This is Patterson and Grabenstein doing what they do well: accessible, illustrated middle-grade fiction with heart. The premise is clever and the anti-bullying message is important.

But here's the thing—Common Sense Media isn't wrong about the pervasive sadness. This is a book where almost every adult fails these kids, where the cruelty is sustained and institutional, and where one of the few good adults dies. Yes, the ending is uplifting, and yes, the kids show tremendous resilience. But this isn't a fun romp.

It's best for families who want to have real conversations about bullying, particularly the insidious kind that comes from authority figures who should know better. The illustrations and humor make it more digestible than it could be, and at 4.7 stars on Amazon, kids are clearly connecting with it. Just go in knowing this is more 'cathartic and important' than 'light and fun.'