Independent Reading Level: 2-4
Awards: N/A

Independent Reading Level: Grades 2-3 ( )

This story follows a boy named Robbie, who wants to know how to be cool in the third grade. He makes a list and tries to achieve everything necessary to be a cool kid by changing his clothes or name. In the end, he finds out that being cool is not what third grade is about when he gets partnered up with the biggest bully in school. He learns that things are not always what they seem on the outside, but being truthful and getting to know someone on the inside is what counts. ( )

When Robbie York is marked as a target by a bully at school, he decides that the only way to survive the third grade is by being cool.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this with my third grade. The book is so easily written that it makes it very easy for students to make connections with. It's also a great book to read during the first weeks of school with third grade students. The main charterer Robbie is also very relatable with many students and that helps to maintain their interest during the reading.