★ “Spinelli adroitly balances emotional tension with introspective moments in this smart and funny story.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Spinelli is a poet of the prepubescent…Nobody is better than Spinelli when it comes to creating the grade-school world of qualified innocence—and treading a fine line between challenge and reassurance.” — New York Times Book Review
“Each character is portrayed with emotional subtlety and conviction, while their juxtaposed viewpoints bring the energy of opposing forces to the story.” — Booklist
“Double the feelings, double the fun.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Spinelli’s hallmark issues—individuality, nonconformity, alienation, standing up for the little guy—figure prominently, and the messages are convincingly worked into the story.” — Horn Book Magazine
