VERDICT This is a fast-paced read with a clear voice. Although the characters and situations are heightened for dramatic effect, they represent a familiar middle school cast of characters: Boris and Adrian are dramatic and intense kids who nobody seems to understand-but are having a great time regardless. Boris's bravado and Adrian's wide-eyed worship grow a little tiresome. In attempts to reach potential voters in the school, Adrian and Boris camp out in a tree, participate in the school's musical production of The Lion King, enter the science competition, and try to end youth hunger, all to disastrous effect. The plot revolves around Boris's campaign for student body president and various other school events. Adrian follows Boris's various schemes submissively despite receiving numerous school suspensions and getting into trouble with his parents.

Gr 5–7-Adrian is a seventh grader whose identity is defined by his best friend Boris Snodbuckle (known as 'the B-Ster'). 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. This book also provides terrific lessons on citizenship and leadership.

Maybe most important of all is the way Boris, clearly a social underdog, becomes the school's unlikely hero simply by being himself. This heartwarming story has wide appeal for its engrossing and drama-filled plot as well as for the many relatable themes, from bullying, to social groups and popularity, to friendship. Offbeat, funny and clever, Boris is ever optimistic that things will work out, and takes his many failures in stride. Readers will be rooting for the irrepressible Boris Snodbuckle to win it all in this middle-grade novel by bestselling, award-winning author David Skuy. Can he find a way to use his talent for launching wild schemes to garner the votes he needs? Or will it just end up, as usual, getting him suspended from school? As Adrian, the book's narrator, says, ?Don't give up, believe in yourself, be brave and sometimes - sometimes - good things happen.? His opponent is the most popular boy in school. As president, he'll be able to fix everything! There's only one problem. He's going to run for president of the student council. We have to do something.? Leave it to Boris to figure out a way to make life better for the kids at Bendale Public School. I don't wanna waste it - life's too short.

?Why can't Bendale change? seventh-grader Boris Snodbuckle asks his best friend and loyal sidekick, Adrian.

Undergrounders by David Skuy