by Andrew Clements
Sixth-grader Clay Hensley is a school troublemaker - and he loves it! Although his teachers realize he is only full of mischief and does not mean to hurt anyone, his pranks have become so numerous at Truman Elementary School that his school record is as thick as a phonebook. Many of his infractions, such as running in the halls, disappearing from class, or tossing french fries in the cafeteria are fairly harmless stuff. But one day he decides to do something riskier, by getting "creative" in art class when his teacher instructs the class to draw whatever they want. Clay, being a skillful artist, creates a remarkable likeness to his principal, Mr. Kellings - only he draws him as a DONKEY. Clay loves basking in the laughter of his classmates, and will willingly take whatever punishment Mr. Kellings gives him. He cannot wait to share his latest escapade with his older brother Mitchell, who just arrived home after spending a month in jail. To his surprise, Mitchell does not laugh when he recounts the prank. In fact, Clay is shocked to find Mitchell angry and hostile toward him, while threatening to hurt him physically if he does not change his troublemaking behavior immediately. Clay has always looked up to Mitchell and loves to imitate his rabble rousing ways, but now his older brother makes it clear that jail is no picnic, and that he never wants to spend another day there again. He is afraid that Clay has it in him to follow in his footsteps... all the way to being locked up himself one day. Mitchell is determined to give his brother a personality makeover before it's too late. Clay resentfully begins to change his appearance and behavior. But his classmates and his best friend, Hank, are not sure they like the "new" Clay any longer. They now treat him like an outsider. Then comes Halloween night and the real trouble begins. Mr. Kellling's home is seriously vandalized, and the police show up at Clay's house. He is the prime suspect. But he's innocent. Or his he? Clements is a master at portraying school drama through the eyes of the student. The reader will be pulling for Clay as he tries to extricate himself out of this sticky situation, while hopefully developing a personality that can make him smile again.
Recommended for grades 5-8
Reviewed by Rozanne Porter
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