Ratfink

February 1, 2010
Jones (the Adventures of the Bailey School Kids series) introduces 10-year-old Logan, a fifth grader with a penchant for storytelling and a knack for finding trouble. Logan has the best intentions for his last year of elementary school, but the temptation to stretch the truth proves too great (“The words rose up inside me like a burp after chugging soda pop”), leading to misunderstandings with his best friend, Malik, and conflicts with new student Emily, who seems determined to make Logan's life miserable. Besides contending with mishaps at school, Logan has pressures at home. His grandfather, who has recently moved in, is growing increasingly forgetful, and his unconventional actions, like picking the neighbor's petunias while wearing nothing but a towel, prove embarrassing. Young readers will relate to Logan's frustrations with his family and peers, his desire to keep humiliating truths a secret, and his underlying love for his aging grandfather, who relies on Logan for help remembering. Although Logan's mishaps are often predictable, Jones's amusing and sympathetic descriptions, brought to life through Decker's pencil sketches, will keep her readers engaged. Ages 8–12.

February 1, 2010
Gr 3-6-All Logan wants is a pet for his 10th birthday, but his grandfather is moving in with the family, and his parents feel that adding an animal to the mix would be too much for them to handle. Grandpa is becoming forgetful, and Logan is mortified by his antics and worried that his friends will find out about the man's erratic and embarrassing behavior. To make matters worse, Emily, the new girl at school, seems set on getting Logan in trouble, and his parents and teachers blame him for everything she instigates. As the story progresses, readers watch as Logan begins to understand his grandfather's aging, and the two form a tender double-act, Logan helping Grandpa to remember his life story through photographs, and Grandpa encouraging Logan to work on creative writing instead of telling whoppers to his parents and friends. Jones portrays the relationship delicately, without making the child's realization seem over-the-top. This is a great title to introduce the sensitive topic of living with aging relatives, and Jones does it in charming style. The book is well paced and filled with believable characters and situations. A thoughtful, rewarding read with a totally satisfying resolution."Alison Donnelly, Collinsville Memorial Public Library, IL"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 15, 2009
Grades 3-5 *Starred Review* Logan knows that fifth-graders are mean, so he is determined not to let anyone at school find out about his forgetful, embarrassing grandpa, who has moved in with Logans family. What if his classmates spot Grandpa singing nursery rhymes or wandering around naked? Then new student Emily the Snot Scott gets ahold of a mortifying picture that Grandpa took of Logan, and she threatens to send it to everyone at schoolunless Logan finds out the secret his best friend, Malik, has been keeping. Is Logan a ratfink? Will he give up Malik to save himself from being humiliated? Told with rapid dialogue, this novels gripping conflicts about loyalty, betrayal, and kindness are never simplistic, and the standoffs with family, friends, and enemies are realistic and dramatic. Jones shows that in addition to his annoyance, Logan also feels deep affection for Grandpa, who comes up with some great ideas that make Logan popular, as well as sharp insights about why Emily acts mean. Even the ending, in which Logan feels mixed about his revenge against Emily, is subtle. Hilarious and heartbreaking, this novel adds depth and complexity to the usual triumph-over-the-bullies story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)