Author, Brian Silbert, masterfully explores the tumultuous journey of children through the complexities of school life, where homework and tests collide with the challenges posed by bullies and the elusive category of “perfect students.” This deep but whimsical narrative also introduces young readers to the perplexing world of having a first crush.
Fifth-grader Berticus exists at the collision point of homework and tests, bullies and first crushes, and the pressure to be The Perfect Student. It’s not a pretty sight. But it is a funny one.
Berticus isn’t navigating this journey alone. His best friend Thatch- -a kid who sticks by Berticus through thick and thin—remains by his side. Despite the fallout from Berticus’ misadventures, Thatch’s unwavering support and companionship never falter, proving that true friendship endures through all of life’s wild adventures, including Berticus’ bad ideas.
And Berticus has a lot of bad ideas. But how else does a guy work out his Big Idea, his surefire way of getting through a new school year loaded with tests, homework, and monotony aggravated by the unfortunate coincidence of the first day being his birthday?
You can’t fault a guy for trying—even though Principal Hooper sure tries to. With only best intentions, Berticus goes from being the lunchroom’s self-appointed maître d’, “Hey there, buddy. Try the tater tots. Chef microwaved them perfect-o fresh today.” to founding a super-secret club, to leading his class in an impromptu sing-a-long following a bathroom mishap, to becoming an actual sort a martial arts superhero, to running for school president without fully grasping the responsibilities. Then Berticus’ Journey of the Big Ideas lands him in the school band with the girl he’s been crushing on and the school bully, and all bets are off.
Resilience. Friendship. Humor hiding in life’s unexpected twists and turns. In Berticus: How I Survived School! And Bullies! And Farley Finnigan!, author Brian Silbert masterfully explores the complexities of just try to being a kid in fifth grade on his way to middle school.
AUTHOR: Brian Silbert
ISBN: 978-0895445032
MSRP: $14.95
GENRE: Teen and Young Adult
PAGE COUNT: 238
PUBLISHER: Strong Learning
Schools are Loving to Teach the Lessons of Berticus
Danielle Sanders
Teacher
“This was the way I was able to share my love of reading with them. We started many discussions off of the book. The simplest was how you handle an embarrassing situation and what they might have done differently than Berticus, overall, they really identified with wanting to fit in with being left out being insecure.”
Leonard Tesler
Teacher
“The academic value of this book boils down to reading! Kids reading a book and using their imagination is paramount. There’s also great discussions on character development and conflict resolution.”
Lisa Bigney
Co-Director
“I enjoyed reading Berticus and am so glad something went right for him at the end. What a relief! The ideas in the teacher guide look great. I look forward to reading Berticus with our students in our tutoring center. “
Meet the Author
Brian Silbert’s inspiring journey—from a kid who didn’t love school to a graduate of American University, an author, and television producer known for the hit series “American Chopper” and “Impractical Jokers”—highlights the transformative power of determination and passion. Through his storytelling, Brian empowers young people to embrace their uniqueness and triumph over adversity. He lives in NYC with his wife and two daughters.
Read The Interview
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