Clements has created another winning novel, rich with understanding of children, teachers, and that peculiar institution--school. Like the author's previous novel, Frindle, this is about a gifted student and a gifted teacher in conflict. But there the similarities end. For if Frindle was about a student and a teacher--each at the top of his or her form--engaged in an intellectual war, Mr. Larson and Cara Landry are near the bottom--and each may be the other's hope for redemption.

Though simplified for middle grade readers, this book deals with some pretty big and complex issues, including First Amendment rights in light of the Hazelwood decision (which restricted the rights of student journalists), the spirit of a teacher ground down by the realities of his life, and the place where "mercy and truth are met together."

Clement's strength, in addition to flawless plotting and pacing, is a respect for the intelligence of his readers. This book is inspiring because Clements, a former teacher, knows education is about more than just job skills and test scores, that for both teacher and student, it is an ultimately ennobling activity that is concerned as much with the heart as with the head.

From the Book:
"In the public records at the Carlton Memorial Library it shows that Mr. Larson got paid $39,324 last year. If that money was paid to the real teachers in Mr. Larson's classroom, then each student would get $9.50 every day during the whole school year. I don't know about you, but that would definitely help my attitude toward school." --Cara Landry, editor in chief