It's Hard to Be Five

It’s Hard to Be Five

Written by: Jamie Lee Curtis

Illustrated by: Laura Cornell

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Grade Level: Pre-K – Kindergarten

Do you remember what you were like at five years old? Were you one of those kids that never cleaned there room? Did you say things you did not mean? Have you ever felt like you couldn’t sit still any longer? Were you full of energy that no one could control? In It’s Hard to Be Five by Jamie Lee Curtis we follow a young boy on his adventure of turning five and learning how he adjusts to the new roles he is confronted with.

            The story, It’s Hard to Be Five begins by introducing the character as a boy who just turned five. The boy seems to be nervous about the journey that lies ahead. Throughout the beginning of the story the boy tells about his sudden outbursts, how he keeps growing, many of the messes he creates, enjoys being outside, and beginning school. At school he tells about urges he gets to hit and bite kids when they cut in line, and how he has a hard time sitting still during circle time. The journey of being five continues when he is able to walk by himself through the park, to school, to the bus, the pool, and karate. He describes how much he is working and exploring his world. He explains how he knows how to act in a variety of situations and dreams of the future ahead. The story ends with the boy enjoying his new found independence and proud to be five.  

            It’s Hard to Be Five is a good children’s book. This book is very well-written and the illustrations add to the verses. Jamie Lee Curtis has a strong sense of the right words to get her point across at a reasonable pace and tempo for young emerging readers. There is humor throughout the story expressed in the writing and the illustrations. The illustrations add to the story in ways that children will be able to pick up on, the boys emotional responses are strongly stressed and relatable for all children. Through the story children are able to conceptualize the importance of acting the correct ways in a variety of situations. This idea is extremely important to emphasize in pre-k and kindergarten.

            This story is realistic fiction. Although it is a story that has not occurred, many of the ideas throughout the story are relevant and relatable for students in the classroom. Many preschool aged students are struggling with finding their independence and own identity. Around the age of five children are beginning to recognize the importance of actions and the consequences they provide. This story adds humor to the consequences, yet offers strategic and common reactions in these circumstances. Although this story is not fact based it offers a realistic view into the world of a typical five year old.

I would use this book in my pre-k or kindergarten classroom as a read aloud. The book offers an inside look from a five year old's perspective on growing up and acting your age in many situations. It’s Hard to Be Five acts as a guideline for children who are turning or who recently turned five. Five years old is a somewhat awkward age for many kids, they are beginning school, becoming more independent, being held accountable for their actions these concepts are all new to the child. This story allows students to connect with the character while they experience the changes that occur when an individual turn five years of age.

Links to Massachusetts Frameworks:

RL PK.3 With prompting and support, act out characters and events from a story or poem read aloud.

SL K.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

a.   Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

b.   Continue a conversation through multiple exchanges.