Sawyer thought he was a normal kid until the summer before fifth grade, when he grew a spiked tail and a double row of scales. Of course, the dinosaur gene skips a generation, so he always knew he might be part stegosaurus, like his grandfather. Summer is strange and uncomfortable, but school is a nightmare. The same kids who teased his best friend, Elliot "Gigantor," for his growth spurt, have now turned on Sawyer. His only friends are Elliott and a strange new girl, Sylvie. Her parents have just separated, and she now lives in Portland, Oregon, where her mom opens a Mexican restaurant. The school's new "no-tolerance" policy means kids who bully are expelled, but are they really sent to Camp Remorse, as Principal Mathis says, or is something sinister afoot? A fun mix of school drama, science fiction, and humor, the story explores the daily hassles of living as part dinosaur, along with the real pain of bullying. First in a planned series, it should find a wide audience.

Gr 3-6 A group of scientists conduct an experiment that goes terribly wrong, introducing dinosaur genes into their own DNA, passing it down to their own grandchildren. Over the summer, Sawyer begins to grow plates out of his back and a tail like a stegosaurus. He must face returning to school with his new appearance, enduring the taunts of other children. The new principal sticks up for Sawyer and expels the students who poke fun. But something's wrong. Sawyer and his friends begin to wonder what happened to these expelled students; they seem to have disappeared. Their investigation turns up some wild discoveriescould their principal be an alien? Are the students alive? This story blends themes about fitting in, making friends, and tackling challenges. Oakes emphasizes the effects of bullying and peer pressure. There are also plenty of fun science and sci-fi ideas woven throughout. The trim size and plot-driven pacing make this an ideal recommendation for reluctant readers. VERDICT A fun and funny read with layers of deeper issues. Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA