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51 pages 1 hour read

The View From Saturday

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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E. L. Konigsburg

The View From Saturday

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Upstate New York • 1990s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

870L

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Super Short Summary

The View From Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg follows four diverse sixth graders—Noah, Nadia, Ethan, and Julian—who become friends and form an Academic Bowl team, guided by their teacher, Mrs. Olinski. Through flashbacks, the story explores their personal challenges and growth. Their teamwork, kindness, and mutual respect lead them to victory at the national competition.

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Inspirational

Nostalgic

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.1

46,892 ratings

64%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

E. L. Konigsburg’s The View From Saturday is lauded for its engaging narrative and deep character development, skillfully intertwining multiple perspectives. While the novel’s intricate plot and mentor-mentee relationships receive high praise, some readers find its structure initially confusing. Overall, it’s deemed an intellectually rewarding and heartwarming read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The View From Saturday?

Readers who delight in stories about intellectual journeys and the power of friendship will enjoy The View From Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson will appreciate its insightful exploration of middle school dynamics and personal growth.

4.1

46,892 ratings

64%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Julian Singh

Julian Singh is a sixth grader with a background in magic, stemming from his upbringing on a cruise ship where his father worked as a chef. He is the last member to be chosen for Mrs. Olinski's Academic Bowl team.

Noah Gershom is the first member picked for Mrs. Olinski's Academic Bowl team. He has a knack for quoting facts and helps with a significant family event at his grandparents' retirement community.

Nadia Diamondstein is the second member of the Academic Bowl team. She is an expert on turtle biology and is adjusting to her new life circumstances after her parents' divorce.

Ethan Potter is the third student selected by Mrs. Olinski for the Academic Bowl team. He aspires to become a theater set designer and is navigating his identity apart from his high-achieving brother.

Mrs. Eva Marie Olinski is the teacher and coach of the Academic Bowl team. She returns to teaching after recovering from a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Upstate New York • 1990s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

870L

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