In style and topic, this is very similar to Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You by Barthe DeClements—both are about kids who are dyslexic and having trouble in school. The copy I read was deaccessioned from the library, probably because the MC’s parents discuss whether or not he is “r#t#rded” and because the type of orthodontia in this book is out of date and contemporary kids might not understand what was happening. (Do kids still have to wear retainers and accidentally throw them out in the lunchroom?) But the novel was really funny and well-written and had lots of action, including a tornado. It was like a beautiful slice of my 1980s childhood and I enjoyed it very much. Apparently Jamie Gilson died just last year. I am going to look for more of her books. ( )

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