A little boy opens a box at night and night slips out to brings with it shadows and nighttime things. When the night is tired and the boy opens the box, night goes back in and day slips out.

The text is descriptive and soothing. Darkness tumbles into the air. It dances and whirls around the room. It goes under the bed, under the chair – everywhere! Hello, Night! Max laughs. 

The illustrations complement the text with their calming colors.

The book is described as a reassuring bedtime book, but I can see it being used for descriptive language and visualization lessons.

Braced by Alyson Gerber is the touching story of Rachel Brooks and her courage and determination to overcome the challenge of scoliosis. Wearing a back brace and starting 7th grade is a recipe for social and personal scrutiny. She battles through hardships of strained family and peer relationships. Rachel faces this adversity with a tenacious spirit not to let her brace define her.  Gerber paints a heartfelt and realistic picture that can only come from someone who has experienced wearing a brace. Characters are authentic and believable. Gerber captures the emotions and experiences of the typical middle school girl. Once you start this book, you won’t want to put it down. Hand this book to fans of Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind. Highly recommended.

The front cover of this book will catch any action-fan by the eye. Trent Reedy’s book, The Last Full Measure is the third in the series Divided We Fall. This book is a roller coaster, though it is full of action there are moments where the reader sympathizes with characters in the story. It can give a glimpse of the pain people endure in their life, whether or not they participate in war. This story follows a fictional character, PFC Daniel Christopher Wright and his group of friends. Earlier books explain how he was part of the Idaho National Guard, and the events that concluded from this. He helped start a second civil war in the US, where states are splitting from the union and becoming sovereign countries. In the storyline, Daniel is inside Freedom Lake, his home town. Although Idaho is a free country, the policing and laws are not in place as they are in the US. A militia, the Brotherhood of the White Eagle, are acting as temporary police, and control many towns and cities including Freedom Lake. Daniel and his group of friends find out that there is a mask covering the Brotherhood of the White Eagle. They devise a plan to escape Freedom Lake and live on their own, rather then under the control of others. On the run from the Brotherhood, Daniel meets new people and makes alliances. He used to be all for the war, but as time has passed he’s just wanted to get out of it. Now his plans are to end it entirely. Trent Reedy had a lot of sources to insure the realism of his story, letting us believe this could happen. He describes the setting so closely you can picture the scenery and destruction of the war. If you like action with a mix of emotions in there, you will love this book.

Review by Josh

Serena plans a holiday vacation with her mother and older sister for a Romance Tour following the itinerary of their parent’s honeymoon. At the last minute, Serena’s mother cancels, but Serena is determined that the tour will go on. After arriving in Paris on a red-eye from New York, Serena discovers that her older sister made other plans as well.  

Serena finds herself staying with Jean-Luc, a friend of her sister’s boyfriend. Fighting a creative block, Jean-Luc accompanies Serena on her Romance Tour hoping to find inspiration.  Personalities and priorities collide, making sparks flicker with the possibility of a new romantic tour of Paris. Will Serena toss out her Romance Tour plans and make memories of her own or will she hold fast to the one thing she believes holds the keys to her memory of her father? Young adult readers will get lost in this tender romantic adventure.

Being LGBT I find it hard to find a relatable main character and Star-Crossed gives me that character. The main character starts to have a crush on a new girl and they become close friends. Later on in the book, the two realize they both have feelings for each other. I loved this book because it gave me a relatable main character, funny best friends, different relationships between different characters, LGBT characters, and drama! I highly recommend this book to anyone in the LGBT community.

Reviewed by Lily

Just Another Girl shows readers that perception is not reality.  Hope has spent years pining for Brady – her best friend who she’d like to move out of the friend zone and into the boyfriend zone. Unfortunately, Brady is already taken, by someone Hope considers to have everything.  Parker appears to have it all, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Parker’s life spiraled out of control when her parents abandoned her and her sister. Parker has been able to keep up appearances for most of the town with only a few close friends knowing the truth about her living situation. Only her boyfriend knows the full truth about how bad things have gotten. That is until Hope takes advantage of her friendship with Brady and manipulates him into divulging Parker’s secrets. Now Hope realizes that sometimes what you think you see isn’t the way things really.  Being able to see through a new lense doesn’t automatically mean Hope will be Parker’s new best friend, but it does allow her to have empathy for a fellow classmate. Readers will relate to all three characters – the unique emotional pull for each unique situation. Recommended.

