Eyes on the Prize by Nicole C. Kear, Tracy Dockray
Published by Imprint on January 23rd 2018
ISBN: 1250115809
Goodreads

Because paying attention can be tricky.

Veronica Conti's on a mission. She wants a trophy. She needs a trophy. She will not rest until a glorious golden trophy is in her hands! So when her school's 100 Day Contest is announced, Veronica vows to take home the grand prize.

But when Veronica gets teamed up with none other than Matthew Sawyer, her biggest enemy, she thinks all hope is lost. Matt gets distracted and has a history of losing stuff, not to mention that he and Veronica can't stop arguing.

To win the prize, Matt needs to organize. And to do that, he needs the Fix It Friends! Together, the friends help Matt and Veronica discover that unexpected friendship is the best prize of all.

Great story for encouraging students to be open to finding friends within the classroom, in most unlikely people. Third-grader Veronica wants a trophy, medal, certificate, just some form of recognition of excellence. Everyone in her family has something, even her two-year-old sister brings home a medal for using the potty.

Veronica decides her trophy will come from the school 100-day project event. Her teacher chooses the work groups. It includes one best friend, yes! Another best friend, yes! Her nemesis Mathew Sawyer, who suffers from attention deficit. NOOOOOO!

Who knew that working together would make a new friend.

The book has a Fix-It Friends Toolbox at the back of the book with hints on how to pay attention and get organized.

Reviewed by Jeri Fitzpatrick, GNG Middle school, Gray