Special Edward
by Eric Walters
View Excerpt
- Commended, Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year
- Commended, CCBC Best Books
"Edward is a classic slacker. He's got better ways to spend his time than toiling over homework, and as long as he gets passing grades he's happy. When his fifty percent average is threatened he has to find a way to pull up his grades without applying himself. Edward discovers that special education students get more time to complete tests, and he thinks he's found the perfect scam. Little does he know that manipulating everyone around him will take more work than he ever imagined."
close this panelYou've been designated special ed?" Kevin gasped.
"Not yet. They still have some testing to do, but they're letting me work there on a trial basis."
"Wow," Kevin said. "I can't believe that you did it...you fooled them."
"It wasn't hard."
"You're, like, a genius," Ahmad said. He sounded impressed.
"An evil genius," Cody said.
"There's nothing evil about this. Nobody gets hurt. Besides, I don't want any more talk about me being a genius. I'm just Ed... special Ed.
"Give[s] the reader valuable insight into realm of the Special Education room—and its importance and value for exceptional students who need the services that it provides...The vocabulary, short chapters and simple sentence structures will make this novel a good choice for readers."
"Nice characterization and good plotting. The book is full of stereotypical references to students with special needs at the beginning, but it is all part of the point of the book as Edward begins to understand what learning disabilities are all about. Recommended."
"The story line is believable, with an ending that will encourage reluctant readers to keep reading and trying in school Recommended."
"Bold, edgy...This is a topic too often skirted, and there's an inherent fascination built into Eddy's plot to be known as a 'plucky fighter' rather than a 'lazy underachiever.'"
"The author deftly weaves subtle clues into Edward's character that will leave readers nodding in agreement with his true condition. The title also refutes the stereotype that special-education students are profoundly disabled, emphasizing that a child can be gifted and still have learning issues, an important identity concept for teens to explore. A refreshing read."
