Enjoyable story for the upper elementary age. I was interested in both Mr. Maxwell and Mark, and I liked how the author juxtaposed a chapter from the teacher's point of view with a chapter from Mark's. I like how Mark read Jack London, and a couple excerpts from his writing was included. I find it interesting that the author shows that someone might decide to change, but even if you do want to change, your former behavior may cause others to keep treating you based on how you acted before. The way the teachers treat Mark once he decided to change is sad but realistic. I was REALLY annoyed at the teacher who was angry that he wanted to read on his own after finishing his reading-comprehension assignment, but I know there are teachers out there like that. I'd like every teacher to read those couple paragraphs and learn from them. I like the description of the teachers' lesson plans getting ready for the camp-out week; even the gym teacher got into it! I'm amused at how the math teacher doesn't like camping in the woods - it's a fun detail about her personality. Mark's loneliness and yearning for his parents' presence saddens me.



Overall a stronger beginning with a weaker ending, in my opinion, but probably satisfying for its intended audience.