just in case...

I love the book, Justin Case by Rachel Vail. It's witty, ironic, touching, and compassionate... but that's not why I love it. I love it because it was the first book my son loved. The first book that sparked a love of reading. The first book he read again and again. It is the absolute perfect book to get for any third grader.

"It's the start of the school year, and nothing feels right to Justin. He didn't get the teacher he wanted, he's not in the same class as his best friend, and his little sister, Elizabeth, is starting kindergarten at his school. Elizabeth doesn't seem nervous at all. Justin is very nervous about third grade. And to top it off, he's lost his favorite stuffed animal, but he can't tell anyone, because technically he's too old to still have stuffed animals. Right? Here is third grade in all its complicated glory-the friendships, the fears, and the advanced math.

Acclaimed author Rachel Vail captures third grade with a perfect pitch, and Matthew Cordell's line art is both humorous and touching. As Justin bravely tries to step out of his shell, he will step into readers' hearts."

This is the story of a kind, lovable, charming, very believable  third grade boy - and all that goes with being 8 - friendships, fears, sports, the bully, teachers, gym class, retainers, haikus, superstars, and times tables .

Read an excerpt Here

Check out the Discussion Guide Here

I will forever love Justin Krzeszewski.