Deadly wish is the second installment of the Deadly Flowers series.  In book two, we are reunited with Kata as she embarks on another mission.  She is living in the city and is using her ninja skills to obtain valuable items and information.  When she least expects it and when her guard is down, she is taken captive. Saiko has not forgotten what Kata has stolen from her and she is determined to get it back.  Kata must keep the cursed treasure safe and out of Saiko’s hands. Will she be able to escape without using another wish? Will the demon break free of his prison? Will Kata learn to trust friends or will her so-called friends reveal themselves as enemies?  Readers will embark on another journey filled with fantastic creatures, unlikely battles, and action that will keep the pages turning. Recommended.

This is an exceptional book, especially for students in 5^th-8^th grade who are interested in space and celestial objects.  This book provides numerous examples and illustrations of how scientists use geographic and geologic evidence, such as clues from craters impacts on the Earth’s surface, and the steps and procedures taken to determine if a collected sample is a rock, or in fact a meteorite and what kind of meteorite.  There are also fantastic descriptions and illustrations showing how craters are formed and the force required to create the crater. I also thought it was great to show scientists in the field and the gear, journal entries, measurements, and observations taken at the site of a meteorite impact.

This book also allows students to make connections with prior knowledge and learn through inquiry.  Students are able to make prior connections about dinosaurs and relate it to evidence that shows why or why not the dinosaur’s extinction may have been caused by a giant meteorite.  This book also integrates other aspects of science, such as observing patterns of meteorite impacts around the world, making inferences, and shows how infrared technology is being used help astronomers identify and track asteroids.  To conclude the book, inquiry and STEM strategies are introduced to ask the students the question of “what would we do if there was a huge meteorite that was headed towards Earth?” It allows student to think of criteria and constraints of how this problem would be confronted; some examples include bomb it, crash into it, push it, shoot it, vaporize it, etc.

This book keeps its readers engaged from start to finish with interesting facts, amazing illustrations and models, and content properly targeted to adolescent students to keep them engaged.   

Review by Jason

In the book One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock, a girl named Allie starts Daniel Boone Middle School. She meets another girl named Sam and finds herself beginning to fall for her. The book is an amazing depiction of what it was like to be part of the LGBTQ+ community in the late 1970’s. It accurately describes what people in the community look and act like. More specifically, it shows how they aren’t that much different than others. The characters are beautifully designed, showing how they aren’t all defined by gender and sexuality. The motives of the characters seem clear and easily relatable, making the readers truly feel like they know what the characters are feeling. It’s a nice and easy read that I believe all young middle school children should take the time to sit down and connect with at one point or another. All in all, I believe this is an amazing book worth the time and effort put into it.

–Reviewed by Guinevere

“Some Kind Of Happiness“ written by Claire Legrand is story about young girl’s real life mixed with mystery and fantasy, who tried to struggle with her anxiety and overwhelmingly difficult days all by herself, keeping her secret only in the notebook through imaginary stories.

      The book is best summed up in author’s pre-words/preview:

                            “If you are afraid, sad, tired, or lonely

                                  if you feel lost or strange

                          If you crave stories and adventure,

                       And the magic possibility of a forest path —

                                    this book is for you.“

   Finley, 11 year old girl, who has been sent to her unknown grandparents’ house (Hart’s House “enormous and white, the largest house I ever seen in real life…”), from her father’s side for the whole summer, until Finley’s mom and dad can solve their relationship problems.  This little girl tried to escape reality through her imagined tales, which helped her deal with real life problems, like dealing with her previously unknown cousins or her weird neighbors ( children of Bailey’s family ), who go on to become her best friends.  Through her stories, she creates an imaginary kingdom of Everwood – “towering green place full of sunlight”, where she pretends to be “an orphaned girl”, while everyone else had their own roles in the story.  Meanwhile she tries to uncover an old secret , why her father’s family got separated.  Her imaginary game ends up uniting the feuding families after years of avoiding each other.  This feud inspired her to seek out, what caused the falling out between these families ( Hart’s and Bailey’s ), which heavily involves her father.

This book spans three generations of her family, showing that family secrets can become huge issues, even between the closest family members.  But even with all the issues within the families, the children still love and cherish their parents, no matter their flaws.

