Fourth grade at the Classical School shows every sign of being hard on Leon, who lives with his mother in the wacky hotel where she works. Lacking somewhat in fine motor skills as they call it in teacher-language (in other words, a klutz), Leon is worried about meeting the schools standard of nimble fingers, nimble minds. Thats before he gets a fourth-grade teacher who is absolutely gaga about needlework, and who runs her classroom like a toy-animal sweatshop.
Plagued by suspicions that Mrs. Hagmeyer is selling their animiles, fears of being held back for another year of fourth grade, and the attentions of a snotty bully named Lumpkin, Leon finally pours all of his heart and a bit of teacher spit into a stuffed-toy version of his teacher. To his surprise, and the delight of his two best friends, Leon then discovers that the toy Hagmeyer has a magical power over the real Hagmeyer!
Leons school is a bit weird, but in a fun way. I think fourth-graders (and even some older kids) will get a kick out of the schools year-long Medieval kick. Harry Potter fans will dig Leons two friends, who are as close to an American clone of Ron and Hermione as you could wish for. And people who just like having a good time with a book will be delighted with this storys blend of modern family life, medieval history, scientifically tested magic, intrigue, outrageous comedy, playground politics, and gross-out fun. Plus, the ending may give you a very satisfying, evil giggle.
