by Melody DeFields McMillan
Orca Book Publishers, 2008
ISBN 978-1-55143-949-5
$7.95 (paperback) 83 pp, ages 8 – 12
www.orcabook.com
“My name may be smart, but I’m sure not.” Addison Addley is a reluctant grade five student. He hates math (especially fractions), and has an uncanny ability to talk himself out of homework. His best friend is the class brain, and his worst enemy is the class bully. McMillan’s story touches on real aspects of grade five, from speech writing to dealing with math fractions, from bullies to stage fright. As Addison inadvertently thwarts the class bully, through fractions and substitutions, readers will enjoy his antics and I’m sure that many a student will be able to relate to Addison’s take on school life.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s May 2009 issue.