This book is a cute and light read that sends a positive message to kids about learning to solve your problems

As a teacher, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I love to read what my students are reading. It's an invaluable connection. I had never heard of this author or character before. Other books in which students take on the school, think Frindle or No Talking as great examples, have that special connection with students and teachers alike.

This one seemed to miss the connection for me. Maybe the characters will grow on me over time and books, but I just don't feel the same passion for these characters as other beloved precocious students. I was a bit confused, as well. The "teacher problem solving" seemed really tertiary in the book to Dewey's own school and home life. Some of the students were incredibly unlikable.

And, I feel like I missed something (maybe it was there or maybe it was in the first book) but I didn't get why an old woman was working for a 6th grader, making him cookies and calling him "boss." I would have appreciated a little more about that relationship.

All of that being said, I would like to add this to my class library and see what my students think of the characters and the plot. There is something to get from this about conservation, research, being prepared, and (in almost all cases) being respectful of those with whom you disagree. Even though these characters didn't connect with me, I'd love to see if they connect with my students.

Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of this book. I hadn't read the first book which might have colored my opinion (some) but I just couldn't get into it. I like to be immersed in a book and I felt the whole time I was reading, like an outsider trying to look in. I never really connected with the author's voice. I love books for all ages but this one didn't speak to me.

I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. This was a light-hearted, quick read. It is a middle grade sequel to the book Dewey Fairchild, Parent Problem Solver, which I did not read. I did not find this book difficult to understand because of that. This is about a sixth-grade boy, Dewey, who solves student's problems with their teachers (boredom, an obsession with sharks, etc), as well as larger issues within the school, such as the administration taking away their beloved vending machine. He does this with the help of his two friends, Colin and Seraphina, and his grandmother, Clara.
I did not like this book at first, but it grew on me. It is a cute read for elementary and middle school aged children. I thought some parts were a little far-fetched, but it is a work of fiction, after all. I also thought some of the dialogue was confusing, trying to figure out who was speaking when. I would've liked it to have been laid out better. Overall, though, I can see this becoming a favorite of young kids.