Crash Coogan, rising football sensation, and his friend, Mike make a regular practice of tormenting the school nerd, Penn Webb, but when Mike takes a prank too far, Crash finds himself locked in a moral dilemma.

Liz says:

“This is told from the perspective of an adult Crash looking back on a year in his life. (I believe it’s 7th grade). The voice is fresh and funny and the story deals with the important concept of not judging others and ridiculing them for their differences. This is a very accessible story that boys love and I highly recommend it.”

After his parents die, Jeffrey Lionel Magee’s life becomes legendary, as he accomplishes athletic and other feats which awe his contemporaries.

Liz says:

“This is Jerry Spinelli at his best and is a must read for 5th graders.”

As Palmer comes of age, he must either accept the violence of being a wringer at his town’s annual Pigeon Day or find the courage to oppose it.

Liz says:

“Palmer LeRue is one of those unforgettable characters. He very much wants to fit in with other kids and with his community but also needs to be true to himself. This is a must read!”