Laney Grafton gets picked on at school. She doesn't have many friends and her brothers push her around at home. But still, Laney knows she has it better than Lara. Lara is the new student at Paris Elementary and she is truly larger-than-life. Lara is the fattest kid her classmates have ever seen. And as you can imagine, this does not make life easy for Lara. She's the butt of everyone's jokes, although she greets everyone with a smile and doesn't let their teasing phase her... until one day something horrible happens... and the kids at Paris Elementary will never be the same.

A realistic look at bullying and told with a fresh voice. Grades 3+. ( )

When a new girl arrives in Laney's class, Laney breathes a sigh of relief. Lara is the fattest kid she's ever seen, and Laney's sure with Lara around, she'll never be teased again. But Lara's different than everyone expects -- kind and helpful, no matter what anyone says to her...almost. With a whole lot of heart and a clever storytelling frame, this honest look at bullying gives kids and teachers plenty to talk about on many levels. (Grades 4-5) ( )