“"Justin Case," the new novel by Rachel Vail, might well be subtitled the wit and wisdom of a third-grade worrywart. By turns droll, sardonic, ironic, and even sophisticated, it chronicles the daily tribulations of life in the third-grade as told by its eponymous hero, who in the course of his school year discovers there is no heroism unless there is fear. And fear Justin has a-plenty, be it of his new dog Qwerty, his new teacher, sports, math, friends, jiggly Jell-O—or what ever—a lot comes his way, real and imagined. The writing is sharp, unpredictably clever, and establishes third-grade as a mine-field of the absurd--which is to say, real life.”—Avi, Newbery Medalist
“Vail employs easy, direct language in a rhythm and syntax that captures the essence of a charming, lovable and very believable boy. Readers transitioning to longer fiction will groan, sympathize and laugh out loud in delight. Absolutely marvelous.”—"Ki
"This honest and heartfelt look at elementary school is illustrated with occasional doodles that perfectly suit the book and audience." --"Kidsville News
"""Justin Case," the new novel by Rachel Vail, might well be subtitled the wit and wisdom of a third-grade worrywart. By turns droll, sardonic, ironic, and even sophisticated, it chronicles the daily tribulations of life in the third-grade as told by its eponymous hero, who in the course of his school year discovers there is no heroism unless there is fear. And fear Justin has a-plenty, be it of his new dog Qwerty, his new teacher, sports, math, friends, jiggly Jell-O--or what ever--a lot comes his way, real and imagined. The writing is sharp, unpredictably clever, and establishes third-grade as a mine-field of the absurd--which is to say, real life."--Avi, Newbery Medalist
"Vail employs easy, direct language in a rhythm and syntax that captures the essence of a charming, lovable and very believable boy. Readers transitioning to longer fiction will groan, sympathize and laugh out loud in delight. Absolutely marvelous. " --"Kirkus Reviews," STARRED review
Praise for "Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters"
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2010
"This honest and heartfelt look at elementary school is illustrated with occasional doodles that perfectly suit the book and audience." --"Kidsville News"
""Justin Case," the new novel by Rachel Vail, might well be subtitled the wit and wisdom of a third-grade worrywart. By turns droll, sardonic, ironic, and even sophisticated, it chronicles the daily tribulations of life in the third-grade as told by its eponymous hero, who in the course of his school year discovers there is no heroism unless there is fear. And fear Justin has a-plenty, be it of his new dog Qwerty, his new teacher, sports, math, friends, jiggly Jell-O--or whatever--a lot comes his way, real and imagined. The writing is sharp, unpredictably clever, and establishes third-grade as a mine-field of the absurd--which is to say, real life." --Avi, Newbery Medalist
"Vail employs easy, direct language in a rhythm and syntax that captures the essence of a charming, lovable and very believable boy. Readers transitioning to longer fiction will groan, sympathize and laugh out loud in delight. Absolutely marvelous." --"Kirkus Reviews," starred review
Praise for "Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters"
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2010
Rachel Vail is the author of children's books including "Sometimes I'm Bombaloo" and "Righty and Lefty," in which she also collaborated with artist Matthew Cordell. She is also the author of several books for teens and middle grade readers, including "If We Kiss, You Maybe, Gorgeous, Wonder," and "Never Mind," which she wrote with Avi. Vail attended Georgetown University, where she earned her B.A. in English and Theater. She lives in New York City with her husband and two sons.
Matthew Cordell is author and illustrator of "Trouble Gum." He has also illustrated books including "Mighty Casey" by James Preller and "Toby and the Snowflakes," written by his wife, Julie Halpern. He lives outside of Chicago.
