JANITORS by Tyler Whitesides

Many today are worried about the plight of the American educational system.  Some blame lack of money, while others blame poor teachers.  Who would have suspected the janitors could be involved?

Spencer has only been attending Welcher Elementary School for a few weeks.  His current total of friends is zero.  His chance of making friends doesn't increase when he starts seeing strange creatures in the school's hallways and classrooms.

Spencer begins seeing the creatures after a trip to the bathroom.  In an effort to remove permanent marker that had unfortunately ended up on his face, he uses some mysterious pink soap he found in the bathroom.  After the nasty stinging sensation fades away, Spencer is happy to see the mark is gone, however, shortly after that he begins seeing the horrible creatures.

What follows is a fantastic adventure involving a girl named Daisy, a custodian named Marv, and a corrupt government agency known as the BEM -  the Bureau of Educational Maintenance.  Spencer learns that the creatures are intent on destroying the education of children.  Some of them breathe in brain waves causing apathy in students so they don't care about learning.  Others cause confusion and distraction, and others put students to sleep. 

The janitors at Welcher Elementary School are out to rid the school of the Toxites, and Spencer and Daisy are ready to help in an effort to protect their right to an education.  Using brooms, vacuums, and other cleaning supplies, they take on the vicious critters in some action-packed fight scenes.  It's not going to be easy, but they are determined to prevail.

I have students eager to get their hands on JANITORS by Tyler Whitesides.  This book is perfect for middle grade readers looking for a fantasy adventure set in the most common of places, a school much their very own.