Review Detail

From the day he set foot in the school, Justin Fisher was funny. He had to be. When he slipped in the lunchroom and spaghetti landed all over him, he could look like a loser or crack up the cafetorium. Ever since, Justin creates amusement and havoc wherever he goes. Until now. His fifth grade teacher, Mr. Tripp, dislikes Justins antics and soon Justin finds his classmates resenting his snarky remarks. Former friends begin to abandon him. But Justin wont take this sitting down. Hes standing up to Mr. Tripp. This is war!

James Prellers likable book about class clowns and their inner workings will strike a chord with readers. Everyone wants to be liked and Preller intuitively taps this through Justin Fisher, a young man who tries just a bit too hard.

In a satisfying, but age-appropriate way, characters grow and change, including the antagonist, Mr. Tripp. Readers will root for Justin and, at the same time, shake their heads at his antics. Both student and teacher have been crafted with solid character motivations.

The short chapters also make Justin Fisher Declares War! a friendly read for more reluctant readers. A delightful addition to the world of humorous middle grade fiction.