About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the high-stakes social world of school fads, peer pressure, or the temptation to take 'shortcuts' to popularity and profit. It is a perfect choice for reluctant readers who need humor to stay engaged while exploring how quickly a small scheme can spiral into a school-wide conflict. Bernie Bridges is a charming but mischievous protagonist at Rotten School who decides to sell T-shirts of a goofy cartoon chicken, only to find himself in the crosshairs of a rival fan club. Through the slapstick humor, the story touches on themes of accountability, the absurdity of tribalism (even over cartoons), and the importance of owning up to one's mistakes. It is a light, fast-paced read that uses comedy to mirror the real-life social pressures kids face when trying to fit in or lead the pack.
