Six Kids and a Stuffed Cat

A master of action-propelled outdoor stories, Paulsen moves his focus inside, literally and figuratively, as he explores the interactions among six eighth-grade boys while they take shelter in a school bathroom during a severe weather alert. The situation is recounted by narrator Jordan, known for his anxiety-induced nosebleeds, his "standing date with the detention hall," and his acerbic, insecurity-masking humor. Through the boys' conversations and Jordan's opinionated commentary, Paulsen shapes complex portraits of each character (including a condescending "hyperintellectual," a popular but "emotionally tone deaf" overachiever, and a mostly nonspeaking kid plugged into his earbuds and rocking an air guitar), exposing subtle contrasts between their inner and outer selves. At the story's emotional center is skittish new student Avery, who's embarrassed by his security blanket-like plush cat. The novel's contained setting and rapid-fire dialogue gives the story a theatrical quality that Paulsen taps into directly by retelling the entire story in screenplay form, complete with stage directions, at the end. Both versions provide opportunities for thought and conversations about self-honesty, stereotypes, and making friends in unexpected situations. Ages 8-12. (May)

Gr 6-9--Paulsen's latest book takes place in the boys' restroom of RJ Glavine Middle School. Six boys on temporary lockdown during a potential severe weather alert start out as strangers and leave with a better understanding of one another. The character stereotypes (the class clown, the overachiever, the new kid, the would-be rock star, etc.) make this reminiscent of an all-male version of The Breakfast Club. The short novel is accompanied by the story written in play form, offering an opportunity for a readers' theater performance. The stuffed cat in the title gives the false sense that the book may appeal to younger readers, but the middle school-age characters speak and act in ways more mature than the typical preteen. The stereotypes work better in play form than in prose; still, it is hard to imagine a real 14-year-old saying, "What's bogus about the fact that it was a Thursday of a full moon week and my horoscope warned me to avoid oral conflict?" VERDICT A quick read for fans of relationship fiction.--Jane Miller, Nashville Public Library