(2) 4-6 Fourth grader Monty is often paralyzed by indecision. At school he's dubbed "The Waffler" by the principal, and he gets in trouble when he can't choose just one kindergartner to be his reading buddy. Thankfully, his parents and teachers eventually realize that Monty's "waffling" can be a good thing. A solid school and family story for fans of Louis Sachar and Claudia Mills.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2013

(2) 4-6 Fifth-grader Bailey, a Maine islander, must not only cope with going to a new school on the mainland but also with the ferocious itchiness on her head: lice. Donovan crafts a solidly realistic school story with lots of humor. The island setting and background story of a Revolutionary War reenactment add interest, and both child and adult characters ring true.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Janet Pedersen. Josh finds a sickly five-legged frog near his house. After the animal dies, Josh tries to take it to a scientist to find out whether the pond is contaminated--but is thwarted by his principal who takes the frog away. This humorous story featuring the exploits of a realistically mischievous fifth grader, shown in occasional black-and-white illustrations, doesn't sink under its environmentalist message.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear