About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is dealing with school-yard competition or feels the pressure of keeping up with the 'cool' or wealthy kids. It is an ideal pick for a reluctant reader who needs a low-stakes, humorous escape from academic stress. The story follows Bernie Bridges, a clever schemer at a quirky boarding school, as he tries to outsmart his wealthy rival, Sherman Oaks, in a series of wacky challenges. While the setting is a boarding school, the emotional heart of the book is about managing jealousy and using creativity to level the playing field. Bernie is not a perfect role model, he often takes shortcuts and makes bets, but his resilience and loyalty to his 'misfit' friends provide a humorous lens through which children can view social dynamics. It is a light-hearted, fast-paced comedy that prioritizes entertainment while subtly exploring how to handle being the underdog.
