From the author of Rhyme Schemer, House Arrest, and Knockout ! The Kids Under the BenBee and the Teacher Griefer is a funny, clever novel-in-verse series about Ben Bellows—who failed the Language Arts section of the Florida State test—and three classmates who get stuck in a summer school class. But these kids aren't dumb—they're divergent thinkers, as Ms. J tells they simply approach things in a different way than traditional school demands. • Each chapter is told through the perspective of one of the four students, who each write in a different style (art, verse, stream of consciousness). • Celebrates different types of intelligence • A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud novel-in-verse Soon, the kids win over Ms. J with their passion for Sandbox, a Minecraft-type game. The kids make a deal with Ms. every minute they spend reading aloud equals one minute they get to play Sandbox in class. But when the administration finds about this unorthodox method of teaching, Ben B. and his buds have to band together to save their teacher's job—and their own academic future. The first in a series of complementary storylines, this is an honest, heartfelt book about friendship, videogames, and learning to love yourself. • Features a distinct and engaging cast of characters • Encourages even the most reluctant reader to embrace their own "divergent" self • Perfect for parents of kids age 10 and up who love Minecraft, educators and librarians, middle grade readers, new readers of poetry, and fans of videogames • Add it to the shelf with books like Ghost by Jason Reynolds, Patina by Jason Reynolds, and Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan.

School and life have become much more difficult since Ben Y's older brother died, especially since the indefinable Ace seems determined to seek her out without clarifying what kind of relationship she wants; mostly Ben Y tries to cope with her situation by going to the chatroom and obsessively typing messages to her brother who is no longer there—but when she starts getting messages from the ghost in the machine (apparently) she finds that her deepest secrets are suddenly exposed.

This laugh-out-loud, honest novel-in-verse from award-winning author K.A. Holt tells the story of Jordan J—an opinionated middle schooler trying to find his place at school, at home, and even on the dance floor. Jordan J has a lot to say. Most people—including his parents, his teacher, the kids under the stairs, and even his own self—don't understand why he says all the things he says. It's probably the reason he's managed to earn a personal grudge from the school's dance team, the Hart Rocketeers, who are outraged by his brutally honest dance reviews in the school newspaper. Basically the only thing he can concentrate on these days is performing on his favorite dance show, Fierce Across America . But with his mom's recent unemployment and money being so tight at home, his dreams are crashing. Suddenly, an opportunity arises in the form of Casey Price, the only Rocketeer who doesn't hate his guts. With her help, Jordan J just might have the chance to showcase his electric moves on national TV. But as he starts spending more time with Casey and less with his old friends, Jordan J begins to wonder how he can ever make everyone happy—including himself. With a lovable cast of characters, never-before-seen dance moves, and bighearted passion, this exhilarating, laugh-out-loud novel-in-verse tells an honest, authentic story about friendship, dance, and self-confidence that celebrates different types of intelligence and shows how every kid deserves to become their own "divergent" self. This third book in K.A. Holt's The Kids Under the Stairs series, Jordon J and the Truth About Jordan J will appeal to fans of House Arrest, Rhyme Schemer, and Knockout, in addition to fans of Jason Reynolds' Track series. RENOWNED K.A. Holt's books have been nominated for awards in more than 30 states. She is a trusted name and a favorite for middle grade readers! PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT This book is written in free verse and includes a variety of other elements—chat logs, bullet-pointed lists, newspaper articles, and illustrations—welcoming readers It all different types of readers. The characters in the book also struggle with reading, but they are not shamed or looked down on for it, so readers with similar issues will feel understood. VIDEO GAME The characters in the book play Sandbox, which readers will instantly recognize as a fictionalized version of Minecraft, an immensely popular game. Playing Sandbox is depicted as both cool and educational, which will uplift rather than shame young readers for playing video games. Perfect Reluctant readers Video gamers Fans of K.A. Holt Teachers, educators, and librarians