JAKE DRAKE TEACHER'S PET

In the emotional battle between social acceptance and social suicide, there are many invisible lines to avoid. Andrew Clements reminds us, as he does so well in all his school stories, that being "good" isn't always the best policy if you want to get along with your peers. Johnny Heller brings his consistently youthful voice to Jake, giving him the innocence and helpfulness that Jake's teacher rewards. Slowly, we hear the frustration and anger creep in, until the "bad" Jake takes over. This age-appropriate story reminds us that praise can bring positive and negative results. W.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 03]