Review Detail

‘Shermy and Shake, The Not-So-Nice Neighbor’ by Kirby Larson, illustrated by Shinji Fujioka, tells the story of a new kid moving into town. While this is often the case when new kids start new schools, make new friends, and cope with change, in this case, Shake is having an easier time adjusting, despite being the new kid. It’s Shermy whose plans are ruined when his quiet summer turns sour with Shake’s arrival.

Despite their differences, as time goes on, through their forced time together, they find ways to get past their differences and learn to actually, just maybe, like each other.

This story works well as a read-aloud or also for independent readers who like to sit and read on their own. Young people will be able to see themselves in the characters, if even in a small way. As they learn more about Shermy and Shake, they will discover that not everything is quite what meets the eye, and, as the back of the book says, “Sometimes friends can be found where you least expect them.”