About Average (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: About Average Hope Morrison Clements, Andrew . About Average; illus. by Mark Elliott. Atheneum, 2012. [128p]. Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-4169-9724-5 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-4169-9726-9 $9.99 Reviewed from galleys Ad Gr. 4-7. Sixth-grader Jordan Johnston longs to be really good at something, so she starts keeping a "Things I'm Great At" list. When the list gets into the hands of bully Marlea, Jordan is humiliated and furious. Rather than report the incident to the [End Page 13] guidance counselor, Jordan decides on a daring strategy: to attack Marlea with "industrial-strength niceness" at every turn. Taking place over a single school day, the story is largely told from Jordan's perspective, with additional contributions from Jordan's teacher and a local radio weatherman. The weather story and Jordan's tale eventually meet in a climax that has a tornado striking the school's gymnasium and Jordan saving the day. This slim novel is packed with thoughtful observations about bullying, but many of these perceptions feel more adult-driven than child-centered, and the tornado is too obviously a device that gives Jordan an opportunity to shine. This may well evoke some discussion in classrooms, however, and it could appeal to readers drawn to stories of personal growth. Copyright © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois