This is a heartbreaking story of a 2nd grade bully who was in a tragic accident that eventually killed him in the beginning of the book. The rest of the book plays out through the eyes of one of Stinky Stern’s victims (who saw his accident), and the rest of the class who saw the good and bad sides of their classmate. Read along as the class not only deals with their classmate’s death, but also all of the sad and happy feelings he left behind.

This book would create a variety of outlooks on the topic of bullying. Although a very heartbreaking story and topic, this gives students insight on the long-term effects of bullying. Not only is it eye-opening, but also very guiding and hopeful towards forgiving those who hurt you and finding the good side in all people.

Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 3.0

Pa Lia isn't too happy with Stinky Stern, the grade 2 class bully, after he teases her about the snowflake she made. When she witnesses him getting hit by a van after school and learns later that he dies as a result, Pa Lia doesn't know how to feel. With the help of the memories of Stinky Stern that her classmates share, Pa Lia begins to come to terms with her feelings.

Delicately drawn with wonderful descriptions of emotions, this is a frank and sensitive depiction of dealing with a young classmate's death. ( )