Special Edward
Grade 7–10—Edward is a high school sophomore who's more into the social scene than the academic one. After discovering that a classmate received extra time on a math test because of a learning disability, he concocts a plan to capitalize on his underachieving nature by inventing a disability of his own to get out of school work. He purposely fails a battery of tests in order to be classified "exceptional," which allows him into special-education classes on a trial basis. When he learns that beautiful classmate Elizabeth has the same designation, he does whatever it takes to keep up the appearance that his plan is working. Ultimately, the teen's teachers discover that he is lying, but in an ironic twist, they find that he actually is dyslexic. The protagonist and his friends ring true; Walters has a good ear for teen talk, and Edward is as charming to read about as he is in the classroom. The author deftly weaves subtle clues into Edward's character that will leave readers nodding in agreement with his true condition. The title also refutes the stereotype that special-education students are profoundly disabled, emphasizing that a child can be gifted and still have learning issues, an important identity concept for teens to explore. A refreshing read.—H. H. Henderson, Heritage Middle School, Deltona, FLEND--This text refers to theLibrary Bindingedition.