About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Edward is a classic slacker.
He's got better ways to spend his time than toiling over homework, and as long as he gets passing grades he's happy. When his fifty percent average is threatened he has to find a way to pull up his grades without applying himself. Edward discovers that special education students get more time to complete tests, and he thinks he's found the perfect scam. Little does he know that manipulating everyone around him will take more work than he ever imagined.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! Also available in French.
Contributor Notes
Eric Walters is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books for juveniles and young adults. Eric lives in Mississauga, Ontario.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
Editorial Reviews
"Nice characterization and good plotting. The book is full of stereotypical references to students with special needs at the beginning, but it is all part of the point of the book as Edward begins to understand what learning disabilities are all about. Recommended."
— Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group (SOYAMRG)
"The story line is believable, with an ending that will encourage reluctant readers to keep reading and trying in school…Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"Bold, edgy...This is a topic too often skirted, and there's an inherent fascination built into Eddy's plot to be known as a 'plucky fighter' rather than a 'lazy underachiever.'"
— Booklist
"Give[s] the reader valuable insight into realm of the Special Education room—and its importance and value for exceptional students who need the services that it provides...The vocabulary, short chapters and simple sentence structures will make this novel a good choice for readers."
— Resource Links
"The author deftly weaves subtle clues into Edward's character that will leave readers nodding in agreement with his true condition. The title also refutes the stereotype that special-education students are profoundly disabled, emphasizing that a child can be gifted and still have learning issues, an important identity concept for teens to explore. A refreshing read."
— School Library Journal (SLJ)
