What do you think?
Rate this book
The Homework Strike
Gregory K., overwhelmed by homework, decides to make a stand -- but the stand takes on momentum of its own and Gregory has to live with the consequences. Gregory K. has too much homework.Middle school is hard work, and Gregory tries to be a good student. He participates in class, he studies for his tests -- he and his friends even help each other with their assignments. But no matter what he does, there's never enough time to finish all his homework. It just isn't fair.So Gregory goes on a total, complete homework strike. No worksheets, no essays, no projects. His friends think he's crazy. His parents are worried about his grades. And his principal just wants him to stop making trouble. Can Gregory rally his fellow students, make his voice heard, and still pass seventh grade?Find out in this book for anyone who thinks school is stressful, gets headaches from homework, or just wants to be heard.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published January 3, 2017
26 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 8, 2017
I love how this story demonstrates respectful civil disobedience and does not promote "student vs teacher/school", but rather research and focusing on factual issues--what a timely topic! This book will be very easy for me to promote and share with students.
September 28, 2017
Sequel/companion to "The 14 Fibs of Gregory K."
Middle school is a lot of work. Gregory and his friends have worked out a way to support each other with all their homework by meeting everyday after school for a few hours to work on it, spending a little time on each subject. However, they never have time for their individual interests anymore, so Gregory decides to go on a homework strike. He will still study and take tests and participate in class, but he refuses to do the daily homework.
An interesting and funny look at civil disobedience. Has much that will appeal to middle school readers since it is very relatable to their situation. However, for me the writing itself was not that engaging.
Middle school is a lot of work. Gregory and his friends have worked out a way to support each other with all their homework by meeting everyday after school for a few hours to work on it, spending a little time on each subject. However, they never have time for their individual interests anymore, so Gregory decides to go on a homework strike. He will still study and take tests and participate in class, but he refuses to do the daily homework.
An interesting and funny look at civil disobedience. Has much that will appeal to middle school readers since it is very relatable to their situation. However, for me the writing itself was not that engaging.
February 3, 2017
A lovely follow up to 14 Fibs. Also nice that the book's subject matter - peaceful protest - ended up being very timely. Gregory K. is a model protestor - respectful, reasonable in his "demands" and well informed. Love that the teachers and parents are not the villains here. The principal? Well, someone's gotta play the heavy, right?
October 14, 2018
'The Homework Strike' by Greg Pincus is a relevant and worthwhile story about the power of standing up and fighting for what one believes in, even if the consequences don't seem to work in that person's favor. Main character and seventh grader Gregory's determination to right the wrong of homework that he feels he has been unjustly assigned - or at least the amount of it that he feels he has to do - is the main crux of the book. He comes to the conclusion that the only way to fight back is to strike. It is impressive that he does this, all the while projecting a sense of calm, still passing his tests, and never speaking out against his teachers. He likes them and knows they are doing what they think is right, but he reasons that he is doing exactly the same. This should earn him more respect, but it takes a while for his cause to grow into something more, and until then, he often feels alone, even among his group of friends whom he can't quite convince that his act is worthy and necessary of their time.
Eventually he earns the respect of most, even if not all, of the people from whom he wants it, despite being called to the principal's office more times than he'd like. His history teacher, Dr. Bankster, who is the main reason Gregory put the strike into action in the first place, is surprisingly calm about it as well; all the while, however, he makes Gregory feel that his cause is futile. Regardless, Gregory doesn't give up hope, and through his determination, he sees the tides of progress approach. As more and more students, parents, and media take notice of his actions, he works hard to keep the movement going and show that it is truly a strike and not just inaction. He truly wants a change, because everybody has different levels of need, and while some students take an hour or so to complete their homework, his three hours a night is taking him away from what he cares about outside of school, including his interest in writing poetry.
Pincus' 'The Homework Strike' affirms the idea that everyone has the ability to stand up and speak out, no matter the circumstance. However, it is quite important to note that disobedience can only go so far, and in order for progress to be made, concessions have to come from both sides. Nobody can do it all alone, and voicing one's opinions should not come across as the be all and end all of a situation. Both sides matter, and without remembering that, constructive change cannot occur.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
Eventually he earns the respect of most, even if not all, of the people from whom he wants it, despite being called to the principal's office more times than he'd like. His history teacher, Dr. Bankster, who is the main reason Gregory put the strike into action in the first place, is surprisingly calm about it as well; all the while, however, he makes Gregory feel that his cause is futile. Regardless, Gregory doesn't give up hope, and through his determination, he sees the tides of progress approach. As more and more students, parents, and media take notice of his actions, he works hard to keep the movement going and show that it is truly a strike and not just inaction. He truly wants a change, because everybody has different levels of need, and while some students take an hour or so to complete their homework, his three hours a night is taking him away from what he cares about outside of school, including his interest in writing poetry.
