Unschooled

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

George and Lilly are different in many ways but are best of friends. In alternating chapters, they describe their school day experience when their fifth grade class is challenged during Spirit Week. The principal has decided to encourage school spirit by splitting the fifth grade class into teams. George and Lilly's hopes of being on the same team are dashed. As team leaders for the opposing groups, the best friends are challenged to figure out where their true loyalties lie. The ever-increasing seriousness of the pranks and outlandish rumors about what the prize will be propels the two teams to break school rules and sometimes endanger their team mates. Although the dilemma presented in the story line provides examples to younger readers about consequences and may be read as humorous, the pranks and the adult character's reactions to the situation seem over-the-top and slightly disturbing.

Overall Book Score: fair