44 pages • 1 hour read
The Report Card
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Book Brief
173
Novel • Fiction
Suburban Connecticut • Contemporary
2004
Middle grade
8-12 years
700L
Super Short Summary
The Report Card by Andrew Clements follows the story of 11-year-old Nora Rowley, a secretly gifted child who purposefully gets bad grades to show the negative effects of academic pressure on students, particularly her best friend, Stephen. Through her actions, Nora aims to challenge the value of grades and advocate for the well-being of her classmates. The novel discusses the tension between academic achievement and personal happiness.
Informative
Humorous
Inspirational
Playful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
14,373 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Report Card by Andrew Clements is praised for its engaging storyline and relatable characters. Critics appreciate Clements' exploration of academic pressures on children. However, some reviews mention that the plot can feel predictable and the resolution simplistic. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for middle graders, though it may seem formulaic to older readers.
Who Should Read The Report Card?
Readers who enjoy middle-grade fiction with smart, relatable protagonists and themes of friendship and individuality will love The Report Card by Andrew Clements. Fans of Louis Sachar’s Holes and Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine series will appreciate Clements’ engaging storytelling and meaningful life lessons.
14,373 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Stephen Curtis
Stephen Curtis
Nora's longtime classmate and best friend, known for his kindness and perseverance, who feels insecure about his intelligence and strives for confidence.
Mrs. Byrne
Mrs. Byrne
The school librarian admired for her fairness and open-mindedness, trusted by Nora to keep her secret and offer thoughtful guidance.
Mrs. Hackney
Mrs. Hackney
The school principal who balances discipline with care for her students and must navigate the administrative challenges of Nora's actions.
Dr. Trindler
Dr. Trindler
The guidance counselor and psychologist interested in Nora from a clinical perspective, representing a more analytical approach to student behavior.
Mom and Dad
Mom and Dad
Nora’s parents, who are supportive yet enthusiastic about academic success, and learn to understand Nora’s individual needs beyond their high expectations.
173
Novel • Fiction
Suburban Connecticut • Contemporary
2004
Middle grade
8-12 years
700L
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