Diary of a Wimpy Kid: a novel in cartoons, by Jeff Kinney. Amulet Books, NY, 2007. 217 pages

Wildly popular with 6th through 8th graders, the pages of Jeff Kinney's book actually looks like a diary-- albeit a very neat one with extraordinary cartoon doodles throughout. Greg Heffley is in middle school--surrounded by morons, bullies, teachers, parents and friends-- his journal is laugh out loud funny because Heffley acts on every kids fantasy--tricking friend and foe alike without any hint of guilt. Kinney definitely understands how kids think. We cannot keep it on the shelf-- or the sequals. Always a winner.

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen. Wendy Lamb Books, 2009. 96 pages.

Mudshark, aka Lyle Williams, is the coolest kid in middle school-- He is the go-to guy for all manner of problems-- where did i leave my homework? how do i get out of band practice, my cat is lost, can you find him, etc. He's not really a genius, he just has very good powers of observation, and in order to keep his position of importance, he starts the Mudshark Detective Agency and everyone-- even the principal, come to Mudshark for help. In this book ( the first of several, i am sure) Mudshark helps the principal straighten out some problems involving a class mascot, some missing erasers, the custodian's job and the library parrot who talks too much. Light hearted and clever-- lots of funny observations about school culture-- Paulsen's new series should find lots of popularity, especially among boys.