Can i Have a Phone?


Children - Grade 4th-6th
55 Pages
Reviewed on 08/13/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

It used to be that the difficult decision for parents and guardians was whether or not to allow children to watch television and which shows were safe entertainment. Now technology is dominating the dilemma. In Joshua McGrath’s Can i Have a Phone?, Leo is distraught that he’s the only one in fourth grade without a phone. He keeps begging his parents to give him a phone so he can do all the neat things his friends can do. What does his mother do? She suggests he read a book and she brings home lots of books to get him interested. But he still wants his very own phone. That is, until the teacher gives the class an assignment to write a short story and Leo doesn’t have any idea how to start. Perhaps he should read a book…

Joshua McGrath’s picture book, Can i Have a Phone? is all about this difficult modern age and young people’s desire to have the newest and the fanciest of high-tech gadgets. But is high-tech really better? That’s the big question facing Leo and his parents. Told in simple language so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills (as well as their ability to write their own short story like Leo), the plot follows Leo as he navigates the desire to keep up with his friends and to have the newest and the best that technology has to offer. The illustrations by Karina Bulgakova are bright, bold, and colorful and add some zest and humor to the story. Young readers will certainly relate to Leo with all his questions and demands. They will also learn that reading’s not so bad, once you get into a really good book and using your imagination is a great way to spend the day having fun. Life doesn’t have to be high-tech and complicated to be fun. This story will open the door to discussions with parents, caregivers, and teachers. A great resource and a fun read.