Students really enjoy reading this one in book clubs and discussing Waylon. They found Waylon to be relatable and funny. Pennypacker did a great job of creating Waylon's character.

An older main character, Waylon is in fourth grade, but this story is definitely on the easier side of language and chapter length which is perfect for reluctant readers looking for a character they can relate to. Waylon's older sister is wearing all black and no longer wants to hang out with her younger brother, meanwhile at school popularity is playing a role in Waylon's classroom. All Waylon wants is for things to go back to normal, but what does the new normal look like?

Kids at our library were so excited to have a new entry into the Sara Pennypacker series! Our students love her Clementine series, and now we have another member of Clementine's class with his own story! Waylon is super-smart, but entirely relatable; the facts sprinkled throughout the story make being smart interesting and entertaining. Waylon is also dealing with many of the things 8-year-olds commonly encounter at school and at home: older siblings who seem to be changing and drifting away, schoolmates forming cliques, and dealing with disappointments. Beautifully and sensitively written, and featuring illustrations by the marvelous Marla Frazee, who illustrates the Clementine series and without whom the books just wouldn't be the same.