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Rachel, having chosen to be mute following the sudden death of a classmate, shares responsibility with the other sixth-graders who decide not to report that the substitute teacher failed to show up. Liz says: “As this 6th grade class goes through their day without a teacher, they uncover and discover much about themselves as individuals and as a class.” |
| After moving to another state, seventh grader Bobby deals with the change by telling people at school made-up stories and then retreating into his world of pet spiders and books about spiders.
Liz says: “This book is probably best for the end of 4th grade and up. It’s very entertaining but has a lot of substance. Bobby faces many tough moments as the new kid in town. His interest in spiders provides lots of ammunition for the school bully, but Bobby figures out a way to deal with this. He’s a very believable character who comes up with some unbelievable stories! (There are also lots of spider facts!)” |
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Cliff describes the excitement, conflict, and sudden tragedy experienced by his large and boisterous family during his eleventh year. Liz says: “I just bought this for my 4th grade son. I’ll let you know what we think. In the meantime, Ralph Fletcher is wonderful so I have big hopes for this one.” |
