The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

By Jordan Sonnenblick

A troubled boy discovers his inner hero in this hilarious, honest, and inspiring middle-grade novel by the author of Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie.

In sixth grade, bad things can happen to good kids. Bullies will find your weakness and jump on it. Teachers will say you did something wrong when really you didn’t mean to do anything wrong. The kids who joke the loudest can drown out the quieter, nicer kids.

Maverick wants to change all that. One of the last things his father left him was a toy sheriff's badge, back when Maverick was little. Now he likes to carry it around to remind him of his dad—and to remind him to make school a better place for everyone . . . even if that’s a hard thing to do, especially when his own home life is falling apart.

The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade is a story about standing up for yourself—and being a hero at home and in the halls of your school.

Praise for The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

“A rewarding novel, lit with flashes of irrepressible humor.” —Booklist, starred review

“Sonnenblick creates in Maverick an endearing protagonist to root for. Despite daunting obstacles, this terrific boy retains a strong sense of self, a sense of humor, and a big heart that impels him to do what's right, as when he defends his archnemesis.” —Kirkus Reviews

 “[A] winning formula . . . a child in crisis, lots of humorous situations and one-liners, and moments of genuine warmth and emotion.” —Horn Book

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Aug 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9780545863223

Jordan Sonnenblick

Jordan Sonnenblick is the author of the acclaimed teen novels Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie, Notes from the Midnight Driver, and Zen and the Art of Faking it. In addition to being a writer, he’s a middle-school English teacher and would never penalize one of his students for bringing an imaginary friend to school. Jordan lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with his wife and their two children. If he’s ever had an imaginary friend, he’s not telling! You can visit him on the Web at www.jordansonnenblick.com.

Reviews for The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade

[jennybeast · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Solid book with big heart -- Maverick's desire to be the hero he imagines has hilarious (and painful) consequences. Love the terrifying school staff (The Bee and The Bird). Love that Maverick's difficult home life improves. Short, fast-paced, great.

[lilibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Maverick's father died, and his mother isn't doing a great job keeping their home life together. The start of middle school is difficult, due to bullies and his home situation. He knows he can count on his aunt if need be, but he wants to rely on himself and help others, too.