Cody and the Rules of Life (Cody #3)

by Tricia Springstubb (Author) Eliza Wheeler (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Cody

In Cody's life, many things are hard to predict. Like why her older brother, Wyatt, is obsessed with his new bicycle called the Cobra, or why her best friend Pearl suddenly wants to trade favorite toys. Pearl says she will trust Cody with Arctic Fox because Cody is a trusty person. But Cody doesn't want to give up her beloved Gremlin, and she regrets it as soon as she hands him over. When the Cobra goes missing, Cody has to decide for herself who is trusty and who is not.

If only she had Gremlin to talk to! Surely Pearl wouldn't mind if she secretly traded back . . . it's not stealing if it belonged to you in the first place, right?

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School Library Journal

The rules of life can be a bit confusing. Cody, the young and excitable protagonist, learns this lesson the hard way when she agrees to trade favorite stuffed animals with her best friend Pearl. When the toy goes missing, things get complicated and Cody is faced with a moral dilemma. Cody is a very approachable, well-meaning, and relatable character who has a passion for bugs. Cody's older brother also plays a key role in this story. He is often more excited about his bike than spending time with his little sister, which prompts Cody into actions she regrets. The story is a tad predictable and not particularly fresh in themes, but readers will still appreciate how Cody copes with family, friends, and the complications that life brings. VERDICT Recommended for chapter book collections, especially those lacking depictions of strong female protagonists.—Ashley Prior, Lincoln Public Library, RI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Written with verve and style, this nicely illustrated chapter book delves into Cody's emotions as she wrestles with her conscience, accuses a neighbor of stealing, and tries to make everything come out right. This chapter book from the Cody series handles a tough issue with sensitivity and balance.
—Booklist Online

The narrative is lively and humorous, with plenty of jokes at the expense of adults (Cody's teacher thinks the stolen Cobra is a snake, not a bike)...Fans of the Cody series and newcomers alike will identify with Cody's dilemma and look forward to exploring her world in other books.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Told in third-person limited narration, Cody's story captures her personal struggles and her sensitive nature. Her confidence and self-awareness grow as Cody finds her way with her teacher, her peers, and her family in this gentle, funny, and moving chapter book.
—The Horn Book 

Short, easy-to-read sentences are full of quirks and personality in a story that will speak directly to the hearts of middle grade readers. Plentiful illustrations and a sprinkling of Spanish reflect the diverse cast of characters.
—School Library Connection
Tricia Springstubb
Tricia Springstubb has written many well-reviewed books for young readers, including The Most Perfect Thing in the Universe and What Happened on Fox Street, which was an Indie Pick. She also wrote Every Single Second which received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. She lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781536200546
Lexile Measure
470
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Candlewick Press (MA)
Publication date
June 12, 2018
Series
Cody
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV039220 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Values & Virtues
Library of Congress categories
-

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