Reading Metrics
Description
At the suggestion of a well-intentioned guidance counselor, Nick, a short 7th-grader who's frequently bullied, joins a school club, and the resulting reluctant band of oddballs joins together to fight bullies and other middle-grade challenges. Book #1
Quick Summary
If you know a middle schooler who's been picked on or who just loves a good underdog story, this is a great pick. Nick is a short seventh-grader who gets bullied regularly, and when his guidance counselor suggests he join a school club, he stumbles into a group of other misfits who decide to actually do something about bullies instead of just enduring them. The humor is pretty kid-friendly and silly the club's name alone gives you an idea of the tone but there's real heart underneath it, and kids will probably feel seen if they've ever been on the receiving end of mean kids. It's quick to read (under 20,000 words) and the chapters are short, which makes it perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who thinks "chapter book" means "boring." Parents will appreciate that it tackles bullying in a way that feels empowering rather than preachy, and the friendships that form are genuinely fun to watch develop. Fans of series like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or "Wonder" would probably really connect with this one, especially if they want something that balances laughs with a message they can actually use.