Alvin Ho: Allergic to Birthday Parties, Science Projects, and Other Man-made Catastrophes

I have reviewed other books in the Alvin Ho series. We started backwards with the 6th book in the series (Allergic to the Great Wall) and ended up enjoying it so much that we purchased the rest of the series. What we enjoy is the author's offbeat sense of humor, the clever illustrations, and the warm and funny portrayal of a very idiosyncratic Chinese-American second-grader. As I've said in other reviews, our family appreciates the references woven throughout the Alvin Ho books to Chinese and Chinese-American culture. (Readers: Consult the glossary in the back of the book if you are unsure about a concept or word referenced in the book.) We are Asian-American and it is wonderful to have a book about an Asian-American kid that isn't obviously beating you over the head with, "Look here! This book is about MULTICULTURALISM and CHINESE-NESS!" The Alvin Ho books are much more subtle than that. Basically, the books are about a kid who happens to be Chinese-American - his culture is part of his life, of course, but it's not as though it is the be-all and end-all of his life...because, like any other kid growing up in the USA, he has other interests, hobbies, and concerns. Note also that one of Alvin's friends in the book is portrayed as having a physical disability -- and again, this is portrayed as something that makes her interesting and kind of cool, but it is not something that is harped on. Five stars.

that he finished this third book.....because there isn't yet a follow up! He is a bright kid, reads well, BUT HATES reading fiction. I've tried so many series with him and he just doesn't enjoy them. However, this is the first fiction book he has enjoyed, he just giggles and laughs while reading. I don't think he identifies with the main character's anxiousness or shyness, but he just loves the humor in the book. Somehow he hated the Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing/Fudge series, he has complained that its like reading a whole book of an introduction, but somehow this series has more plots...whatever...I'm just glad he enjoyed a fiction read finally. He is 7 1/2 yrs old. I don't know what reading level it is as we use the GRL coding system, but he does have trouble with a few words here and there, but overall it was an easy read for him. Now he wants to go back to books about spiders, scorpions and sharks...bleh.

Alvin is a scared kid! But he’s also hilarious and completely relatable! We stared reading this series’s with my (then 6) 7 year old last year. I even look forward to enjoying it, when we get a new one. My 4 year old has even started paying attention when I read it out loud, though I think much of it is over her head for right now. This is not the first book in the series, if your new to Alvin Ho, then start from the beginning and enjoy!

This is a funny story about Alvin Ho who does so many hilarious things. He is opposite of the "quiet, meek, Asian child." Alvin has so much personality and creativity. The book series is exceptional. Read it to your children and laugh together.

I rated the book 4. Star because it is a short book with a lot of pictures. Overall 4 star

These books would be good for boys and girls. My 2nd grade son and I read this entire series together. Every night we looked forward to learning what predicaments the well-meaning Alvin got himself into. Alvin is smart, sweet, creative, funny and tries to be a gentleman. Alvin is also shy, anxious, and unable to speak in public. My son says,"I like to read Alvin Ho. I think these are good books. I hope there will be more, like books #7, 8, 9 and 10! I think the next book should be 'Alvin Ho:Allergic to history, reading and other big stuff.'"

My 7 year old girl review:There is nothing I disliked about the book. Alvin is a funny character and he is always 🌰🥜😂 it keeps me interested .Was very easy to read and it kept me reading.

I buy this series for my 9 yr old. He really enjoys these books.

Not as popular in my classroom as I had hoped it would be. Diagnostic reading level of 38, suitable for Grade 4 students.