How oliver olson changed the world
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Dear friends, I apologize for a delay in posting yet again. I have been grieving the loss of a loved one. Thank you for your patience with me as I get back on my usual track of weekly posts.
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I had the great pleasure of having Claudia Mills as one of my professors at Hollins University this summer. She was truly amazing and helped each of her students through our own unique hurdles of writing. In class she would reference her process of writing How Oliver Olson Changed the World, so I read it … and loved it!
The book itself is a quick and easy read, which is great for on-the-go parents who like to read with their children. The length also would keep the attention of a less-than-voracious little reader.
The reader identifies with main character Oliver Olson, who believes his ideas aren’t big enough to change the world. As Oliver works on the class assignment to make a diorama of the solar system, he learns he does have great ideas and good friends. As he finds his own self-worth, he gains the strength to help his over-bearing parents realize their need to give him some space to grow.
I enjoyed the plot on many levels. On one
Synopsis
How Oliver Olson Changed the World is an irresistible chapter book from Claudia Mills, featuring lively illustrations by Heather Maione. Oliver Olson learns that before you can change the world, sometimes you need to change yourself.
Oliver Olson's teacher is always saying that one person with a big idea can change the world. But how is Oliver supposed to...
128 pages
Details
128 pages
Imprint: Square Fish
Reviews
“Kids . . . will appreciate this warm and humorous story about one family's struggle for balance.” —BookPage
“Personable and friendly, with touches of rueful humor.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Starred Review
“Mills has a knack for creating characters who demand compassion due to a pitch-perfect sense of humor and pathos.” —School Library Journal
“An engaging and though-provoking chapter book.” —Booklist
“Mills's previous beginning chapter books have been stellar, and this one is no exception.” —The Horn Book
“Oliver may not change the world by the end of his diorama project, but he will certainly provide a fast-paced, entertaining read to the chapter-book
How Oliver Olson Changed the World
A heartwarming and humorous chapter book about a boy learning to take control of his life and make his own choices.
In How Oliver Olson Changed the World, award-winning children's book author Claudia Mills introduces readers to Oliver, a young boy whose overprotective parents won't let him do anything on his own—not even his class projects or attending the space sleepover at school. Afraid of becoming an outsider like ex-planet Pluto, Oliver decides it's time to take control of his corner of the universe!
With lively illustrations by Heather Maione, this irresistible chapter book follows Oliver as he navigates family dynamics, builds confidence, makes new friends, and ultimately learns that before you can change the world, sometimes you need to change yourself. Perfect for readers ages 7-10, How Oliver Olson Changed the World is a fast-paced, humorous story that will resonate with kids who feel sheltered and are ready to start making their own choices.Preview this book »
How Oliver Olson Changed the World
(eAudiobook)Go To Grouped Work
Grouping Information
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Image Source hoopla First Loaded Sep 1, 2025 Last Used Sep 1, 2025 Hoopla Extract Information
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Date First Detected 09/30/23 17:50:04
How Oliver Olson Changed the World
Reviews:
Oliver’s overprotective parents insist on doing everything, including homework, for him, whether it’s making a diorama of the solar system of coming up with a big idea for changing the world. But when Oliver is drawn into opinionated classmate Crystal’s orbit – she’s outraged at ex-planet Pluto’s banishment – and they decide to work together on the diorama, Oliver slowly begins to assert himself. Mills’s previous beginning chapter books have been stellar, and this one is no exception.
- Horn BookAn engaging and thought-provoking chapter book.
- BooklistA fast-paced entertaining read.
- Kirkus ReviewsWon’t someone think of the middle graders? Fortunately, Claudia Mills does, and with continued perception, humor, and sympathy.
- Bulletin from the Center for Children’s Books (starred)How Oliver Olson Changed the World . . . is better than gold. Better than diamonds and jewels. It’s an early chapter book that’s thoughtful, original, funny, and wry.
- Fuse # 8