Pincus' 'The Homework Strike' affirms the idea that everyone has the ability to stand up and speak out, no matter the circumstance. However, it is quite important to note that disobedience can only go so far, and in order for progress to be made, concessions have to come from both sides. Nobody can do it all alone, and voicing one's opinions should not come across as the be all and end all of a situation. Both sides matter, and without remembering that, constructive change cannot occur.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
February 20, 2020
This should be a book kids would like. I tried for weeks with my own kids to get through a little each night for our family read aloud but about 2/3 through I let them off the hook and finished it myself. I’m sad to say it didn’t get any better.
First problem, this book is far too long. This story could have been told in half the time and possibly made it more interesting.
Second and this is the biggest problem... it’s not relatable. Kids do not speak this way “Dudes and dudettes, can we return to Gregory K.’s plan? This strike ain’t gonna strike itself, ya know.” WHAT??? Is this what the author really thinks kids talk to each other like? Sentences like that made me cringe and there’s plenty of them. I’m not sure that Gregory’s love for poetry will make him anymore relatable to the target audience either.
Third, this was not an easy book to read aloud. Between the hyphenated last name and that his brother is only referred to as O (for some stupid and unexplained reason) and that his sister is Kay, I had to keep explaining that I wasn’t just saying letters.
This could have been a fun concept if the author allowed it to be fun on any level. I’d frankly rather do homework
First problem, this book is far too long. This story could have been told in half the time and possibly made it more interesting.
Second and this is the biggest problem... it’s not relatable. Kids do not speak this way “Dudes and dudettes, can we return to Gregory K.’s plan? This strike ain’t gonna strike itself, ya know.” WHAT??? Is this what the author really thinks kids talk to each other like? Sentences like that made me cringe and there’s plenty of them. I’m not sure that Gregory’s love for poetry will make him anymore relatable to the target audience either.
Third, this was not an easy book to read aloud. Between the hyphenated last name and that his brother is only referred to as O (for some stupid and unexplained reason) and that his sister is Kay, I had to keep explaining that I wasn’t just saying letters.
This could have been a fun concept if the author allowed it to be fun on any level. I’d frankly rather do homework
October 6, 2017
Gregory knew seventh grade was going to be hard, but never imagined the amount of homework it would entail. He is fed up with the hours of homework each night as it devours all of his free time preventing him from following his true passion- writing. To prove his point and make his voice heard, he embarks on a homework strike and rallies his classmates to join the cause. His parents are worried about his grades and his teachers and principal just want him to stop being a trouble-maker. But Gregory is relentless.
This fast paced, fun and hysterical novel is sure to delight young readers. Gregory, his parents, teachers, principal and his friends are completely believable, as are the dilemmas and work that they face. This book ill surely relate and resonate well with young students as the plot is true to life in what adolescents experience at school and home. The funny antics will have readers laughing out loud and cheering on Gregory on his quest to have less homework and more free time.
This fast paced, fun and hysterical novel is sure to delight young readers. Gregory, his parents, teachers, principal and his friends are completely believable, as are the dilemmas and work that they face. This book ill surely relate and resonate well with young students as the plot is true to life in what adolescents experience at school and home. The funny antics will have readers laughing out loud and cheering on Gregory on his quest to have less homework and more free time.
November 16, 2017
The Homework Strike by Greg Pincus is about a middle school student, Gregory Korenstien- Jasperon who has just been fed up with homework. Gregory clarified that he has several hours of homework each day. The homework is keeping him from doing the thing he has always loved, writing. He promised a friend that moved away that he would write a book of poetry.
I really liked the creativity of the book. For example, Pincus came up with clever nammes that I have never heard of. Such as Macallan or Korenstien-Jasperon. Also, I loved the idea of the book. For Instance, I probably couldnt pull of what Gregory did in school. Gregory dod do some brace things in this book. I didn't really like the large vocabulary in this book because I didn't feel like there were many context clues to tell the definition.
I think that Middle Schoolers will like this book because of some of the vocab that this book uses. Also, this book some things like, Cuz and Dunno in it.
I really liked the creativity of the book. For example, Pincus came up with clever nammes that I have never heard of. Such as Macallan or Korenstien-Jasperon. Also, I loved the idea of the book. For Instance, I probably couldnt pull of what Gregory did in school. Gregory dod do some brace things in this book. I didn't really like the large vocabulary in this book because I didn't feel like there were many context clues to tell the definition.
I think that Middle Schoolers will like this book because of some of the vocab that this book uses. Also, this book some things like, Cuz and Dunno in it.
