Troublemaker

Ahhh, first[a:Lane Smith|23573|Lane Smith|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg], now [a:Andrew Clements|63095|Andrew Clements|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1209495851p2/63095.jpg]... we are bound and determined to get the word jackass beyond the would-be censors of children's literature.
Clements is in top form with this story of Clay Hensley, a sixth-grader who enjoys the challenge of seeing how many times he can be sent to the principal's office during his elementary career. Why? Because his brother was a prankster who was not afraid to get in trouble, and Clay wants to be just like Mitch. So when Clay draws a picture of a jackass with the unmistakeable features of the principal, he is so proud of his work that he makes sure that everyone in class sees it and that the art teacher has no choice but to send him to Mr. Kelling. Clay can't wait to tell Mitch about it. But Mitch, just home from spending 30 days in prison, is determined to keep his little brother from the mistakes he made. This new side of Mitch is a culture shock for Clay, but he slowly comes to respect the lessons Mitch is trying to teach him. While some of Clay's exchanges with friends ring a little too good to be true, Clements shows again that he is a master of life in the elementary school. The story is entertaining enough that kids won't mind a bit of a moral along with it. ( )

Meet Clay, who absolutely idolizes his older brother, Mitch. Everything Clay does, from drawing a funny-mean picture of the principal to ducking his office disciplinary meetings, he has only one thought in his head, "Man, I can't wait to laugh about this with Mitch." But he'll have to wait a little longer, because Mitch is in jail. And when Mitch gets home, he has some ideas about how Clay should live his life from now on. But no matter what Clay does, he can't seem to escape his bad reputation (cue electric guitars).

I'm not familiar with Andrew Clements, but apparently he wrote a bestseller called Frindle. Based on this book, I'm willing to check that one out. The age group of the kids in this story is sixth grade, making it perfect for 7th graders who might miss sixth grade life, or fifth graders looking ahead. While the book packs a pretty powerful message about the joys of staying out of trouble, kids with real disciplinary issues might find it a little hokey. But if you've got a sweet goofball, this might be the book for them. For middle schoolers, the print is pretty large, and some of your kids might dismiss it as childish as a result, and I hate to say it, but the cover is really unattractive. Still, that's why we don't judge books by their covers, right? (I totally do...)

Anyways, good book for struggling readers, kids who are silly, or kids looking for a fast-paced read who don't really dig the fantasy thing. Decent writing, relatable characters, and a believable plot add up to a nice little read for middle schoolers. The only part I had trouble with is when the characters, as 5th graders, snuck out of the house at 1:00 am to smash pumpkins on Halloween. But then, I am, and always have been, a serious goody-goody.

For 5th - 8th graders ( )

Clayton Hensley is in 6th grade. He has more referrals and visits to Principal Kelling's office than anyone else in the history of the school aside from his older brother, Mitchell. Clay finds pride in his behavior and is excited to share with his brother his latest disruptive deeds- drawing a portrait of his principal, as a jackass, in art class. But, when Mitchell returns home from jail changed, it makes Clay reconsider his actions. This story, Troublemaker, tells in third person Clay's struggles of making good choices and the consequences of having a reputation of being a troublemaker. Author Andrew Clements writing style flows easily and honestly portrays the realities of life in middle school for some children. This story will peak and keep the interest of many readers and cause one to reflect on their own actions. Readers need to be aware that the word "jackass" is used derogatorily.

Age Appropriate: 5th to 8th grade ( )

9513

An enjoyable story but not Clements' best. ( )