In my opinion this story is very informative and educational to the young readers for several reasons.  Firstly, it shows how the reader can organize all their thoughts . Secondly, it introduces interesting words in a way that sticks with the reader, expanding their vocabulary in the process ( “ … one of my favorite words, a nine-letter word for “slow, heavy, rhythmic” : ponderous.” ). Thirdly, it encourages the young readers to use their imagination to create fun and adventurous games in real life.

Reading as an adult, it was interesting to see the world through 11 year old Finley’s eyes, especially the way she sees adults in her life, bringing me back to my own childhood and various games we used to play. It was fun.

I would highly recommend this book for young readers (middle school age) as well, as for adults.  This book manages to be both relaxing and breathtaking at the same time, gripping the reader with its mysteries and memorable plot . I really enjoyed this book.

Review by Marianna

“The Enemy” written by Sara Holbrook is a historical fiction story with some facts from real life. This book touches on many subjects, such as friendship, bullying at school, multicultural neighborhoods and family relationships. It takes place in 1954, in the U.S. during the Cold War.
In this book the author describes different points of view about Nazi’s and Communist’s at that time. It also shows the fear that adults and children felt, and how some of them stood up for what they believe is right.
Marjorie Campbell, a twelve year old girl, lives with her family in Detroit, Michigan. The main hero’s life is really confusing. She always worries about making the right decision. In her own family she stays on her mom’s side and helps her to hide a box of banned books (at that time) from others, including her dad and adopted brother, because they have different thoughts about it. At the same time, in Marjorie’s class comes a new girl, who moved with her family from some other country, and they looked like they were German. Marjorie likes this strange girl with a good heart and an accent, but her classmates ( including her best friend ) mark this new girl as a target for bullies. That’s why Marjorie struggles with her feelings and decision on what side she should choose. This book would be enjoyed by students and adults who like historical books. 

Review by Marianna

Itch! Explains the mystery of what causes a person to experience the sensation of the itch and to follow up that sensation with a scratch. Sanchez starts off with a chapter explaining skin – its parts, its purpose, and its reaction to irritants. The bulk of the remaining chapters focus on specific irritants: Lice, fleas, plants, mosquitoes, tarantulas, fungi, bed bugs. The final chapter examines the positive side of itching.

Illustrations are fun to look at and complement the text. Page format is interesting, with traditional text block, chapter heading, subheadings and balanced with a creative multimedia approach mimicking a bulletin board and scrapbook. Chapters start with a scenario that introduces the irritant, provides history and then jumps into the itch explanation and human reaction to scratch. It also has great tips for dealing with irritants that are environmentally friendly.

Itch! Is a fun and informative addition that sheds light on the physiological reaction to things that make us itch. Highly recommended.

Angela Cervantes creates a story of friendship and mystery set in Mexico City. Paloma Marquez joins her mother for a summer of adventure and art appreciation in her father’s homeland. Paloma quickly makes new friends and finds herself embroiled in the intrigue behind artist Frida Kahlo’s missing peacock ring. Paloma and her friends vow to uncover the truth and return the precious ring to its rightful home, La Casa Azul, where Frida’s personal items are showcased for all to see and celebrate. This story will touch the heart and soul as it celebrates loyalty, embraces forgiveness, and promotes valor. This sweet, honest and art filled book is a strong addition.

The novel “Tru & Nelle A Christmas Tale” is the second series book written by G. Neri. This interesting historical fiction book includes the facts and stories from the lives of best friends, Truman Capote and Nellie Harper Lee and their Christmas adventure.

Everything starts when “little” Nelle’s friend , Tru , goes back to town Monroeville . He came with his mom Little Mae and his stepdad Cuban Joe. They were in a custody battle with Tru’s biological dad , Arch Peterson.  Afterwards Truman left the courthouse with his mom Nina and Joe , and went back to New York.
Two years pass and Tru was feeling sorry about his decision to stay with his mom and move back to New York. After the some time it became apparent, that Nina didn’t care about her son at all, instead she only cared about herself and her wealthy lifestyle.
“Truman felt that everything had gone wrong since he’d left Monroeville.” His mom “ was constantly bemoaning all his quirks : his funny high voice, the way he sasheyed when he walked and eccentric clothing he wore, and the artsy boys he befriended.” Finally his mother decided to ship him to St. John’s Military Academy for Boys where they had very strict rules, which was too much for the delicate little Truman. Even then his mom refused to visit him and didn’t listen his complains about this school , such as bullying and overly strict rules. At that time Tru could only think about one place, Monroeville. He missed all of his relatives and friends, especially his best ones Nelle and Big Boy. That’s why the 13 years’ old boy Tru escapes from the military boys’ school, and try to make it to Monroeville for Christmas.

