Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year

An engaging series-opener with authentic conflicts and convincing school and home settings. Charlie is a likable character. While he tends to get into trouble with adults for being disorganized, he’s kind and compassionate toward other kids. When he notices Hector, a new student, on the fringes of a soccer game, Charlie immediately includes him, even though it means sitting out himself. Young readers likely will identify with Charlie’s observations. For example, Charlie’s father urges him to try to get along with Mrs. Burke, his strict new teacher, but Charlie points out that his dad feels similarly about his new boss: “He was always complaining to Mom about him. I guess sometimes parents don’t realize that their kids hear what they’re saying to each other. But we do.” It is enjoyable and reassuring to witness Charlie’s developing relationship with Mrs. Burke. She tells Charlie: “We seemed to have gotten off on the wrong foot. But we’re not very far into the year and we still have time to get off to a good start.” Adam Gustavson’s illustrations use a variety of perspectives to good effect. In one drawing, for instance, Charlie is shown from above as he perches on a desk and stretches to alter his artwork, already on display. In another, intimidating Mrs. Burke looms large from Charlie’s point of view.