About the Author

Tommy Greenwald is the author of the "Charlie Joe Jackson" books, a middle-grade series about the most reluctant reader ever born. It is a projected five-book series, and is based on Tommy's three sons: Charlie, Joe and Jack. In addition, Tommy is the author of 'Jack Strong Takes a Stand', a middle-grade book about the most overscheduled boy ever born, which will be published by Roaring Brook Press in 2013. Tommy is also the Executive Creative Director at Spotco Advertising, a theatrical and entertainment advertising agency in New York City, and the co-bookwriter (with Andrew Lippa) and lyricist of John and Jen, an off-Broadway musical.

Reviews

"No middle schooler wants to face a month at summer enrichment camp, but many will enjoy watching Charlie Joe work harder than he has ever worked before to avoid it...even if he fails." --Kirkus "Sure to appeal to reluctant readers who will identify with Charlie Joe's knack for avoiding reading and schoolwork, this title would also make a fabulous read-aloud. Luckily for fans of Charlie Joe, another installment in this unlikely hero's life is forthcoming." --School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-In this followup (2012) to Tom Greenwald's Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading (2011, both Roaring Brook), a poor report card and a reputation for cutting up in school land Charlie Joe in his middle school counselor's office. Things go from bad to worse, causing Ms. Ferrell to recommend that Charlie Joe attend "Camp Rituhbukkee," a summer camp that focuses on academics and reading. Charlie Joe, a self-professed non-reader, is horrified, and he quickly offers a deal. If he gets straight A's for the last quarter of the school year, he won't have to attend "Camp Life-is-suckee." The deal is made and the boy must figure out how to raise his grades. The answer: extra credit. What ensues is a riot of middle-school mayhem, relationship issues, and teacher troubles all rendered hilarious by the author. McLeod Andrews reads with equal parts youthful exuberance and snarky sarcasm. He gets extra credit for turning a fantastic book into an A+ audiobook through his amazing and entertaining cast of character voices. Give this audio (plus the book, with illustrations by J.P. Coovert) to fans of the "Wimpy Kid" series. Even reluctant readers, like Charlie Joe, will be won over by this hilarious take on middle-school life, and will be clamoring for the next title in the series.-Lisa Hubler, Charles F. Brush High School, Lyndhurst, OH (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.