perfect for third graders. Easy to read and engaging story. Events happen that the reader can relate to. ( )

Chris worries about fitting in at school without money to even buy a new lunchbox, but things start to look up as new money comes in and he finally gets a pet cat. At school things are complicated- his best friend, Peter, just got moved to the more advanced reading group, and, in his anger, Chris finds new popularity by teasing Peter. His cat keeps getting in trouble and messing up things for the photo shoot, and Chris worries that he'll have to give up the cat and lose Peter's friendship. He resolves things with Peter and his parents tell him that his cat is staying and Chris feels a lot better. ( )