Official Review: ESPete: Sixth Grade Sense

[Tanaya]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "ESPete: Sixth Grade Sense" by Arnold Rudnick.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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E. S. Pete: Sixth Grade Sense is a book for pre-teens and young readers by Arnold Rudnick.

Peter Powell is an eleven-year-old with psychic abilities. For a while, everyone thought that he had ADHD. Then the school psychologist discovered that he has extrasensory perception. One day in social studies, the class has a substitute teacher named Mr. Stein. Peter reads Mr. Stein’s thoughts and realizes that he plans to rob the bank that they’re going on a field trip to that Friday. As if all that weren’t enough, Peter also tries to figure out his moody crush Casey Grant. Sometimes she seems to give him the cold shoulder, and other times she fills his heart with hope that they could be something more. He also has to deal with Rodney, a bully who tries to exploit Pete’s abilities for his own gain.

Pete was the perfect first-person narrator for the story, not just because he’s the main character but also because he was just really fun to listen to. He injects a lot of humor into the story: “Ever wish you knew what girls thought so you could understand them? Don’t bother.” There is an introduction that allows Pete to provide his background. By the time the story begins, the reader already has a thorough sense of who he is. The story then focuses on how he handles having these abilities and how having ESP impacts his life at school. I thought it was a great choice for others to be aware or at least suspicious that he is psychic. There was a good balance of those who do know, those who aren’t entirely convinced, and those who have no idea.

Overall, the book is written in a way that I think would appeal to young readers, with topics like crushes, bullies, friendship, and schoolwork (“‘Test’ has got to be one of the scariest words in the history of time”). Additionally, Pete makes relatable observations about how sixth graders are at the bottom of the hierarchy in middle school. The book also discusses moral topics in an enjoyable way, like the nature of lying, the ambiguity of right vs. wrong and having to make tough decisions.

Pete’s parents have just the right amount of presence in the story. He often thinks of the advice that they’ve given him. Maybe there are kids out there who do consider what their parents tell them; regardless, it was a nice touch. Being psychic isn’t perfect, Pete explains. Readers can see this for themselves in how he tries to use his powers for good, but things don’t always go according to plan. I also thought that his relationship with the bully Rodney was well handled. While not entirely realistic, there was enough development to make it believable. I appreciated that their relationship became complicated and evolved, rather than just remaining on the typical bully vs. victim basis.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was a fun read that made me smile and laugh on many occasions. The story moves at a great pace. It never drags and is never dull. It held my attention and interest from start to finish. Simply put, it was an entertaining book. I’d recommend it foremost to fifth graders so they can know what they’re getting into and sixth graders who would immediately be able to relate to it. But if you find the premise appealing, then I’d recommend it to readers of any age.

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ESPete: Sixth Grade Sense
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Like Tanaya's review? Post a comment saying so!

[gali]

Great review! Sounds like a lovely book for kids!

[Tanaya]

Thanks! Indeed it is.

[bookowlie]

I enjoyed reading your entertaining review! I have already "met" ESPete since I reviewing another book about him. I love this character!

[Tanaya]

Thank you. I do too! Pete's hilarious.

[anonanemone]

This sounds like a pretty cute and interesting story. I like that he thinks about things his parents tell him. Some books make it seem like kids hardly even have parents.

[Tanaya]

That last sentence is very true. Luckily, the parents were well portrayed in this book.

[Heidi M Simone]

This book sounds right up my alley . I love reading books that my students might enjoy. Thank you for a great review and I'm glad you enjoyed the read!

[Tanaya]

Thanks! I think they'd like it. It was an adorable book.