I Just Want to Do it My Way!

It’s very useful for him to understand, even that he refuse to read again.

Awesome book! My son has read this book about 3 times. We love this author. I greatly appreciate the tips that are provided at the end of the book.

I have am to write that I like Julia Cook's book titled "I Just Want to Do It My Way" and I would definitely recommend it to parents and other members of the community (ie teacher, counselors, and extended family) who are looking for children's book addressing the importance of asking for help and the value of task persistence.The target age of this book varies, generally speaking, I would say the book it well suited for children ages 6-10.Focus or Message:As I have indicated, this book message focuses on asking for help and the importance of staying on task and is written from the child's, RJ's, point of view. The author approach is consistent with the her blog where she states, " In order to teach a child you need to enter their view of the world". The need for children to develop task persistence or grit currently is a hot topic in education and the focus of a great deal of educational research.There is an entire research facility, Duckworth Lab's, in Pennsylvania which has been established with the primary purpose of conducting research in this area. It is no surprise that the founder of Duckworth, Angela Duckworth was even invited to speak at the 2009 Ted Talks and still is a sought out speaker by many well respected educational association including the ASCD, which is a global community dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading.The importance of task persistence is also listed as an essential element Kristi Mraz and Christine Hertz new book titled "A Mindset for Learning: Teaching the Traits of Joyful, Independent Growth". A book I am looking forward to reading soon. :DHowever, the referenced books and the research papers which come out of Duckworth Lab's, while valuable, are not written for children. Likewise, it is important to note that, it is the children who need to be encouraged to develop these learning traits.And as such, kids need books like the one written by Ms. Cook . "I Just Want to Do It My Way,". The book does a marvelous job of telling the tale of RJ and his math woes. It even gives children step by step instructions on how to ask for help and solid strategies to stay on task.These include:"Don't let others interrupt you or pull you away" and "Asking if now is a good time for you to help me"The colorful and detailed illustrations guide the reader and help them to internalize the books message. I was especially impressed with how RJ's facial expressions symbolize RJ's struggle to stay on task and they made me chuckle as I read.At the end of the book there is a "Tips for Parents and Educators" section with lots of suggestions for parents and caregivers, and I was pleased to see the book was published by Boy's Town Press.Downside:Overall I was very impress Ms. Cook book, but I did find the title "I Just Want to Do It My Way" misleading, as I was hoping the story would encourage children, my grandson in particular, to try new ways of doing tasks.This was not the case. The book starts off with RJ listing things he likes to do "his way" and the idea of eating an ice-cream from the bottom up is definitely an amusing idea. The story progresses and comebacks to the topic of trying to do things in a different manner, but trying new ways is definitely not the primary message of the story.I was also disappointed to find the book did not encourage adults reading the book to "ask for help" because clearly RJ is struggling with attention issues and he may need to be evaluated by a psychologist.I assume from the example of RJ math tasks (single digit division) that he was in 2nd or 3rd grade, and I would be concerned if this was an ongoing issue for RJ. I must admit being a bit angry with the adults in RJ's life for allowing him to fall behind on "46 math assignments". Indeed, I know many principals would have found allowing this type of situation unacceptable, and possibly grounds for formal reprimand.More over, sending a message to parents that allowing a child to fail to turn 46 math assignments is an acceptable teaching practice is a disservice to both parents and teachers, and one I would think the author would be acutely aware of being a former teacher.Furthermore I am not sure if RJ's "46 years" single session was the best approach to his missing math assignment because clearly it did little to improve RJ's opinion of math. Likely RJ would have retained more of lesson, if his missing work had been completed over several days or even weeks. In addition, this would have given the author an opportunity to have RJ become more confident and show a healthier mindset towards future math assignments.I would have like RJ story include RJ getting to talk to a school counselor about his frustrations, but he didn't. Instead the unfortunate child was left to sort out his underlying feelings on his own.Yes, his teacher does a little congratulation's dance, and she makes some classroom accommodations to help RJ focus. Additionally, RJ parents offer up encouraging words of advice, but clearly if a child has fallen 46 math assignment behind, especially in math, RJ is going to need more than dances and encouraging words before he is back on track. RJ is going to need help forming a healthier mindset in regards to math or he is likely to continue to struggle in the future; and he is going need supportive instruction to understand the math concepts he missed.I was further disappointed that the section designated as "Parent and Caregivers Tips" did not offer the suggestion of seeking professional help. Clearly, RJ is in a situation which could profit from professional guidance. ADD and other attention issues of RJ magnitude should be and need to be evaluated by a professional.This lack of encouragement for parents and caregiver to "ask for help" and the lack of validation for RJ is the primary reason for my 3 star review. I would have sincerely loved to be able to give "I Just Want To Do It My Way", by Julia Cook a 5 star review. However, I have seen 1st hand the effects on families and children who try to "work harder", and wait too long before seeking professional help.Often parents feel like they have some how failed and the child's self esteem suffers as a result of not seeking help sooner. This is most unfortunate because so many children with attention issues are very bright and capable little people. Once given the help they so need, they begin to flourish. However, the longer child go without help, the longer it takes for a child confidence to be restored and if the problem goes on too long, the damage can be permanent.Even though I found Julia Cook's book to be missing critical pearls of wisdom, I do plan on purchasing a few more in the RJ series and I look forward to giving those titles a 5 star review.

Fun book to help kids 9 and under - it shows them how sometimes they can do things their own way and sometimes they need to do what the adults (teachers and parents) tell them too. In this story the boy has missing/ half done assignments and he figures out he has to focus, not get distracted, and speak up for himself when he doesn't understand. All done in a fun, relatable, positive way. As a teacher and a parent too - it's a hard thing to sell, but this book is PERFECT for it.

We bought this book when we were working with our child on classroom behavior and obeying the rules so as not to distract the rest of the class. I was worried the book would be preachy, but it wasn't. I've been asked to read it again, so I consider this money well spent.