Dodger for Sale (Dodger and Me)
Grade 4–6—This is Sonnenblick's third and final book about fifth-grader Willie and his imaginary friend, Dodger, a blue chimpanzee. In this installment, Willie's dad, a self-help writer, has come up with a brilliant idea for his new book: he'll have each family member follow the advice from one of his previous books and document the results. Willie's assignment isKid on a Quest: Be Your Own Hero. His opportunity comes when he, his friend Lizzie, and the student council join forces to prevent the woods next door to their school from being destroyed by developers. Of course, the problem is less straightforward than it seems; these are magical woods, containing Dodger's Field of Dreams, and before the quest is over, Willie's sister is kidnapped by leprechauns. But with a little magic and the help of his friends, Willie becomes a hero in his own right. In addition to plenty of humor, this fantasy offers realistic relationships and an environmental message. Give it to old fans and be prepared to help newcomers locate the first two books in the series.—Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham, MI(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.