Words That Start With B
Ages 9-14
Grade 7 is the worst. Clarissa’s favourite teacher has gone on sabbatical, leaving her with Mr. Campbell, whose lame sense of humour is completely annoying. Everyone in class drives her crazy, except for her best friend, Benji, but even he is troubled these days. His gentle demeanour has made him the target of threats and some serious bullying. But the worst news comes at home, when an upsetting diagnosis take’s Clarissa’s loving mom away temporarily, just when Clarissa needs her the most.
Readers will laugh through their tears, as Clarissa finds her bravest self to get her through this year of surprises.
Notable Honours
CBA Libris Awards’ Children’s Book of the Year Finalist, 2011
IODE Violet Downey Book Award, Recommended List, 2011
A Best Books for Kids and Teens selection, 2011
Don’t miss the other two books in the Benji & Clarissa series:
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What People Are Saying
“With a good dose of humour and some realistic vulnerability, Clarissa is a likeable and believable protagonist. Even better, the book is a well-crafted and enjoyable first effort from a writer who is obviously tuned in to the minds and emotions of young teens.”
— Quill & Quire
“Vikki VanSickle’s debut Middle Grade novel is a feel-good story. It might surprise you to learn then, that two of the most central “B Words” in the novel are Breast Cancer and bullying. But VanSickle manages these heavy issues with a delicate hand, making her novel into a heart-warming and incredibly true-to-life story of one girl’s unexpected grade seven year. You’ll be charmed.”
— Shelf Elf
“Clarissa’s courage in standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular (even when it is dangerous), make her an admirable intermediate hero in a book that should elicit rich avenues for discussion in class.””