ABOUT THIS BOOK

Friday, April 28, 9:00 a.m.

Opportunity is knocking at the door of Mr. "Fab" Fabiano's sixth-grade class. Mr. Fab is absent and a substitute never arrives. The class wants to prove that KIDS RULE, so they decide to run the class on their own. Super smart Karen leads the way in the class routines and most of the kids join in. But for Rachel White, this isn't just any other day. Rachel's been silent for six months and communicates by writing notes. Rachel knows today is exactly six months since their classmate Tommy Feathers died. In her own way, Rachel reminds the class about this--and for the first time, Mr. Fab's students reveal their true and sometimes hurtful thoughts. Where is Mr. Fab's class headed now? The school day isn't over yet. Will they keep flying solo or crash?


REVIEWS

"Fletcher expertly balances a wide variety of emotions, giving readers a story that is by turns sad, poignant, and funny. . . . "--Booklist, Starred

"More thoughtful and poignant than most school stories . . . with comic moments, demonstrates an utter respect for its . . . readers."--The Horn Book Magazine


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ralph Fletcher has written many well-received books, including Spider Boy and Fig Pudding.


AWARDS

WINNER 2000 - Arkansas Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award
NOMINEE 2001 - Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award
FINALIST 2001 - Massachusetts Children's Book Award