Parents' Guide to

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself: Big Nate, Book 1

Book Lincoln Peirce Humor 2010
Big Nate: In a Class by Himself: Big Nate, Book 1 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Debra Bogart , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Milder than Wimpy Kid and a sure hit with boys.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 12 parent reviews

Kid Book Recommender
Kid Book Recommender Adult
April 18, 2021
age 11+

Parents are dramatic.

This is going to the parents who say this book is horrible, it's just about a kid struggling through middle school and trying to overcome his problem. And if any of you say "it's a copy of the diary of a wimpy kid" let me get this straight this always happens, for example, on Youtube many content creators reuse peoples content sometimes they don't even know that they are, don't complain about a book if it could make a kid feel happy.
Katherine R.
Katherine R. Parent of 8, 10, 14, 18+, 18+ and 5-year-old
March 24, 2024
age 10+

See all 12 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Sixth-grader Nate heads for school dreading a social studies test. If he fails, it could mean summer school. When his best friend gives him a fortune cookie before school and the fortune says "You will surpass all others" Nate is inspired; will he surpass everyone in soccer, or cartooning, or table football? But the cookie leads to his first detention slip of the day for eating in class, and by lunchtime he is desperate to make his fortune come true -- by setting a world record for eating the most green beans. That earns him another detention slip, but Nate can't seem to stop himself from goofing around, trying to impress the girl he likes, and the endlessly grouchy teachers are happy to keep handing him more detentions. Readers may figure out what record Nate manages to break before he reaches detention at the end of one very long school day.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (12 ):
Kids say (44 ):

The cartoon style will entertain any reader who enjoys comic books, and the slapstick humor will appeal to many boys. The core of the story is the friendship between Nate and his best friends Teddy and Francis, and the way they help each other survive the perils of middle school. Nate is a very high-energy kid with overflowing self-esteem and his ability to maintain his sense of humor may encourage kids who find the trials of adolescence something they'd like to keep laughing about for a while longer. Unrequited crushes, grouchy teachers, and feeling misunderstood is tough even for kids who still want books with a few booger jokes.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Nate's day at school. What was your worst day ever like? Do you rate your days?

  • Nate has high hopes for future greatness. He lists four areas of possible greatness ahead. What areas do you think you will excel at?

  • Nate is the class clown. Do you have any extra-funny kids in your class? Are they well-liked? What kind of humor is not popular?

Book Details

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