When Justin Fisher, long-time class clown, realizes that his classmates are growing tired of his misdeeds, he declares war on their fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Tripp, in hopes of regaining his popularity. ( )

Fifth grader Justin has made a name for himself by being the class clown -- but doesn't quite understand that by constantly making fun of others, he's losing friends. New teacher Mr. Tripp is trying to establish discipline by always being stern and unyielding -- but finds Justin rebelling even more. But when Mr. Tripp lets Justin take his place as the MC of the school talent show and gives him some advice about the difference between being funny and making fun of others, both Justin and Mr. Tripp make a better name for themselves.

This was fun and easy to read. While I would love it if boys gave this a shot, I suspect that more girls will read it than boys. ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Fifth grade is turning out to be a lot different than fourth grade. Justin Fisher is used to being the class clown, but his new teacher is treating him like a troublemaker. What was once funny and earned him a round of laughter, now is getting him sent to the Principal's office.

Justin is determined to come out the winner in his self-declared war against Mr. Tripp. How can a guy with a goofy mustache really expect kids to take him seriously? Justin vows to break him one way or another.

Unfortunately, Justin's classmates have turned on him. They are acting like he's more of a disruption than a distraction. When a school talent show is announced, they discourage him from entering because he will just "ruin everything." That reaction just makes him more interested in scoring a spot in the program.

Author James Preller describes fifth grade to a tee in JUSTIN FISHER DECLARES WAR! Every class has a Justin, and at some point, every class begins to object to the disruption caused by a chronic goof-off. Preller's novel offers excellent read-a-loud potential with ample opportunity for discussion about behavior and its consequences. I'll definitely be recommending this one to both students and teachers in middle grade classrooms. ( )