Waylon! Even More Awesome

Gr 2–5—Dumpster Eddy, the stray dog at the center of Waylon's first adventure, continues to be a unifying presence in this second entry in the trilogy. Waylon and classmate Baxter both love the pup and face a crisis when they learn he'll be sent away to a shelter in 10 days. "Science-y" Waylon is wary of partnering with Baxter, "an expert on all things criminal," but comes to appreciate his new friend's skills as they work together to find a solution to Eddy's plight. Fellow fourth grader Clementine makes a few appearances, offering the boys assistance and her trademark shoot-from-the-hip opinions. The novel's themes of teamwork and respect are underscored through subplots involving a comic Waylon is creating with classmate Charlie and a film script Waylon's father is writing. Pacing moves quickly, with Eddy's predicament revealed at the close of the novel's first chapter; gentle humor, an episodic plot, and a school setting make this an ideal classroom read-aloud. Frazee's expressive black-and-white illustrations (some spot, some full-page) help readers visualize pivotal moments in the story and distinctly convey characters' emotions. Waylon's obsession with science—Neil deGrasse Tyson is an idol—doesn't make him eccentric. He's a kid young readers can relate to who will help them appreciate their own—and others'—uniqueness.