• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 5 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Dave Davidson's heart is in the right place. He believes it's his mission to cure his friends of their fears. But his solutions are hare-brained at best and often come with unintended and hilarious consequences. Afraid of dancing at the school dance? Dave's got ways to fix that: sprain an ankle, eat expired food to get sick, or even get yourself suspended for a few days. Have a public speaking phobia? Dave can fix that for you too: get laryngitis, forge a note from a therapist, or get your friends to hold up cue cards.
This hilarious new novel will appeal to reluctant tween readers, especially boys.

Catherine Austen was raised in Kingston, Ontario, the youngest of five children. She studied political science at Queen's University and environmental studies at York University. While procrastinating in the face of exams, she wrote several short stories for literary journals. She worked through the 1990s in Canada's conservation movement, campaigning for federal endangered species legislation. In 2000, Catherine quit office life to raise her children and work as a freelance writer for environmental organizations and First Nations. While procrastinating in the face of deadlines, she began writing children's fiction. Catherine writes from her home in Quebec, which she shares with her husband, Geoff, and their children, Sawyer and Daimon.

Catherine Austen's profile page

• Winner, Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Absolutely adored this book. This is a great book for 6th graders and soon to be 6th graders. Such a great book, that is funny and quirky."

Educator

"Love this story! A group of 6th graders works together to get out of the things 6th graders find least desirable - speaking in public, dancing, etc. It's a cute read that upper elementary and middle school students are sure to identify with and enjoy!"

Educator at Tuscaloosa Academy

"A hilarious story about a group of Canadian 6th grade boys and their school adventures . . . A truly fun read."

Librarian