Ever since the incident with the screwdriver at the end of sixth grade, Kyle has been living in his own pessimistic cloud. Concerned, his therapist mom gives him a self-help book and bribes him with a dollar for each chapter read. Kyle is surprised to find that the book tends to fall open to exactly the pages he needs--and even more surprised to find that the book's advice works. There's a chance that Kyle can reconnect with his old friends, make some new ones, and even redeem himself by doing the right thing. Maybe his seventh-grade glass can be half-full, after all.

Less about bullying and fitting in than I was looking for, but still worthwhile in terms of positivity and outlook, and modifying destructive behaviors. I don't think this needs to be a required summer reading nominee, but I'll probably add it to my booktalks list. ( )

Kyle has been given a book, a book that knows what to tell him at the right moments. This book was given by his mother so he could be more positive in his daily life. Well, Kyle promises to read it for one dollar a chapter. The book helps him and he becomes stronger in what he does in his daily life. Kyle ends up becoming a very nice person, and helpful friend. Kyle gets what he needs and he helps others at the right time needed. This book HAPPY KID!, really taught him truth and correct development.

My opinion about this book is, is that it was very slow. The author (Gail Gauthier) didn't put real meaning into the story. Kyle gets a book by his mother and he finds out that the book know what to say at the right time and meaning. This was a great part of the story, but to get to this part it took the author a very long time and not the right timing. The climax of this book is none. There was a rising action when kyle starts doing what the book says. And there was a lowering action, when kyle gives the book away. But all together there was no real meaning to HAPPY KID! ( )

If you want an ironic ending, this is the book for you. AHS/DA

It didn't keep my interest at all. Not enough action and the kid complains too much. Q1P1 AHS/Karissa B.

A little hokey - how many kids really will read a self-help book? - but otherwise good. A nice story; Kyle learns to make some tough decisions with the help of his seemingly-magical "Happy Kid!" book, which always gives him the exact self-help tip he needs to deal with the situation he's in. We all could use a magical self-help book... ( )

Kyle begins seventh grade with the vain hope that everyone will have forgotten the screwdriver incident in sixth grade that landed him with the undeserved reputation of psychopath-in-the-making. Though initially underwhelmed by his concerned mother's gift of a book entitled Happy Kid! he finds himself intrigued by the volume's strange properties and enigmatic advice. Often misinterpreting its messages, he stumbles into situations that confound his expectations and challenge his assumptions. The essential darkness of Kyle's initial situation is lightened by the humor that bubbles up from time to time throughout this intelligently written novel. During the first part of the book in particular, Kyle's narrow focus on his problems and the unremitting dimness of his prospects for happiness may discourage some readers. Still, the engulfing groundswell of raw unhappiness will seem painfully familiar to many readers, and the gradual resolution of Kyle's dejection as he matures offers hope. From the author of Saving the Planet and Stuff (2003), this is a rewarding novel of adolescent angst and growth. Category: Books for Older Readers--Fiction. 2006, Putnam, $16.99. Gr. 6-9.