My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner, James Lancett
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on March 24, 2020
ISBN: 0593118669
Pages: 272
Genres: Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Ben moves to a new school and is bummed- the school’s team are the Spuds, their mascot a potato. Ben  feels he has a potato curse because several bad things have happened to him and a potato of some sorts always seems to play a part. But when Ben gets in trouble things get worse, he is going to have to be the school mascot for part of the basketball season, and that means wearing a potato costume. Ben is so embarrassed he does everything he can to hide it from his parents and friends, which gets way more complicated than he planned. Lots of humor in here and middle school issues with some sports as well. The shenanigans Ben goes through to keep his mascot identity a secret are funny and understandable.  Filled with humor, middle school bullies and cliques and sports, this is a terrific read. Ages 9 and up. Cream

Mary Lehmer, Youth Services Librarian, Freeport Community Library, Freeport, ME