Friendship is explored in Clements's latest addition to his wonderful collection of books. Grace and Ellie have been the closest of friends since second grade. However, now they are in sixth grade and their relationship is about to change. Whereas Ellie use to be in charge and call all the shots, Grace is suddenly at the top when she introduces a new fad to her fellow students. When she bought back boxes and boxes of buttons of all shapes, colors, and configurations from a property her grandfather just purchased, her classmates become obsessed with them. With the help of her helpful and loyal friend, Hank, she has to figure out if a fad can be stopped once it catches on.
Clements explores so many subjects that young readers to which young readers will relate. He doesn't sidestep some of the unpleasantness of maturing and maintaining friendships that require perseverance. His readers willl delight in the plot and in its outcome.. .

Andrew Clements has an amazing ability to strike a chord with readers. His characters are believable yet fallible, honest yet make mistakes. Grace and Ellie have been best friends since second grade. Yet Grace has always let Ellie take the lead and be in charge. For some reason, Grace decides that she wants more when both she and Ellie return to school after summer break. Grace starts telling Ellie about her trip to visit her Grandpa and all the cool buttons she found, but Ellie interrupts and starts talking about her trip to Europe. And so begins the button war. As the story progresses and students become obsessed with the latest fad, Grace comes to realize her own part in the craze and tries to put a stop to it, mostly to get back at Ellie. Things to very awry and Grace learns some important facts about friendship. Many readers will identify with Grace and with the obsessions of middle graders who latch onto the latest fad. I especially liked that grandpa talked about missing Grace's grandma. Many children will experience the loss of a grandparent. I like that it was included in the story.

Excellent book. Almost makes me wish I was still working in a middle school. Easy to book talk. Will recommend to teachers and parents. (Obviously, I'm a book talker and readers advisor, not a formal book reviewer.)