Pierre François : 5th Grade Mishaps
AmericanAdded on January 12, 2026
Description
Ten-year-old Pierre François--otherwise known as Pierre the Fantastic Flying Fish and Pierre the Genius Brain--is an expert at signing his school papers with original names. He's also good at extolling the greatness of France, using weird words like "extolling," dissecting owl vomit, and avoiding The Stinky Chair in math class. What he's not good at is a foolproof bladder. Accidents happen, although this is Top Secret information. So when it's time for the entire fifth grade to go to Adventure Camp, a two-night trip in the wilderness, Pierre would rather complain about the fifth grade meanies, dream of mastering the spelling bee with Jedi skills, and devise ways to meet the fascinating new girl in school. But Adventure Camp is coming for him, along with a wet and icy cold front. Can Pierre muster all his courage and wit to survive nature's onslaught of ice, rain, and other liquid fiascos?
Reader Reviews
This hilarious tale of 5th grade angst totally charmed me. Pierre François made me remember my own preteen experience with embarrassing clarity. With a French dad and American mom, Pierre François has no choice but to stand out in his Texan school. And he does it with flair!I love it that the illustrations were done by the artist's elder son, and the characters based on her own family's experience. Totally enjoyable!
Let me start by saying that I finished reading this book in one day! What a funny, heart-warming, and accurate story about a 5th-grade boy named Pierre. Lori Ann Stephens does an excellent job in writing in a middle-grade voice, and in depicting situations that are important to that age-group. Pierre is a very likable character, and relatable, too! While dealing with everyday challenges faced by all children in elementary/middle school, as well as his 'secret' problem that he deals with in priva
What a great (and funny) book for elementary age kids to learn the value of friendship, overcoming fears and learning not to judge others. It somewhat reminded me of the Fancy Nancy books, where Nancy is always using French or just large words. Pierre was part French so he, too, liked to put some French words in his daily vocabulary. Pierre hates the fifth grade. He thinks the boys are mean and the girls are even meaner. Every day in class it is a contest to see who can avoid having to sit in th
