The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell

Gr 3-7—In this middle grade novel inspired by true experiences, Sonnenblick recalls a year dealing with asthma, anxiety, pets, sports, and friends. The author examines everything that happened in his life during fourth grade, and how those events led him to want to be a writer. Short in stature and struggling with both breathing problems and hair-ripping anxiety, Sonnenblick is a white Jewish boy who is trying hard to be cool but also true to himself. The narrative form, along with hilarious recollections of having a pet snake, learning to play the drums, not being good at baseball, the difficulty of paying attention in school when your teacher hates you, moving to a new school, and standing up to bullies, will make readers empathize with Sonnenblick's struggles. Hand this book to youth who like humorous, fast-paced, relatable tales. It's hard being a child who is not in control, and Sonnenblick makes a great case for truly listening when kids speak. They are often asking for help and adults don't always know it. VERDICT A solid purchase for upper elementary school and middle school collections.—Carol Youssif, Taipei American Sch., Taiwan

Praise for The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade:

* A rewarding novel, lit with flashes of irrepressible humor. — Booklist, starred review

Sonnenblick creates in Maverick an endearing protagonist to root for. Despite daunting obstacles, this terrific boy retains a strong sense of self, a sense of humor, and a big heart that impels him to do what's right. — Kirkus Reviews

[A] winning formula . . . a child in crisis, lots of humorous situations and one-liners, and moments of genuine warmth and emotion. — Horn Book

Praise for Falling Over Sideways:

* Sonnenblick has a knack for smart, droll, first-person narration . . . The book's beginning sounds so much like other, sunnier novels that readers, like Claire, will feel a jolt when the first crisis comes. But they'll stay with her every step of the way. — Booklist, starred review

* With humor, grace, and an ear for middle school nuance, Sonnenblick navigates the tricky waters of eighth grade and manages to convey the heartbreak of a major tragedy alongside the more mundane, but no less horrifying, problems...Authentic, funny, dramatic, fantastic. — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* It's a powerful and profound look at a family coping with unexpected change. — Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie:

A brave book . . . Jordan Sonnenblick carries it off with such charm and elan, you forget for a moment your heart is breaking. — Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes

* Sonnenblick shows that even in the midst of tragedy, life goes on, love can flower, and the one thing you can always change is yourself. — Booklist, starred review

The reader falls in love with the brothers, laughing and crying by turns and rooting for both of them until it almost hurts. — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for After Ever After:

* As hilarious as it is tragic, and as honest as it is hopeful, don't confuse this book with inspirational reading. It's irresistible reading. — Booklist, starred review

* Sonnenblick's intimate first-person tale of survival is a solid stand-alone novel that will leave an emotional, uplifting imprint on readers. — School Library Journal, starred review

Told with Sonnenblick's trademark self-deprecating humor, this stand-alone tween narrative slots neatly into the space between the author's YA and J titles, sensitively dealing with issues of family, friendship and death in a way that will appeal to middle-grade students. Recommended for fans and new readers alike. — Kirkus Reviews