Yo-yo Man

From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 2—Third grade starts badly for this young protagonist: the class bully is targeting him and Mrs. Mousetrap gives spelling and math tests right away. But at recess, Ramon, the World Yo-Yo Champion, appears in all his mustachioed glory with slick-backed hair, two-toned wingtips, and a lightning-decorated jacket. His dazzling fingerwork and challenge to the kids to learn all the tricks in his book inspire yo-yo mania at school. The bully is hopeless, but the narrator applies himself to the yo-yo and to spelling. With practice and perseverance, he conquers both and becomes the best speller in third grade and a "yo-yo man" himself. The text employs plenty of playful language while the illustrations, featuring Davis's slightly homely characters, are colorful and jam-packed with detail, energy, and expression. Unlike many Pinkwater tales, there is no surprise twist—just a satisfying story of a potential loser who learns how to win. As a read-aloud or a read-alone, this story will resonate with children.—