Gooney Bird Greene

By: Lois Lowry

Narrated by: Lee Adams

Length: 1 hr and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

ALA Notable Children's Book

Massachusetts Children's Book Award

Two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry introduces a new girl in class who loves being the center of attention and tells the most entertaining “absolutely true” stories. There’s never been anyone like Gooney Bird Greene at Watertower Elementary School. What other new kid comes to school wearing pajamas and cowboy boots one day and a polka-dot t-shirt and tutu on another? Gooney Bird has to sit right smack in the middle of the class because she likes to be in the middle of everything. She is the star of story time and keeps her teacher and classmates on the edge of their seats with her “absolutely true” stories. But what about her classmates? Do they have stories good enough to share?

©2004 Lois Lowry (P)2009 Random House, Inc

Critic reviews

“Lowry’s masterful writing style reaches directly into her audience, managing both to appeal to young listeners and to engage older readers.”—The Bulletin

“A hybrid of Harriet, Blossom, and Anastasia, irrepressible Gooney Bird is that rare bird in children’s fiction: one that instantly becomes an amusing and popular favorite.”—Kirkus Reviews

What A Fun Way To Learn How To Tell A Story!

Would you listen to Gooney Bird Greene again? Why?

Absolutely. In fact this is a story my nearly 8 year old chooses to listen to many nights before falling asleep.

Have you listened to any of Lee Adams’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I would certainly be willing to. The performance for this book is excellent and makes it fantastic. This is a book I'd prefer to listen to than to read to myself.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. We listened to it while traveling and it kept us entertained as the miles flew by.

Any additional comments?

My kids laughed out loud to Gooney Bird Greene's antics and stories. As a mom I was cheering as I heard her demonstrate telling and interesting story. What a fantastic way to teach creative writing!

Great Story, Great Narrator

Lee Adams is perfect for this novel. Gooney Bird kept my kids happy on a sixteen-hour car trip. We can't wait to listen to more of Gooney Bird's "absolutely, true stories!"

My 5 year old can't get enough!

Engaging for kids and adults. My son insists on wearinf "unmatched socks" like Gooney Bird!

Jumpstart to Narrative Writing

Loved this! Going to use this book with my second graders when we dive into narrative writing. This book is fun, engaging, and helps to explain good story-telling and narrative writing!

fun way to learn to tell stories

my daughter loved it. she enjoyed learning from the main character how to make stories extra interesting.

Fun little story

Silly main character with many relatable other characters. Imaginative and fun for any young elementary child.

A cute story for children

Our grandchildren loved this story. There was lots of laughter when each story was revealed. A good story for our times! Everyone has something to offer.

Kids love it!

My kids really enjoyed listening, and when the story was done, they realized they had effortlessly learned a lot about story telling. Their only complaint was that it was not longer.

Great for all ages

Gooneybird Green was definitely great for all ages! I as a mom enjoyed listening to it with my seven, four, and two year old

Didn't like the story

It's needs to bring up the fact that Goonie Bird is making up stories and that her reality is quite different.