My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner - ESSENTIAL

My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner, 257 pages. Random House, 2020. $17.

Content: G (mild fighting and threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Bad enough that Ben has moved from California to Idaho – but he has been cursed by potatoes! Up to mischief, trying to fit in, its Ben fault the school mascot has been hurt.  As penance, Ben  must take over while the real mascot recuperates. Yuck! Not only is the mascot a potato, but Ben has no school spirit.  How can he keep the couple of friends he has from knowing his new role, get closer to the girl he has his eye on, and do his part to root the basketball team to victory? Without getting into his normal trouble, too.

Ben’s challenges are absolutely hilarious!  His earnestness is endearing and his ingenuity as he overcomes his challenges – lack of school spirit, earning the ire of the basketball team, etc. – and his antics as he tries to juggle everything will keep the reader’s attention. Akin to Patterson’s Middle School books for humor and action.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS