A short chapter book that can be read aloud in one sitting, about a boy named Freddy, who's sandwiched between older brother Mike and younger sister Ellen. But when Freddy asks for a part in the 5th- and 6th-grade play (even though he's in second grade), he gets one - and gets to play a green kangaroo in front of everyone. ( )

This is such a cute book and one I think that kids who are feeling left out (especially middle children) would appreciate. It acknowledges the fact that sometimes having two or more siblings can be lonely because your parents’ attention is split, but it also shows that if you pursue your interests, you can stand out from others and be unique simply by being yourself. Freddy takes an interest in drama, and is therefore able to stand out when he lands a role as a green kangaroo.

The illustrations are cute, friendly, and very colorful. It’s a pretty book to look at for younger children who are interested in the illustrations rather than the story; the words themselves are fairly lyrical and would offer a fun reading aloud experience. I’d definitely recommend this for children who have multiple siblings and who might be feeling unappreciated or left out.

Also posted on Purple People Readers. ( )

“The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo” by Judy Blume is very relatable to children with older and/or younger siblings. The book is about a boy named Freddy who feels insignificant between his older brother and younger sister. He decides to be in the school play to do something that’s different from his siblings and he is casted as the green kangaroo. He did well in the play and felt much better about himself now that he did something special. This book is relatable to many children which encourages reading comprehension. The solution that Freddy finds to make himself feel better is a great suggestion for children who feel in the middle of their family. This book is a delightful read that suggests to children that they are unique and to do express themselves as individuals. ( )

I read this book once many years, but didn't remember until I saw the pictures. Amy Aitken's delightful illistrations enhances the story. I enjoyed ready about how Freddy Dissel found a way to be himself and to come to terms with being the overlooked one. This is an excellent book to read to young kids who may feel they get lost in the shuffle. I highly recommend. ( )

I like this book because of its central message. The central message of the book is to be comfortable with who you are and recognize that you are important and have your own individual talents. In the beginning of the story, Freddy is upset because he feels like he never gets attention in his household. He has an older brother that always gets new clothes and a little sister who never can play the way he wants to. He feels like there is nothing that he can do, and he also feels unimportant and doesn’t feel like he has anything to call his own. This is until he gets the part in the school play as the green kangaroo. This gives Freddy confidence and makes him feel special and that he has something of his own that he is good at. The conclusion of the story is that he is no longer worried about getting his older brother’s old clothes or sharing a room, and he is finally satisfied with what he has because he knows he is his own person. Overall, I think this is a great message for younger readers. It can be used in a lesson to discuss important traits that each child has. The topic of siblings can be discussed also and that how even though siblings may share a lot of things, everyone is unique. ( )