The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

Book excerpt: A troubled boy discovers his inner hero in this hilarious, honest, and inspiring middle-grade novel by the author of Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie. In sixth grade, bad things can happen to good kids. Bullies will find your weakness and jump on it. Teachers will say you did something wrong when really you didn’t mean to do anything wrong. The kids who joke the loudest can drown out the quieter, nicer kids. Maverick wants to change all that. One of the last things his father left him was a toy sheriff's badge, back when Maverick was little. Now he likes to carry it around to remind him of his dad—and to remind him to make school a better place for everyone . . . even if that’s a hard thing to do, especially when his own home life is falling apart. The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade is a story about standing up for yourself—and being a hero at home and in the halls of your school. Praise for The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade “A rewarding novel, lit with flashes of irrepressible humor.” —Booklist, starred review “Sonnenblick creates in Maverick an endearing protagonist to root for. Despite daunting obstacles, this terrific boy retains a strong sense of self, a sense of humor, and a big heart that impels him to do what's right, as when he defends his archnemesis.” —Kirkus Reviews “[A] winning formula . . . a child in crisis, lots of humorous situations and one-liners, and moments of genuine warmth and emotion.” —Horn Book