I started reading this series when I was around eight and looking for a fun, imaginative series that wasn't too scary. I immediately liked Judy Moody. She's a fun character who has unusual interests and hobbies and doesn't try to be exactly like everyone else her age. I reread the series recently and I think there are a lot of great things about these books. The characters are all really unique, Judy tries hard to be a good friend, and there are lots of good friendships in these books. EDUCATIONAL VALUE (1/5)- Kids will learn a few things, but this book is supposed to be entertaining, not super educational. POSITIVE MESSAGES (3/5)- There are positive messages about being a good friend, and being open to making new friends who are different than you are. There are many good messages about how it's possible to turn a bad thing into a good thing if you think creatively and keep an open mind. CHARACTERS: Judy and her brother, Stink, are interesting, well-developed characters who feel like they could be real people. Judy's friends and classmates are unique and interesting too. Judy often talks like she's much older than eight, though, and some of the conversations feel a bit unrealistic. VIOLENCE AND SCARINESS (0.5/10)- Judy has a pet venus flytrap. In one scene, Judy and Stink catch bugs to feed to the flytrap. WHAT AGE CAN A KID READ IT? I said six and up because Judy and her friends are in third grade and a six year old is more likely to understand and enjoy all the things in this book than a four year old. There is nothing, though, that makes this book inappropriate for younger kids. If your kid is interested in reading it, four and up is OK. IS IT AS GOOD AS PEOPLE SAY IT IS? Yes and no. It's funny, sweet, and likeable, but a bit forgettable and unrealistic. It's certainly better than other books for kids, but it's not the best. In conclusion, Judy Moody Was in a Mood is a fun, family-friendly story that kids will probably enjoy.