At the end of the book also includes some other story, interesting informations, facts, and photos

In my opinion the main thing that happens at the end of this story is that Truman decided to try to change his attitude, and make smart decisions in service of other. Also through this story the young readers can discover the real spirit of Christmas. It also shows how important it is to remember  mercy, charity and kindness, and to surrounding us with people. We should never forget to help and believe in each other, even if we are different.

I recommend this book for young readers. It’s a great novel for elementary and middle school students, who like to read about childhood’ friendship and adventures.

Reviewed by Marianna

Ever the Brave is the second installment in the Class of Kingdoms fantasy series.  Summerill constructs a world of adventure, political struggle and mysticism. Britta is back and is learning to live with her newly discovered gifts; however, she must keep her gifts a secret as witchcraft is outlawed in Malam kingdom. Keeping her powers secret proves a challenging task when she is bound to King Aodren.  This connection, unwanted and dangerous, risks her relationship with the King’s Hunter, Cohen. Amidst the tangle of feelings and interactions with King Aodren, Britta also learns that she is connected to the treacherous villain Cohen is hunting. When he returns from the hunt in the neighboring kingdom empty handed, he must fight for his King, his country and his true love.  A page turner, fantasy lovers will not want to put this book down.

“Sink or Swim” is a historical fiction novel written by Steve Watkins (author of the I Survive series). Inspired by the true story of the brave young boy, Calvin Graham, who, at age 13, enlisted in the US Navy and served on the battleship USS South Dakota in the South Pacific in intense fighting with the Japanese.

The story starts with an incident that happens with Colton’s older brother during their fishing trip. His seventeen-year-old brother, Danny, was injured, so Colton decided to assume his brother’s identity, and enlisted into the US Navy. After that Colton’s journey begins.

As for me, the most intense and tragic part of this book is when, after the battle, a U-boat explodes beneath Colton’s patrol craft, killing his closest shipmate and wounding Colton’s leg. The survivors are set adrift in an overloaded lifeboat with few rations and connection with anyone. The author excellently describes their attempts to survive in the ocean for a couple of weeks during mid October without food, water, under the sun in the daytime and sometimes surrounded by sharks. But at that time Colton’s thoughts were about his family: “I prayed we would be rescued, and I prayed that if we weren’t, that Mama and Danny would somehow find out what happened to me, and would know that I loved them all the way to the end.”

I would recommend this book for young readers ( ages 8-12 ), who likes stories about World War II and who also enjoys books about U boats or Navy. I liked this novel.

Review by Marianna

This new series- The Questioneers- follow the picture book characters: Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, and Ada Twist into the chapter book realm.

This first book begins with the trio working on an invention to help Rosie’s uncle, Zookeeper Fred scare away snakes. Even after five models, Rosie is not giving up . Her talents get temporarily guided away from that project to help her Aunt Rose and her aunt’s friends. These ladies were, ” ‘the Blue River Riveters,’ she said. ‘We worked together at the B-29 factory during World War II. We built more airplanes that you could imagine. We made a difference back when it was needed the most. And we still do our part.!’ ” (30)

Young readers will follow Rosie’s efforts to help others in the now popular STEM movement. “Rosie loved engineering, It made her happier that just about anything.” (41) Readers will follow Rosie from the brainstorming beginnings through to her end project. Rosie loved brainstorming, design, research, making prototypes, and testing. (49)
Rosie is not successful on her first attempts, but she does not give up. When Rosie gets frustrated the motto “STOP AND THINK!” comes to her aid.

In this book, Rosie is asked to come up with an invention that will help Aunt Rose’s friend June paint in the Art-a-Go-Go competition in the park, when June has two broken wrists.

As each chapter begins, red quad graph paper gives light to Rosie’s thoughts through Rosie’s sketches and diagrams of the work in progress. June is set to paint at the competition, using Rosie’s Paintapalooza 9. Mid-way through the painting, June’s arms become too tired, then a brush breaks. Undaunted, Rosie makes adjustments.

In the end the Blue River Riveters make Rosie, Ada, and Iggy “HONORARY RIVETERS!”

