Review of What Did They Say?

[Tasha Marie Poole Sullivan]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "What Did They Say?" by Todd Sherman.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

What Did They Say?: Observations from Eight-Grade Students by Todd Sherman is a fun and easy book to read. I give it a full 5 out of 5 stars. It was wonderfully edited, and I found very few typos. I cannot think of anything I would change about the book at all. I initially picked this book up for two reasons. The first reason is I have kids of my own, four of which are fourteen or older, so I know how strange, and comical, they can act sometimes. The second reason is my mom is an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher and is always telling stories about her students and the amusing, and sometimes simply weird, things they say. Eighth-grade kids can be hilarious!

As soon as I started reading this book, I knew I had made the right choice, as it had me giggling from the first chapter. I found myself turning from one page to another quickly as I got caught up in the funny, sometimes sarcastic, and often off-the-wall things the kids said. I had to make myself slow down and even go back and re-read some parts so that I did not miss anything.

What Did They Say? is a compilation of quotes from children that spans many classes and kids over quite a few years. The author was obviously a caring teacher and person. He was incredibly careful not to insult any child with the intention of hurting their feelings and said all throughout the book about how great the children were in his classroom. The fact that the now grown children are still in contact with him speaks a lot about his personality.

This book could be read by anyone who wants some comic relief in an easy-to-read book. I do think parents and teachers would get the most enjoyment out of it since they really have experienced being around kids the most. However, even high-school students would likely enjoy the reflection that reading a book like this will bring. By the time a child is in high school, they have grown and changed so much that reading this while thinking back to their own younger teen years should have them laughing at their own silliness.

Overall, I highly recommend this book!

******
What Did They Say?
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Umesh Bhatt]

This appears a unique book. The contents of the book are well summarised in this review. How the author maintained a flow and comic link through the school level quotes is one thing that any reader would lke to know.
Thanks for a nice review.

[Diane C Johnson]

Based on the review “What Did They Say?” does sound like a delightful book and I agree that kids say some humorous things. I always enjoyed the TV program “Art Linkletter's Kids Say the Darndest Things” and this book seems as if it is done in a similar vein. I’m glad that the author took care not to insult the kids or show them in an unflattering light.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

I love the concept of this book, just like the reviewer. I hope the book carries on in the same way as it begins, as it really drew me in. I have also only read a sample, and am wondering if there are any illustrations in the book; that would be nice.

[Amy Luman]

Anyone who has spent any amount of time with kids knows that they say strange and funny things unintentionally. I’m glad that you enjoyed this and that it was so easy to read. Congratulations on BOTD!

[Leen282]

I already love this book just from the review. I often hear funny stories from friends who are teachers, mistakes their pupils make which are so funny, unique insights from a kids' perspective. It is good to laugh with the funny moments, all the while making sure it is just the funny element to be laughed at and not making fun of children. I love the comment from the reviewer that it is clear this teacher loved his pupils and was very careful not to hurt anyone.

[Prudence Emillian]

The prospect of combining quotes from different children from various classes is unique. I'm interested based on the well-written review, considering children's insight seem to be quite funny sometimes.

[Jeff Kanda]

This seems to be an interesting book. Since you've recommended it for those who are around young children, I think I'll give it a try because my younger brother would really it as well. Thanks for the engaging review!

[Joe Alex 2]

Sounds like a lighthearted and relatable read, especially for parents and teachers who know just how funny and unpredictable kids can be. I love that the author captures these moments with care and humor, making it enjoyable for anyone who needs a good laugh.

[tarafarah7]

Categorized into thirteen sections, today's BOTD is a hilarious collection of over 600 quotes an 8th grade teacher collected over the years from his students in the form of "Quote of the Day." Teachers and parents are sure to enjoy this entertaining read, as well as those who remember what life was like as a young teen and need a laugh. I definitely want to read this book!! Thank you so much for the amazing review!

[Ukaegbu Confidence]

What Did They Say?: Observations from Eight-Grade Students by Todd Sherman is a fun, relaxing book to read. It contains quotes from children completed over several years. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Lauren Stjohn]

Oh my, this book took me back to my year of the 9th grade in high school. This was my year of introduction to the honors English class with Mr. Larson. The book captured the personality of the teacher just like my fond memory of Mr. Larson. How wonderful in this fast-moving environment to find a human so willing to appreciate the wonder and growth of the fresh and inquisitive minds of children. The review is both intriguing and exciting. I have just completed reading the sample and took a sigh of yes, I will read this book. Thank you for the delightful review.

[Alida Spies]

With all the political upheaval, wars and other negative elements affecting our lives, it will be relaxing to read a book with no deep, hidden meanings, written purely to entertain the reader. It is admirable that the teacher and author was careful not to insult the children and also that they still stay in touch with him as adults. Thank you for your informative review.

[Cynthia Duran]

As a non-native English speaker I find this book very educational! It is very interesting to read about how kids use the English language and the funny phrases that may come out of it. The author does an excellent job by telling the reader a little story about how the phrase came to be, providing useful context which most times just makes the phrase even funnier. This is an excellent book to enjoy a bit of leisure time and will definitely put a smile on your face.

[Mr Benj]

"What Did They Say?" by Todd Sherman, a book that features lessons for children. It will be a great book to read with children and see what can impact them positively from the book.