Super Grammar

by Tony Preciado, Rhode Montijo (Illustrator)

Overview

Think grammar is difficult? You just need someone to save you from it!

The best learning tools for a young mind are word association, visual aids, and superpowers! In SUPER GRAMMAR, all of the major elements of grammar will be personified with superhero or super villain identities. You won't just learn about the part-of-speech called an adverb. Instead you'll meet the vibrant super heroine The Adverb, and you'll learn about her awesome ability to modify verbs and other adverbs. You won't simply be told that you shouldn't use a double negative in a sentence. Instead you'll actually meet the sinister twin brothers, Double Negative, and you'll learn how to avoid being tricked into falling for their double talk. The book's fun, full-color design looks like a mix between a reference book and a comic book. With SUPER GRAMMAR you'll learn to save yourself!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780545425155
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2012
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	900L (what's this?)
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

By day, Tony is a special effects artist and 3D computer animator. He started his career with the animated film THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. By night, he is a writer and grammar enthusiast. He lives in California, but you can visit him at www.tonypreciado.com.

By day, Rhode is the children's book author and illustrator of the picture books CLOUD BOY and THE HALLOWEEN KID. He also illustrated the Melvin Beederman Superhero series. By night, he is a sculptor and pursuer of ne'er-do-wells. He lives in New York, but you can visit him at www.rhodemontijo.com.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 4–8—Reluctant grammar students will be drawn to this comprehensive overview presented in the guise of a superhero guidebook. Preciado gives a clear and engaging introduction, treating each element of sentence structure, part of speech, and punctuation mark as a superhero character with specific powers. Each power is given a concise description, complete with adventure-themed examples reminiscent of classic TV and comic-book situations ("The mutant insects destroy entire cities"). These grammar "superheroes" are cleverly cast as members of various teams, "The Completion Team!" (Parts of a Sentence), "The Amazing Eight!" (Parts of Speech), and "The Super Symbols!" (Punctuation Marks), which form the organization of the book. Together, they have a mission to fight the sworn enemies of good grammar, "The Sabotage Squad!" These villains are the common grammatical mistakes that can prevent a sentence from being strong and correct. Preciado calls on readers to fight for correct grammar, explaining that the superheroes believe that "every sentence, no matter its message, no matter its size, and no matter its complexity, is worth fighting for." Montijo's vibrant, comic-style illustrations nicely complement the narrative tone and are more intuitive than those in similarly styled works. In typical character guidebook fashion, each of the superheroes receives an introductory full-page illustration. Montijo's choices are thoughtful, with expressions and postures clearly indicating the hero's skill or purpose. Additional action-packed illustrations accompany each of the grammar examples. This work stands up to other traditional grammar resources that libraries may already own, but is sure to outshine them with its broad appeal.—Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, Farmington Hills, MI

School Library Journal