Buyea, Rob The Perfect Score, 355 pgs. Delacourt (Penguin), 2017. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some disturbing bullying).
It’s finally 6th grade - middle school - and the kids are excited, but old Mrs. Wood is their teacher. Much to their surprise, she knows just what’s right for her students - academically she’s inspiring and she’s got even the hard kids under control. Told from the viewpoint of 5 members of the class: Randi whose mother wants her to be a gymnast more than Randi does - the nightly practices are affecting her grades; Scott who is smart and has a really big heart, but his great ideas often backfire and he doesn’t have any friends; Natalie wants to be a lawyer like her parents; Gavin likes football, but struggles with reading - now if he doesn’t perform well on the state tests he can’t be on the team next year; and Trevor who is the class bully and attitude problem - well, his home life is difficult as he struggles with his mean brother and his “goons” who bully him at home. This year the state tests are so important there are outside administrators changing things about when and what the teachers teach, and whether or not the students get recess, have parties or get to listen to book read aloud. If they do well on the tests, things will get back to normal. What if cheating is the only way for everyone to pass?
In today’s educational system, we don’t always see the impact of the emphasis we place on the importance of passing state tests. This is an important story that should be read by both students and teachers. Although the students are young, this is a great middle school read.
EL, MS ESSENTIAL Lisa Librarian
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