December 15, 2019
Gregory K is a poet and a writer, that's what he loves to do. When middle school homework takes a huge bite out of free time, he feels the need to make his voice heard. I really like this book. So many of our kids are feeling passionate about injustices in the world and this book shows how one person can make a difference in a way that is civil and respectful. I like that Mr. Bankster, the esteemed teacher, taught Gregory to research and look for primary documents to form his argument. Kids today do have too much homework (IMHO) and I love that Gregory's test scores actually went up after he went on his homework strike. This would be a great one for middle graders to read with their parents and discuss!
January 22, 2020
A little slow getting started for me, but I found myself enjoying it more as Gregory learns what a strike means, how learning about historical strikes helped him, and how to use pathos and logos (my words, not his) to get what he wants. Compromise was a huge component of this. A few times the characters sounded like adults who are trying to sound like kids, but that seemed to disappear after the first 1/4 of the book. Add to SR Grade 7 **
July 1, 2017
I was impressed with how respectful and intelligent this story was. I expected more humor. Gregory (and readers) learn a lot about civil disobedience, respect, and being treated as an equal. Gregory is a likable character who wants and tries to do the right thing even as he occasionally circumvents his parents. An excellent choice for boys and girls.
October 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the idea of a homework strike and the lessons we learned along the way engaged my interest. Both as a child and as a parent I hated homework, so I was with Gregory in my heart all the way. But the way he chose to do it was so much better than I could have imagined. Bravo.
January 25, 2018
The Homework Strike was an very entertaining book because it tells a story on how Gregory who was the main character tries to go on a homework strike because he doesn't have the time to pursue his dreams like he did in elementary school. This book is recommended because this book will tell interesting and funny story.
January 7, 2018
Overall this book has a wonderful premise and both kids and teachers are likely to identify with the issues. I held back a star because the narrative needed to be tightened up in my opinion. I have some students who will read until the end. I have more students who will skip to the end.
February 12, 2018
Struggling readers might take to this story. It is in the same vein as Frindle, but is twice as long. The school situations are Disney Channel believable, but the humor drives the story forward. I also love that the main character is a poet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
This book is really good it shows that you have to preserver to get what you want.
May 20, 2017
Realistic fiction
790 Lexile
Interesting read especially with the ongoing homework debate in schools.
790 Lexile
Interesting read especially with the ongoing homework debate in schools.
July 14, 2017
I loved the book. It had a lot of historical information. My favorite part was when the strike worked because I don't like homework. I highly recommend this book for kids.
March 5, 2018
Miss Lori read this book and while I thought it was going to be more funny than it was, the lessons taught made it worth my while to finish it up! Good characters. 5th-7th grade.
June 7, 2019
The story takes place in middle school but is appropriate for younger children.
December 28, 2019
Loved the way each chapter began. Great poetry and premise for a middle grade book. Would recommend to many students. Good conversation starter for students.
January 22, 2020
I really like this book it is funny and excellent read it if you can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
A cute book about standing up for yourself. Character development could have been a lot stronger.
March 23, 2017
Seventh grader Gregory K. is trying hard to do well in school. He's even part of an after-school study group. In this follow-up to the previous The 14 Fibs of Gregory K., he has the realization that most of his free time is consumed with homework, leaving him little time to write or craft stories, something he enjoys doing. After doing some research, the young boy realizes that the assigning of homework has long been a controversial practice, and he even finds a law on the books concerning homework. As he does battle with his history teacher, the highly-respected Dr. Bankster, Gregory K. comes to realize that the only thing he can do is nothing. In his case, he decides to participate fully in class and study for tests, but he's on a homework moratorium. Even while his grades plummet and his classmates secretly cheer him on, Gregory K finds that civil disobedience comes with a price. With media attention being drawn to his protest, his parents' support, and much of the school getting on the bandwagon, he prepares for a show down with the school administration and community leaders. While the last part of the book is a bit more didactic than I like and things end on a more hopeful note than might be possible in real life--a task force could bury all of this for years, after all, and come up with no solution--I loved the idea of a middle grader taking action to take on the system. Sometimes our students feel so powerless about everything around them so no matter what your perspective is on homework, it is refreshing to see someone trying to make a change in how things are done. This boy is an example for us all, and the reluctance of others, even his best friends, to get involved, strikes me as quite realistic. This book could provide an entrance point for a discussion on homework in school classrooms today.
January 7, 2017
A fun read for a class discussion of civil disobedience.
Finished reading in time to pair with lesson ideas from: http://tweentribune.com/article/tween...
Finished reading in time to pair with lesson ideas from: http://tweentribune.com/article/tween...
January 6, 2017
clever with a likable main character
April 25, 2017
Respectful civil disobedience. Gregory, tired of spending 3+ hours on homework every night, decides to go on a homework strike- can he convince his classmates to join him, even if it means their class grades will go down? Good conversation starter on the merits of homework and how much is too much (or too little)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews