Publishers Weekly
EllRay is shorter than everyone in his third-grade class—even the girls, who include Emma of Warner's Only Emma and its sequels. Yet in this lively series launch, EllRay displays big-time guts as he stands up to class bully Jared. Pondering why Jared has waged "war" against him, EllRay rules out that it's because he's black ("Jared would have said something if it was. He is not the type of kid to keep things to himself"), deciding that it's either because "I'm better at just about everything at school—except being big—than Jared is" or that "there could be no reason at all." When EllRay's father promises him a day at Disneyland if he stays out of trouble for a week, he worries that Jared will make him lose his temper—and the trip. Though it appears that EllRay's acceptance of Jared's challenge to a fight will doom his amusement park dreams, Warner's clever plotting brings an unexpected and rewarding ending. EllRay's ingenuous narration and the well-observed classroom dynamics are the main draw, and Harper's cartoons, incorporated throughout, further enliven the story. Ages 6–8. (Feb.)
School Library Journal
Gr 2–4—EllRay Jakes is the smallest kid in his third-grade class and one of the few African Americans in his school. His most recent progress report says his behavior is in need of improvement, but, according to EllRay, it is only because he likes to make everyone laugh. His parents decide that if he can last a whole week without getting into trouble, they will take him to Disneyland. Should be easy, right? Unfortunately, EllRay is being picked on by two of his classmates, Jared and Stanley, and he does not know why. He is torn between standing up for himself and not attracting attention, which might jeopardize his trip. At the end of the long week, the child has had enough and decides to confront Jared. When the boys come to blows, EllRay discovers why Jared has been picking on him, and it turns out that he is not as innocent as he thought. His realization and a surprise playdate for the boys help to settle the feud. This easy chapter book is a spin-off of Warner's "Emma" series (Viking), told with similar tone, humor, and style. The author has a way of capturing moments with a perfect description. Harper's illustrations bring even more life to the already spunky characters. Reluctant readers will find the language engaging, and most children will find the story line amusing.—Kari Allen, National Writing Project, Plymouth State University, NH
Kirkus Reviews
The creator of the series about third-grader Emma McGraw (Only Emma, 2005, etc.) focuses on a new character here: EllRay Jakes, one of Emma's classmates.
EllRay, a likable everykid with a sense of humor, is getting picked on; he doesn't know why, nor what to do about it. EllRay's voice is chatty and authentic, especially in articulating kids' and adults' perceptions of the playground dynamic: "Ms. Sanchez is smart about what goes on inside her classroom, but she doesn't know what goes on outside—before school and during nutrition break, lunch and afternoon recess. And outside is when school really happens for kids." When bully Jared reveals he's after EllRay because EllRay once hurt his feelings, it feels a bit pat, although the resolution is realistic: The boys don't become best friends, but they learn to get along. EllRay is African-American in a predominantly white school; race is addressed openly here (he sometimes wishes there were more kids who look like him; his father suspects—incorrectly—that race is the reason EllRay is getting teased) without serving as the main issue, which is refreshing.
EllRay's struggles and eventual success coping with bullying, a hot-button topic, ring true, and kids who enjoyed previous Emma stories will appreciate this take from the boys' side.(Fiction. 7-11)