After the story ends, keep reading or you will miss out on: ODE TO A VALVE, ABOUT VALVES, ABOUT THE RIVETERS, THINK ABOUT THIS, and ABOUT THE AUTHOR and ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR.

This is a level 2 Blastoff Reader. It talks about the different types of technology used in a school and a brief history of technology in school. This book is coding in school, but a more appropriate title would be technology in school as it did not talk very much about coding. This book has many informational text features including bold words, labels and a glossary.

The British Museum is in trouble, it needs a donation right away to stay open. Lottie Lipton follows clues that lead her underneath the museum into the catacombs. She goes on an adventure that may lead her to treasure and saving the museum.

Remy, a raccoon, had his house broken into and his most prized possession a journal is missing. Remy and his friends the mice join forces to search for the journal. Remy and his friends must escape different perils while searching for the journal and discover new friends along the way. This book is part graphic novel, part illustrated chapter book. Students who are trying to move from graphic novel to chapter books may find this a decent transition.

Mia Tang moved to the US with her family in search of a better life. Instead they have faced many challenges. Mia’s mom thinks they have found the perfect new job managing a motel and it comes with free lodging. Unfortunately the owner of the motel is mean and managing the motel is a lot of work. Mia decides to help her family by running the front desk of the motel and in doing so makes new friends and overcomes many obstacles.

Written in verse, this book reads visually like skiing quickly down a snowy hill of moguls. The archival black and white photos are the frosting on the cake to this story. This is the biography of Peter Seibert of Massachusetts. Pete learned to ski at seven years of age, “there was nothing else like it in the world.”(13)

The first section “AMERICA” tells of Pete’s years of skiing on his high school’s ski team, being too young to enlist when World War II breaks outs, but enlisting when he turns eighteen in the 10th Light Division (Alpine), Army training in the snow of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and Pete becoming an Army snow instructor in white camouflage.

“OCEAN” dwells on the anticipation of crossing the Atlantic Ocean before seeing action in World War II.

“ITALY” takes place in the Apennine Mountains in Northern Italy. The German Army is on top of peaks looking down on the Allies. The Allies need to dislodge the German Army before the Allies can advance. Pete was in the Allied platoon in snow mountain gear slowing working their way up the mountains before the 7:30 a.m. attack began. It was a remarkable feat “that so many Americans had climbed the impossible east side of Riva Ridge…Not one of his soldiers died in the climb to the top… the Germans fought back for four days but then surrendered.”(110)

In another battle, Pete was wounded from an artillery blast. Pete would be in the hospital for almost two months. During this time Germany surrenders.

Back in “AMERICA” Pete will undergo many surgeries, go through rehab, and wonder if he will ever ski again.

“THE PROMISE” finds Pete teaching in a ski school, qualifying for the U.S. Ski Team of 1950, and learning how to run a ski resort after injuring his ankle. In 1962, Pete opens the Vail Ski Resort.

Enjoy gliding through Pete’s story as if you yourself are on skis with him. This is a side of skiing and World War II that is often at told.

Jake struggles in school. In Jake’s frustration, he has turned to his school’s urban legend about the Wishing Well behind his school. It’s really a storm drain, but if he throws his most favorite item into the well, his wish will come true. Jake runs threw thunder and lightning to the well and throws in the gift from Aunt Margaret, a set of the Heroes of History figurines. “I really am a dummy, Jake thought angrily. Not even the Wishing Well can help a dummy like me. … ‘I wish someone could just do this for me!’ he cried. POP!” (14-15) So began The Tiny Geniuses series.

Now in book #2, Jake has the fourth grade Living History Night to prepare. Jake draws the name of Benjamin Franklin out of box for his project’s subject. Yikes, this means Jake will have to emcee the fourth grade program at Franklin Elementary School, too. When Jake wishes for extra help – POP! (19)

Ella Fitzgerald (three inches tall) materializes for Jake. Why Ella Fitzgerald? Jake’s best friend Emerson comes over to Jake house after school wearing a Benjamin Franklin bald cap, red tail coat, and half spectacles. Emerson takes Jake to the theater department where his mother works to see more props for his project. They take Ella along with them. Ella loves singing on stage again. Ella Fitzgerald introduces Jake to stage presence.

