The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

My Grandson loves this book!!

Maverick Falconer (our narrator) is in sixth grade. Maverick’s Dad and Aunt Cat were brother and sister, but Maverick’s dad died a long time ago. Maverick’s mom, Jessica, doesn’t have any money, and she drink’s a LOT. But sometimes Aunt Cat helps Maverick. The best thing for Maverick is “friend” Freddy, a hamster. At school, Maverick knows: Nathan Fergusons (a small person) who is RICH! (but Maverick is even smaller); Bowen Strack, a BIG guy! (Maverick hits Bowen instead of the other way around); and Jamie Thompson: “Bowen is twice the size of Maverick!”. Some of the staff: Assistant Principal Mr. Overbuy (The Bee) — scary; Nurse Employee (The Bird) — even scarier; Mr. Kurt (English teacher); Mrs. Foster (English teacher); and Mr. Cavallero (gym teacher): Maverick and Mr. Cavallero: ____“Um, no, sir. But here’s the thing. My mom just switched jobs, and money is kind of tight at home right now, so—” I looked up, and saw that Mr. Cavallero was also staring down at my feet—or, more accurately, at my falling-apart footwear. With a horrified look on his face, he asked, “Do you call those things sneakers?” ____“Well, actually I call them Jim and Bob. Jim’s the right one, and Bob’s the left—” [Mr. Overbuy gave Maverick brand new sneakers from Nike!] Well, Maverick’s mom had a fire, tried to save Freddy but he died, mom got burned, but was O.K.. Maverick tried get Freddy Junior, but it was actually Frederica, and they had 10 babies at the same time. P.S. — There was a TV show called “Maverick” from 1957 to 1962. The Maverick Family: James Garner (Bret Maverick), Jack Kelly (Bart Maverick), Roger Moore (Beau Maverick), and Robert Colbert (Brent Maverick). [Unfortunately I don’t remember this at all.]

Once again,this skilled author has told a heart-tugging story with voice and hope. Maverick will grab your heart and you will root for him to make friends and rise up from his family situation. Instead of thinking he is a loser, he finds ways to be kind in all kinds of different situations. Thanks for another great story, Jordan!

4.5 stars. This story was not quite what I was expecting, but I adored it. Maverick is a terrific character and a terrific kid who tries to make the best of the life he has. There's a great conversation at the end of the book between Mav and his vice principal that I especially enjoyed. I was challenged by the ways the story showed that schools and teachers can inadvertently shine a light on students whose families are struggling - and not in a good way. I highly recommend this one! Great for home, classroom and school libraries. Would be a great book for a book club or classroom read-aloud.

My students really connected with the story and characters.

My 11yr son liked it.

Can't wait to read this with my sixth graders! This book addresses all of those things that are important in the life of sith graders and all of the challenges they might face. Big issues are handled tastefully that would allow those students who have bigger challenges to feel like they aren't alone.

This may be my favorite Sonnenblick yet! What a treasure- humor, triumph, tears! Every middle school teacher and student should read this.Not only did I laugh out loud, the characters are so well written, and I loved how Maverick discovers himself while discovering that teachers and students both are not what they may appear to be from the outside.