School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-Richard is a mature fourth grader with a sense of humor. For a class project on nutrition, he is paired with Kevin, whose behavior is obnoxious. In a refreshing twist on the bullying theme, Richard interferes when Kevin picks on Sam, a second grader. He tries to protect the younger boy by tricking Kevin, which doesn't work, but does provide a funny episode. With a little guidance from his teacher, he realizes that Sam's lack of self-confidence fits hand-in-glove with Kevin's meanness. When that is addressed, everyone grows, even readers. The convincing dialogue is crammed with interesting facts about nutrition, insects, and the classroom tarantula. The characters and the plot develop at a quick and mostly believable pace. Black-and-white wash illustrations match the action and give the book appeal for reluctant readers. -June Wolfe, Bushnell-Sage Library, Sheffield, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Richard's class project is to create a new cereal, and he's discouraged when he's paired up with the class bully, Kevin. Their unusual class pet, a tarantula named Ruby, inspires Richard to help a younger boy stand up to Kevin. The theme is familiar, but the text is humorous and not saccharine. Many young readers will relate to Richard's experience. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Fourth-grader Richard is paired up with bully Kevin on a science project. Their challenge? Invent a new cereal--and make it nutritious! Of course, Richard ends up doing all the work and hating every "partner learning" moment. The project is not the only thing weighing on Richard's mind. When Richard decides to protect one of the bully's second-grade victims, he needs more than brawn. He needs cunning, an understanding of the bully brain and one bug-filled brownie. That teaches the lunch-stealing bully a lesson, but things get even more complicated after that. Small, too-infrequent pencil illustrations help move the story along. While the second grader, who refers to Kevin as "the bad guy" for entirely too long, seems unnaturally young and the anti-bully curricular connections too obvious, young readers might find a few valuable social strategies here. Readers who are ready for a new challenge after Jigsaw Jones will find this a comfortable fit. (Fiction. 7-9) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
"Richard doesn't think much of his fourth-grade classmate Kevin, who swipes his ideas and doesn't know how to be nice. When he learns that Kevin has been bullying Sam, a second grader, Richard decides to strike back. With the help of his friends, the class tarantula, and, eventually, his teacher, Richard finds ways to help Sam stand up. It's good to read a book on bullying without an easy answer. Only when Richard creates a whole community intolerant of his bullying does Kevin see any reason to stop. Illustrated with appealing black-and-gray-tone artwork, this well-designed chapter book will have special appeal to readers who enjoyed its companion books, Meow Means Mischief (2003) and Dear Whiskers (2000). Once again, Nagda has created believable child characters wrestling with realistic problems that are challenging but not beyond their capabilities. The colorful jacket art, which features three happy children baring Dracula fangs, will certainly draw readers."--"Phelan, Carolyn" Copyright 2007 Booklist
