Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-New Kid

4.3

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Author(s)

Kirby Larson

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Shinji Fujioka

Publisher

Candlewick

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

June 25, 2024

ISBN

978-1536219432

Buy This Book

Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better? The two friends’ story, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson, continues with heart and humor.

Being a second grader is even cooler than Shermy imagined. He loves reading new stories (and filling out charts about them!), helping his teacher get organized, and being a good classroom leader. So when the teacher asks Shermy to be a school buddy for the new kid, Shermy says, “Sure!” Imagine his surprise when the new kid turns out to be Shake—Shermy’s summer friend from out of town. This is amazing news! Or is it? Meticulous Shermy and boisterous Shake couldn’t be more different, and soon the other kids are all looking at Shake like he’s a super rare Magic Monster card—and not looking at Shermy at all. Can Shermy and Shake stay buddies now that school is in session? A nuanced story about friendship that shines with authentic humor and understanding, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

Editor review

1 review

Friendship can be hard

September 04, 2024

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Shermy and Shake are back in this quintessential book on friendship between two second-grade boys. This is a sequel but the references from the first book are explained and I don’t believe it hurt comprehension not to have read the first book. This is an early chapter book whose chapters are divided up between incidents from September till Thanksgiving. In each incident, Shermy is navigating having a close friend who also makes him feel jealous and not as cool. It is a constant clash between the expectations of how he pictures events unfolding versus how Shake makes things happen differently. Shermy is a rule follower and sees life in black and white so when Shake can do things spontaneously or act in the gray of Shermy’s expectations it is hard for him to adjust. There is always a sweet resolution at the end of each incident making this a book easy to put down and then resume without confusion for young readers. The periodic illustrations also support a reader moving into chapter books and longer texts. Overall, this book encapsulates the push and pull of friendship and learning to cooperate around others which will resonate with early chapter readers.