The Worst Mascot Ever

July 1, 2019
A group of third graders form the Big Idea Gang and convince their schoolmates to ditch their traditional armadillo mascot for a dragon (Mascot); the group then persuades their school to add two buddy benches to the playground to help students find new friends (Buddy). The short, heavily illustrated chapter books contain a solid dose of learning along with the appealing contemporary-school-story plots.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

October 1, 2018
A group of friends campaigns to change their school's mascot.After a comedic mishap with the worn-out costume for Clay Elementary School's longtime mascot--Arnold the Armadillo--friends Lizzy and Connor O'Malley (twins), Kym Park, and Deon Gibson see an opportunity to get the school a more compelling mascot: the bulldog. They propose it to their teacher (Isadora Zipsokowski, called Miss Zips), who insists they take their idea to the principal themselves. But not all of their classmates are in favor--domineering Suri Brewster opposes them, arguing against the bulldog and organizing a pro-armadillo contingent. The friends work on a new mascot idea--a dragon--and present their case to the principal, who puts their idea against the status quo, represented by Suri, to a schoolwide vote. The job of speaking for their side falls on Lizzy. In the face of her anxiety, her friends rally together to help her support her arguments. When the time comes, Suri speaks well, but Lizzy's humor and sound logic carry the day. In a delightful twist, Suri is a story antagonist who isn't antagonistic--she and Lizzy are mutually supportive as they face public speaking. A final segment provides tips on how to structure persuasive arguments. Publishing simultaneously is a sequel, Everybody Needs a Buddy. Lizzy, Connor, and Suri present white, while Kym is Asian and Deon is black.An upbeat and empowering series opener. (Fiction. 6-9)

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October 1, 2018

Gr 2-4-After their mascot's costume loses its tail, some Clay Elementary students are ready for a change to their school's image. When Lizzy O'Malley learns Connecticut is not a natural home for armadillos, she and her twin brother, Connor, and their friends Kym and Deon make a plan to present new options to their school principal. With the help of their cheerful and helpful teacher, Miss "Wow Me" Zipsokowski, the Big Idea Gang first pitches a new mascot to their class. Suri Brewster has an objection; she likes Arnold the Armadillo and she likes traditions. After a campaign, a school-wide assembly, and a school-wide vote, Clay Elementary's new mascot, Drake the Dragon, is born. This beginning chapter book showcases logic, problem solving, and collective action. Black ink illustrations offer visual representations of the characters and situations, while breaking up long passages for young readers building stamina. VERDICT Fans of James Preller's "Jigsaw Jones" and David Adler's "Cam Jansen" series will enjoy the camaraderie and ingenuity of the Big Idea Gang.-Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa and Polk County Public Schools.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.