Second to None
(High Score #2)

Gr 3-7--In her sophomore novel, Howell brings back Darius James, aka DJ, and he's ready to tackle the newest con at Ella Fitzgerald Middle School. When DJ opens up his locker to find a note with a broken No. 1 pencil attached and the letters 'BPS' written on it, his investigative wheels start turning despite telling his friends that they should take a break from their problem-solving "operation." After some research, DJ notices that certain classmates always win first place; first chair in band, class president, football captain. But since the start of the school year, those usual suspects have been knocked from their pedestals, and those who come up second are now in positions of power or prestige. There's a new operation on campus, and DJ convinces his friends to help him uncover the truth and restore campus order. The plot requires suspension of disbelief as student hall monitors rule and have the power to write passes and get students out of class. A couple of students, DJ's friend Connor included, run an underground candy market from the boys bathroom, and one student gets caught and suspended. The students have too much power at Fitz and run the school with very few adults in sight. VERDICT Despite issues, this is a fine addition to libraries looking to expand their middle grade collections; fans of Gordon Korman and Max Brailler will enjoy DJ's high jinks.--Beth Brentlinger

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A clever school story with a well-drawn cast and a page-turning mystery.