📖 Overview
Holy Enchilada! follows fourth-grader Hank Zipzer as he navigates two significant challenges: hosting a visiting student from Japan and preparing food for his school's multicultural day celebration.
Hank, who has dyslexia, wants to make his family's enchilada recipe for the school event. With help from his best friends Frankie and Ashley, he takes on the cooking project while also trying to be a good host to his Japanese guest, Yoshi.
The story builds through a series of mishaps and misunderstandings involving Hank's cooking attempts, cultural differences, and the ongoing presence of his school rival Nick McKelty.
This installment in the Hank Zipzer series continues its exploration of themes around friendship, perseverance, and learning differences, while adding elements of cultural exchange and the unifying power of food.
👀 Reviews
Readers find this book appeals to reluctant young readers and children with learning differences. Parents note their dyslexic children connect with Hank's struggles and humor.
Readers liked:
- Relatable portrayal of learning disabilities
- Funny situations that don't feel forced
- Short chapters make it accessible
- Spanish words integrated into story help vocabulary learning
Readers disliked:
- Some found plot too simple
- A few parents thought mild bathroom humor was unnecessary
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (760 ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (159 ratings)
From reviews:
"My son never wanted to read until we found Hank Zipzer" - Amazon reviewer
"Perfect for building confidence in struggling readers" - Goodreads reviewer
"The story moves quickly and keeps kids engaged" - School Library Journal reader review
The book has particular impact with 8-12 year old reluctant readers and those with ADHD or dyslexia.
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Loser by Jerry Spinelli A nonconforming student faces social obstacles at school while maintaining his spirit and determination.
The Report Card by Andrew Clements A gifted student intentionally earns poor grades to make a statement about the education system's focus on test scores.
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt A sixth-grade girl with dyslexia finds her voice after years of hiding her inability to read.
My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian A reluctant reader transforms summer reading assignments into adventures through his own illustrations and interpretations.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Henry Winkler, famous for playing "The Fonz" on Happy Days, co-wrote this series drawing from his own experiences with dyslexia, which wasn't diagnosed until he was 31.
🌟 The Hank Zipzer series has sold over 4 million copies worldwide and consists of 17 books chronicling Hank's adventures through elementary and middle school.
🌟 Enchiladas, the central food item in the story, originated in Mexico where the practice of rolling tortillas around other food dates back to Mayan times.
🌟 The book's co-author, Lin Oliver, is a co-founder of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), one of the largest organizations for children's literature professionals.
🌟 The character of Hank Zipzer has been adapted into a successful BBC television series, featuring actor Theo Stevenson as Hank and Henry Winkler himself as Mr. Rock, Hank's music teacher.