Description
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.
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“Being a kid is hard. I survived, and I can laugh about it now. Heck, I lived in a home “Battle Zone” and am here to say that you will survive too. Berticus is a great book that lets all readers know that they are not alone. His struggles will sound familiar, and it’s okay to laugh. Enjoy making Berticus your new friend.” –Leonard Tesler, Middle School Teacher, Maryland
About 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 “Practical 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.
English Language Arts, Literature, Reading, Special Education, Guidance, Book Club
- Paperback: 238 pages
- Reading Level: 4.4
- Publisher: Strong Learning Inc.
- Language: English
- ISBN: 0895445034
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.54 x 8.5 inches
CCSS RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.4, RL.5.5, RL.5.6
Follow-up Activity Book: A FREE downloadable 45-page activity book is available with every order of this books. [Click to Learn More]
SKU: 503
