Ellray Jakes Walks the Plank

February 1, 2012
The third installment in this series about third-grader with a penchant for "messing up" (EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken, 2011, etc.) revisits an unfortunately evergreen theme from the first book: bullying. This time, EllRay's misguided, although goodhearted, decision to allow his 4-year-old sister, Alfie, to help take care of the class fish that he's housing over spring break results in Zip's death, and troubles cascade from there. Distracted, EllRay forgets to bring in Treasure Island, the class read-aloud he's borrowed, and his classmates begin to get angry. To make matters worse, mean girl Cynthia Harbison continually tries to pin her transgressions (cheating at a playground game; a classroom shoving match) on EllRay, since "You're already the kid in our class who messes up." With some subtle support from Ms. Sanchez and the principal, EllRay manages to deliver the message to Cynthia that he won't be a patsy. As in previous series entries, EllRay is likable and his problems believable; again, the ending is a bit pat but satisfying nonetheless. Drama about Alfie's friendship woes in preschool parallels the main story but is less successful; Alfie's voice is unrealistically mature for a 4-year-old. The EllRay Jakes stories are just right for his real-life peers; short enough to be read by kids getting comfortable with chapter booksand also enjoyable and authentic. (Fiction. 6-8)

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May 1, 2012

Gr 2-4-EllRay Jakes feels that he cannot do anything right. It all begins when the third grader brings the class goldfish home over spring break and his little sister, Alfie, accidentally kills it. EllRay takes the blame, and his classmates become frustrated with him; one girl goes a step too far and ends up bullying him. Throughout the story, he remains loyal to his sister and is willing to take responsibility for everything that goes wrong-even if he shouldn't. This easy read uses language that is believable for this age group. Also believable is EllRay's relationship with Alfie. Though he finds her incredibly annoying at times, his need to protect her always wins out and is a really sweet part of this early chapter book. Cartoon illustrations appear throughout. Reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike will enjoy this title-Elizabeth Swistock, Orange County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
Starting with (accidentally) killing his class's pet fish, EllRay Jakes suffers repeated embarrassments at school and worries about his classmates' reactions. Just as in the first two books, the protagonist's voice isn't convincing as a third-grader, but the situations are relatable. Issues of race are touched on lightly. Occasional changes in font, along with the black-and-white spot illustrations, further lighten the story's tone.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

October 1, 2014
Gr 1-3-Small but spunky third grader EllRay Jakes is in charge of the class goldfish over school vacation, but his little sister accidentally kills the fish by dumping too much food into the bowl. He's upset but willing to take the blame to protect his sister. Fortunately, his teacher Miss Sanchez is understanding, even when EllRay forgets to bring back her copy of "Treasure Island". Later when he's toughening out playground and classroom skirmishes with pushy classmates, especially Cynthia, the principal and his teacher are compassionate. When Cynthia tries to goad EllRay into taking the blame for their teacher's spilled water bottle, he wavers but decides to tell the truth. While EllRay makes mistakes, he's happy at the end of a tough week at school when he's chosen to buy the replacement fish. Corey Allen narrates with an appropriately squeaky voice and gives the title character appealing gumption. The humorous work is filled with classic elementary school personalities and realistic adults who convey worthwhile values. Primary grade listeners, boys and girls, will find a friend in EllRay.-"Barbara Wysocki, retired from Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT"

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.