Favorite New Series

Shredderman #1: Secret Identity
by Wendelin Van Draanen

I've found a favorite new series. Bubba is the 5th grade bully who terrorizes everyone and gives his classmates terrible nicknames. Bubba has given Nolan Byrd the nickname "Nerd," a label that Nick does not want to define him. Inspired by a class project, Nolan decides to become "Shredderman" - a secret identity he will use to expose Bubba's bullying behavior on an internet site.

I love how Nolan changes through this story, and there are some incredible themes that can be explored (bullying, standing up for oneself, the power of the group, changing the culture of your classroom). The illustrations are really fun, and there are several in every chapter. Boys, I think you will really like this book (Girls, you'd like it, too). There are three more in the series, and I hope to read them as the summer progresses.