The Worst Mascot Ever by James Preller
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1328857182
Pages: 96
Goodreads

In this first installment of the Big Idea Gang series, four third-grade friends have an idea — their elementary school needs a new mascot. The current mascot, an armadillo, isn’t exciting or ferocious enough. They approach the principal, and it’s decided the school will vote — either Arnold the armadillo will stay, or the school will adopt a new mascot, Drake the Dragon.

This series is aimed at 2nd-3rd graders, but some of the language, and the tone of the interactions between the characters seems a bit older than that target age range. The students do (and hence, the reader will) learn about forming an argument and preparing for public speaking. This book could be read aloud to a new reader, or it would be great for a reader ready to tackle some harder words and a little bit longer chapter book. A second purchase for libraries looking to expand their early chapter book sections.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta