The Sub (A Young Puffin) - Softcover

P.J. Petersen's understanding of school dynamics and his talent for writing realistic dialogue have made him popular among the middle-grade crowd. P.J. Petersen was born in Santa Rosa, California where he lived and worked on the family farm. The father of two daughters, he presently lives in Redding, California. He is the author of many books, including The Sub, I Hate Camping, and I Hate Company.

Grade 3-4-- When best friends James and Ray discover that they will have a substitute until their ailing teacher returns to school, James offhandedly suggests that they switch seats just to confuse her. The "fun" begins when Ray pulls his usual antics by talking in class, but James's name is the one to go on the blackboard--with multiple check marks. By the end of the first day, the real James has lost his enthusiasm for the trick, but doesn't have the courage to confess--until the day Ray suffers a nasty ankle sprain and has to go to the hospital. Fortunately, Mrs. Walters is an experienced, super sub and knows just how to handle the "switcheroos." She never blinks an eyelash, plays along with the game, and ultimately wins the boys' respect through her patience and humor. Beginning chapter-book readers will find enough action here to keep them turning the pages and reluctant older readers, too, will identify with the real characters and situations. With one glance at the jacket's lively illustration and the pencil sketches throughout the text, students will be eager to read this one. The uncomplicated plot and the fast pace of story will involve them from the beginning. Good, clean fun throughout! --Mary Lou Budd, Milford South Elementary School, OH
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