Jake Drake, Know-It-All

Jake Drake is excited about Despres Elementary School's first science fair. He wants to win the grand prize: a brand-new Hyper-Cross-Functional Bluntium Twelve computer system. And he really wants to beat the third-grade know-it-alls, Marsha McCall and Kevin Young.

The trouble is, to beat the know-it-alls, Jake has to become a know-it-all himself. And he may just lose more than he wins.

Children's Literature

Third-grader Jake is excited about possibly winning a new computer in the school's first-ever science fair. The trouble is that two classmates are bound to win because they are so competitive. Still, Jake works out a magnet project, doesn't tell the nosy two, avoids the "help" of his K-I-A/D-I-A (Know-it all, Done-it-all) Dad, and finally enlists his good friend to help. He doesn't win first prize, but neither do the over-eager beavers. And Jake learns something about getting excited about science, how to organize and present a project, and he discovers it's really fun to mess around with magnets. Clements brings to this "Ready-for-Chapter" book, the second in the "Jake Drake" series, his usual knack for sounding like a kid narrator and his eye for school culture. Avendano's ink wash and pen illustrations are bland but adequate, and dialog, a few lists and charts, believable characters and situations, and some worthwhile themes make this a good read with an invitingly easy look. 2001, Aladdin, $15.00 and $3.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler AGES: 7 8 9 10

Andrew Clements is the author of the enormously popular FRINDLE. Over ten million of his books have sold to date and he has been nominated for a multitude of state awards and has won two Christopher Awards and an Edgar Award. His popular works include EXTRA CREDIT, LOST AND FOUND, NO TALKING, ROOM ONE, LUNCH MONEY, A WEEK IN THE WOODS, THE JACKET, THE SCHOOL STORY, THE JANITOR'S BOY, THE LANDRY NEWS, THE REPORT CARD AND THE LAST HOLIDAY CONCERT. Mr. Clements taught in the public schools near Chicago for seven years before moving East to begin a career in publishing and writing. He lives with his wife in central Massachusetts and has four grown children. His website is andrewclements.com.