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.

Get a copy of Justin Case signed by Rachel Vail!

Bank Street Bookstore Best Books of 2011:

Justin Case:

School, Drool, and other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Matthew Cordell (Feiwel, $16.99) 978-0-312-53290-1 Humorous line drawings enhance this tale of a third-grade boy with whom kids will empathize. (7-9) (recommended also as a read-aloud!)
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Other awards: Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens; Tennessee Intermediate Volunteer State Book Award Master List

 

"Justin Case , the new novel by Rachel Vail, might well be subtitled the wit and wisdom of a third-grade worrywart.  By turns droll, sardonic, ironic, and even sophisticated, it chronicles the daily tribulations of life in the third-grade as told by its eponymous hero, who in the course of his school year discovers there is no heroism unless there is fear.  And fear Justin has a-plenty, be it of his new dog Qwerty, his new teacher, sports, math, friends, jiggly Jell-O-or what ever-a lot comes his way, real and imagined.  The writing is sharp, unpredictably clever, and establishes third-grade as a mine-field of the absurd--which is to say, real life."-Avi, Newbery Medalist

"Vail employs easy, direct language in a rhythm and syntax that captures the essence of a charming, lovable and very believable boy. Readers transitioning to longer fiction will groan, sympathize and laugh out loud in delight. Absolutely marvelous. " - Kirkus Reviews , STARRED review .