along with their friend Nitsy, encounter many challenges throughout these chapters. Friendship, family and life lessons are emphasized within the pages of this story. Children (especially girls) will identify with the characters, lifestyles, personalities, desires, and needs.
I enjoyed the book. Nice job! —Christine Palmieri, Hoosick Falls Central School, Hoosick Falls, New York
I … absolutely loved it! I think I will be reading it aloud to my new fifth grade class in the upcoming school year. … The dynamics of the three sister’s relationship probably hit the biggest chord with me because I am the youngest of three girls. [Perez] really nailed it. There is the constant jockeying that three girls have between one another within their family. When an outside force threatens, however, that is forgotten and they are a unit. —Patty Benson, Columbia City Elementary School, Lake City, Florida
… I am definitely going to read the second story to my class. I also look forward to [Perez’s] next book. —Jeff Bush, Palm Bay Elementary, Palm Bay, Florida
This was a wonderful story filled with suspense and adventure. I loved the bond the three sisters shared. It shows true meaning of sisterhood. I know my students will enjoy reading this book as much as I did. —Cathy Dawson, 4th grade teacher, Pleasant View Upper Elementary, Zionsville, Indiana
In reading the story I found that it can be confusing for struggling readers. However, the lessons and real life events make the story very meaningful as well as to provide an opportunity to some valuable insight about others and adults. —Shelly Dierkes, 5th grade teacher, Hillsboro Intermediate, Hillsboro, Missouri
The Piper sisters deal with the very real problem of bullies in this well written short story ["The Honey Jar"]. They rely upon common sense, friendship, and the exploits of a fictional character, Bella Blaster, to help them out of a very "sticky situation." —Marcie McKenna, Broadwater Elementary School, Helena, Montana
An amazing journey of fantasy, family, and friendship … richly connecting experiences to the reader: children growing up in single-parent homes, learning to love the special people in their lives. Well written experience … will be deeply enjoyed by many young readers." —Valerie Cordle, Mountain View Elementary, White City, Oregon
My ten-year-old nephew enjoyed reading SASP with me while we were on vacation. I found the transition between the story and Suede’s imagination rough. Very descriptive book. —Jill Christoffersen T. H. Bell Jr. High, Ogden, Utah
Overall, I liked the story. Readers should be able to identify with the characters, as all of them, especially Nitsy and Suede, exist in all schools. The lessons brought out in the story—listening to parents and responding to bullying—are lessons from which all readers can learn and/or benefit. —Rick Cox, Davis Elementary, Portland, Oregon
I enjoyed SASP. The sisters and Nitsy face many of the same issues that my students face in Aurora, Colo. Many are from split homes and live with parents who struggle to keep their heads above water. I like that [Perez] subtly addressed the struggles of a single parent and a child who doesn’t get the love, support, or even clothing that she needs. Bullying will always be a problem that children face, so kids should enjoy the revenge that the sisters and Nitsy unleash on the bullies. The descriptive language that [Perez] used would be a great model for my 5th grade students to follow. …
Today’s elementary students will relate with many of the problems that the Piper sisters face, however few have experienced such an exciting adventure. They show us that courage and integrity are important to overcoming bumps in the road of life. —Frank Hughes, Wheeling Elementary, Aurora, Colorado
Mr. Perez’s story has a feeling of familiarity because it could take place anywhere. Three sisters are living with their father, who is just learning how to parent full-time and the stories are enjoyable. The relationships in the book are great for social skills learning. —Kristapher Harris, Emerson Elementary, Albuquerque, New Mexico
… The message was good and worthy. —Janice Krekow, Bothell, Washington
SASP is a must read! The creative use of imagery and metaphors kept my interest, along with those of my students. We all felt as if we were right there with the girls on their adventures.
… My class and I really enjoyed it! Great book to use to teach what a metaphor is! … —Jill Brimhall, Crawford Elementary, Aurora, Colorado
SASP is a well-written story about three sisters and a neighbor girl, who together take on an adventure that they will never forget. Jonathan Perez’s realistic characters and settings will put you in an imaginary, yet realistic world you will not want to leave until the end." —Eric Gonyea, 5th grade, Little Red Elementary School, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Wonderfully descriptive book! I found myself not wanting to put it down.
SASP is a grip curling adventure of an all girl trio plus a friend that find themselves working together and looking beyond their differences in order to survive the town bullies. —Mike Arnold., 6th grade teacher, Mitchell K-6, Atwater, California
SASP was an enjoyable book for me. The two sections of the book made it almost seem like two books. I preferred the second section. The characters were well developed and I feel like I know them. The story line was great and sent a great message. —Matthew Busch, Franklin Elementary, Mankato, Minnesota
SASP is the nickname given to three sisters who don’t always get along. They are in a new home and community struggling to find their place. Yet when there is a threat, the Piper sisters are a unit. This is a story with which most preteens will identify. —Kathy Brady, Dos Palos Elementary, Dos Palos, California
Jonathan Perez has created believable characters who not only experience real life adventures, but also make decisions that have actual consequences. This fun and accessible story contains both action and suspense to engage the reader throughout the book. —Jane Koestler, South Hill School, Ithaca, New York
SASP is an interesting story of childhood friendships and mishaps. A fantasy tale based in modern times. The characters are realistic and honest. An enjoyable read. —Sue Garcia , Oak Mesa Elementary, La Verne, California
The exciting adventures, clear descriptions, and true-to-life characters make SASP a winner. The issues of family, friendship, and bullying will make for some good discussions. I look forward to trying it out with my fifth graders! —Sandy Arendt, Princeton Public School, Princeton, Wisconsin
I finished reading SASP to my fifth grade class on Friday. The students overall enjoyed the book. I was somewhat surprised at how much they actually like it since it was not the usual fantasy/science fiction or adventure book that is usually popular for this age group. The girls particularly seemed to relate to the discussions of the characters. Both boys and girls appeared engrossed in the storyline. … —Mr. Keefe, Julington Creek Elementary, Jacksonville, Florida
SASP is a great Read Aloud that affords many opportunities for discussions about integrity, peer pressure and consequences. Children are engaged by Jon Perez’s depiction of childhood motivations, fears and emotions. —Rachel Arterburn, Eubank Academy, Albuquerque, New Mexico
SASP is a heart-warming story about sisters, friendship and the power of responding to bullies. The reader quickly becomes attached to all three sisters and wants to be a part of their adventures. —Tami Pemberton, Fairview Elementary, Fairview, Oregon
The characters were enchanting and showed sisterly love. … It was an easy story to get involved in and very readable. —Roberta Guarnieri, Kentwood Elementary School, Los Angeles, California
Overall Opinion—The storyline is refreshing, predictable, good vs. evil, with typical sibling rivalry.
Characters—lifelike, loved the bully character.
Message—In life there is the ever present outside force tempting us to stray from the right course to the wrong side.
… I loved the name of the book. —Suzie Adcock, Jackson Academy, Jackson, Mississippi
