Mudshark
by Gary Paulsen

Lyle Williams was a born thinker and this fact made him the go-to guy for information about anything. Did you lose your homework? Ask Mudshark. Lost your pet cat? Mudshark will know exactly where to find him. No one knew exactly why Mudshark was so cool, everyone just knew that he was. One day, the librarian introduced the school to her new pet parrot and Mudshark's life began to change. He now had competition for title of "the answer guy"...a parrot that loved to talk!

Paulsen's voice shines through in this chapter book about the power of kids. I think my students will enjoy learning about Mudshark and finding out how he solves the biggest mysteries at his school, the missing erasers and whether or not a parrot can be psychic. The fast-paced text keeps the reader engaged and leaves you wanting to know more about the adventures after this story ends.

2010-2011 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee