(4) 4-6 Events spiral out of control when two fifth-grade friends find themselves captains of opposing teams at Liberty Falls Elementary School's Spirit Week competition. There's rampant competitiveness and unabashed cheating; will Lilly and George's relationship survive? Despite an improbably oblivious school administration, things settle down to a predictable conclusion. Characterization is thin, but middle graders will be entertained by the spirited shenanigans.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Fifth-grade class 507 has finally done it--driven their teacher to quit. When the teacher's resignation never reaches the principal, the students vote to keep the secret and to keep their classroom teacher-free. To their surprise, their teacher-free fantasy is filled with learning experiences. Alternating chapters provide five varying character perspectives on the new order.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Otto wants a dog; older sister Lexi wants a cat. When their mother challenges them to raise the money for a pet, the siblings launch an all-out competition and find unexpected strengths and weaknesses. Otto's knack for trouble keeps the plot moving, but the contrast between brother and sister feels rote and the final victory belongs to their unaccountably pathetic father.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby