David Yoo

Detention The best worst thing to happen to Peter Lee? Peter and his best friend, Drew, used to be so cool (or, at least, not total outcasts) in elementary school. But now they're in middle school, where their extensive mica collection and prowess at kickball have earned them a new label: losers. Then Peter attracts the unwanted attention of the school bullies, and his plan to become popular through his older sister, the practically perfect Sunny, backfires. Things go from bad to worse when Peter gets detention. But what at first seems to spell his utter doom turns into an unlikely opportunity for making friends and influencing people. . . .

The Detention Club

Lynn Braden

The Detention Club is part mystery and part coming-of-age story. Peter is going into middle school as a 6th grader and is confident that he will rule the school as he did with his friend, Drew in 5th grade. Peter soon finds out; however, that things that made him popular in 5th grade only make him look like a "loser" in 6th. To top it all off, Peter sister, Sunny, who is an 8th grader is the "queen" of the school making straight As and never doing anything wrong. Peter comes up with lots of ways to try and become popular including framing other students so that they all end up in detention together. At the same time, someone has been stealing things from students in the school and many are starting to wonder if Peter is the culprit. Peter and Drew set out to find the thief in order to clear Peter's name.
Peter is kind of hard to like in this story because he seems to do all of the wrong things in order to become popular and is pretty over-confident about it, but he is believable because he thinks in the way that middle school students often think. In addition, the other characters in the story react and behave in ways that seem realistic. I enjoyed this story, many parts laugh-out-loud funny. An overall good read about the transition from elementary to middle school life.

Jessica Nottingham

Kudos, first of all, to David Yoo for perfectly capturing the world of middle school. I found myself giggling out loud as Peter and Drew navigated the perils of this new school experience. From their voices, to the snark, right down to the bullies, everything was there in perfect color. I'm not kidding. It took me back to my middle school experience and, although I wasn't in the same position as Peter, I had not a single problem falling into step with these wonderful characters.

The chemistry between these two characters is amazing! Peter is the brains of the operation, and it's no surprise that he might just sometimes be a little bit of a liar. After all, schemers generally are. Sweet Drew is his loyal friend, who is also the voice of reason in the friendship. Whenever Peter comes up with a particularly odd plan, it's Drew who has to remind him it just might not be for the best. I was giggling out loud at the way the two of them interacted. I admit that Drew was a bit of a pushover, but charismatic Peter is a tough character to follow. They compliment one another perfectly. 

What I most enjoyed about The Detention Club was the message underneath everything. Buried under the funny parts, and the banter, is a story that all middle school kids will be able to connect with. All Peter and Drew want to do is fit in. They want to be popular enough that they have other friends, and don't feel like losers. However as the book goes on, Peter realizes that Drew isn't always going to be completely on board with his crazy schemes. We all grow up sometime don't we? He also uncovers that people might not always be what they seem on the outside. Most of all, he realizes that no matter who we are, just being ourselves is perfection. Who wants friends that make you change for them anyway? 

It might all sound a little cliche, like the lectures our parents give us when we're young, but now that I'm older don't I know it's the truth. David Yoo has perfectly masked these very important lessons under a story that is quick-paced, funny, and filled with things that younger readers will connect with. Honestly, I'm so happy I was given the opportunity to review this book! I fully intend to take it to the 5th grade class at the school I work with and let them read it. Maybe it will give them some good early pointers for what's to come!

Recommended most definitely! If you have a younger reader, I can't deny they'll fall in love with Peter, Drew and their crazy cohorts. Just be ready for the sounds of giggling from the other room.

The Detention Club

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