SYNOPSIS

On her first day at a new school, Penelope (Peppi) accidentally offends a boy but is too embarrassed to apologize.

She loves Art Club and struggles in Science, and it is extra awkward when the same boy (Jaime) becomes her Science tutor.

Peppi’s Art Club and Jaime’s Science Club compete fiercely for a spot at the School Club Fair, and are both disqualified for “foul play”.

A field trip and a biking accident make friends out of Peppi and Jaime, while Peppi gradually discovers other classmates’ personalities.

Peppi executes on a brilliant collaboration idea for the two Clubs to both attend the Fair.

Through that project, new friendships emerge and the school bullies are put in their place.

(This is the 1st part of a 4-book series called Berrybrook Middle School.)

PERFECT AGE 8 – 12

We love

• Thoughtful and relatable characters whose stories are both realistic and engaging.
• Great examples of good, bad and questionable behaviors among middle schoolers.
• Beautiful illustrations and a very unique artistic style!

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Why does it take Peppi so long to apologize to Jaime? How do you know whether her apology is sincere?
• How does your opinion of Maribella Samson change throughout the book? Why?
• If you could tell this story from Jaime’s perspective, how might it sound?
• Which of the characters do you relate to the most? Why?