Mascot by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell

How I Heard About It:
*I had heard so much about this new novel from these two well-known authors.  After getting the hard-cover novel, I dug in and was so pleased with the reading experience I had.


What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*The reader is taken to the fictional town of Rye, near Washington D.C., where a group of eighth grade students are faced with a major decision.  

*The story is told from the perspective of seven different students in the same English class.  

*The middle-school is facing a challenge with the debate whether their school mascot should be kept the same or changed.

*Each of the seven students have a different view point because of their own personal experiences.

*The plot takes place over several weeks with many different "assignments" given which all tie back to the debate of the "mascot".


What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:

*The story was told in free verse which worked so well for the story.

*I loved how each chapter had a title and each character got a "voice" in that chapter.

*The reading was so interesting because I could see both sides of the argument and was quite interested in seeing how the debate would conclude.  

*Each character was unique, thoughtful, and authentic.  I did have a bit of an issue keeping them all straight, but that didn't distract from the overall reading.  

*Such a timely and important story.


Who Should Read It:

*This middle-grade novel would be perfect for readers in fifth and/or sixth grade.  Above this, the story definitely needs to be put in the hands of middle-school readers because there will be so much they could relate to.  I think it would be an amazing class read aloud in any English class in a middle-school setting.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:   4 STARS out of 5 Stars