About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to prioritize 'fitting in' or being part of a cool crowd over established, loyal friendships. It is a perfect choice for middle graders who feel the sting of social competition or the pressure to impress new peers at the expense of their authenticity. The story follows Billy Broccoli as he prepares for a school talent competition with the help of his 'ghostly' roommate, Hoover Porterhouse. However, as Billy tastes social success with a new group of friends, he begins to neglect the person (or ghost) who has his back. Parents will appreciate how Winkler and Oliver use humor and a supernatural premise to explore very real feelings of jealousy, social ambition, and the importance of apologizing when you've messed up. It is a lighthearted, fast-paced read that makes the 'uncool' path of integrity look much more rewarding than the hollow pursuit of popularity.
