This was a great book about friendship and growth. I would think a lot of middle school students would enjoy this book more then elementary children. ( )

Great book showing how people change and relationships grow. Highlights the importance of working together and being honest in partner activities and friendships.

A story of a little boy named Owen who wants to get into Mr. Wozniak's class, where science is king. In the call the students get to wear white lab coats and show the aquariums classroom to other students in the school. Him and his best friend, Joseph, decide that if they get a ribbon at the upcoming science fair, then Owen will definitely get into Mr. Wozniak's class. After much thought they decide to conduct a project on the effects of fertilizer on tadpoles and frogs. Throughout the experiment Owen runs into problems of catching the tadpoles, telling Joseph of the effects of the fertilizer, hiding pictures, and his mom and Joseph overfeeding the tadpoles. In the end the overfeeding of the tadpoles leads to the fertilized group dying and a sudden change of ideas for the project. Owen and Joseph decide to make their project about the problems that can happen during a science project and end up winning a purple ribbon and the attention of Mr. Wozniak.

What a great science book. Owen Foote loves science and can't get enough. All he wants is for the 4th grade science teacher to notice him. He's in 3rd grade and really hopes his science fair project will stand out an make an impression. He's not into slimy creatures, which his science project involves...a lizard. He seems to get over it with some laughs and action. A cute book for kids who may enjoy or not enjoy science. ( )

Owen Foote loves science. He loves reptiles and really wants to be in Mr. Wozniak's 4th grade class. To get Mr. Wozniak to notice him Owen must come up with the best science fair project ever. And he has to convince his best friend Joseph to help him.

Classroom connections: This could be a fun introduction to the idea of a science fair project. The story also teaches lessons about friendship (Owen is not a very good friend at the beginning but soon realizes his mistakes), and the care of animals. This is a good first chapter book for young readers because the writing is easy to follow and it still includes pictures to help readers understand what is happening.