Jake still needs help with his script for the program. Ella has written a song for him, but Jake does not see this as a help. His singing is not good. ” ‘I wish I could sing and dance. I wish it could be that easy. But it’s not. And I wish that somebody else – anybody else– could help me’ –. POP!” (60)

A three inch tall Benjamin Franklin is now here to help Jake. Franklin is more interested in finding the perfect storm to test his lightning is electricity theory, than in helping Jake.

Along the way Jake figures out with to connect each of the historical characters in the program with one of Franklin’s inventions. The night of the program an electrical storm outside, knocks out the power at school. While the lights are out and before the emergency generator kicks-in, Ella encourages Jake to go on with the show. The show is a great success!

After the show, “A sizzling sound, like lightning tearing through velvet, filled Jake’s ears. He watched in astonishment as a section of the theater curtain burned away, creating a glittering hole. …Ms. Fitzgerald linked her arm through his[Franklin’s] , and together they disappeared through the enchanted rip in the curtain. With another burst of light, the hole sealed behind them. Just like that, there was no sign that Ms. Fitzgerald or Mr. Franklin had ever been there.” (114-115)

Each of the 12 chapters flies onto the page with the illustration of a skeleton key attached to a kite in flight.

“A Note from the Author” ends the book with added information about Ella Fitzgerald and Benjamin Franklin.

Jake Everdale struggles in school. The science fair is coming up. Jake needs to do well with his science fair project. Jake has made an agreement with his parents. If Jake does not do well in the science fair, he will have to give up the one thing he truly loves- BASEBALL!

In Jake’s frustration, he has turned to his school’s urban legend about the Wishing Well behind his school. It’s really a storm drain, but if he throws his most favorite item into the well, his wish will come true. Jake runs threw thunder and lightning to the well and throws in the gift from Aunt Margaret, a set of the Heroes of History figurines. “I really am a dummy, Jake thought angrily. Not even the Wishing Well can help a dummy like me. Jake threw his pencil onto the desk. ‘I wish someone could just do this for me!’ he cried. POP!” (14-15)

So begins the first book in this new series of Tiny Geniuses. Sir Isaac Newton pops in to help Jake. Sir Isaac Newton is more interested in figuring out how the light bulbs in Jake’s house work than in helping on Jake’s science fair project. Jake is running out of time. Jake wishes for a different helper. “POP!” (43) Amelia Earhart pops into the story.

Jake decides it is not safe to leave the two 3 inch tall geniuses at home while he goes to school, so he takes them with him in his backpack.Sir Isaac Newton and Amelia Earhart did not see eye to eye on much, especially on women being able to accomplish much.

Eventually the two geniuses come up with a project for Jake. Now the problem is the Jake did not do it on his own, so to turn it in would be cheating. “Suddenly, he remembered what Sir Isaac had said about not being curious. Jake was plenty curious about all sorts of stuff. And if curiosity was what he really needed to get started on his science project…” (88-89) Jake worked all night on his project dealing with paper airplanes and how they fly. Jake’s project earned 2nd place with a red ribbon.

Amelia Earhart and Sir Isaac Newton flew off in the airplane they created for Jake’s project.

Each of the 13 chapters flies onto the page with the illustration of a paper airplane in flight.

“A Note from the Author” ends the book with added information about Sir Isaac Newton and Amelia Earhart.

This is Miles and Niles final year at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy and the final book in this series.

Miles and Niles are still up to their fabulous pranks, but this year Principal Barkin wants to be a prankster, too. Principal Barkin’s pranks are very amateurish compared to Miles’ and Niles’. He wants to join their team of pranksters, but no. Then, Principal Barkin wants to repeatedly retain Miles and Niles so their pranks will continue.

Soon there is word the superintendent has past away, only to have Principal Barkin’s father , the former Principal Barkin, become the ‘acting superintendent’. Principal Barkin and Superintendent Barkin do not see eye to eye.

Superintendent Barkin purposely tells Miles he is moving away, even though his mother has asked Barkin to keep it from Miles. This puts a dark shadow over Miles when his mother says it’s true. Miles and Niles are both so discouraged by the news. They both secretly and individually pull off one last prank at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy’s on the night of their graduation dance. Principal Barkin catches them in the prank, but applauds their prank against his father’s 1933 2nd place trophy. Only the three of them (Miles, Niles, and Principal Barkin) will probably ever know the trophy has been changed, and that is fine with them. ” ‘ A masterstroke,’ said Niles, ‘to our whole career.’ ” (205)