THE SECRET SHERIFF OF SIXTH GRADE by Jordan Sonnenblick

Maverick is the smallest kid he knows. Starting sixth grade known as a shrimp has Mav thinking of ways to make the year tolerable. On the first day of school he slips the plastic sheriff's badge his father gave him into his pocket and vows to be a hero.

The first day of school is actually a half-day so Mav figures it should be smooth sailing. Little does he know that he will find himself in the assistant principal's office twice worried that he might get kicked out of the place before he's even started. 

Knowing that his late father was a hero in the war has always helped Mav through difficult times. When his mother started drinking and dating guys who hit her more often than they hugged her, Mav tried to rationalize that life was just tough without a dad. When he witnesses his mother's latest boy friend smack her and then walk out the door, Mav knows things have to change.

Admiring superheroes like Captain America and Spiderman might be the motivation Maverick needs to stand up to the bullies at school, but he really isn't a superhero, just a short kid trying to stay out of trouble and keep his crappy home life a secret.

Jordan Sonnenblick, author of DRUMS, GIRLS & DANGEROUS PIE, uses his trademark humor and knowledge of the kid mind to create a realistic view of bullying and one boy's attempt to rise above it all. Readers will be rooting for Maverick as soon as they meet him. With tons of relatable characters and situations, THE SECRET SHERIFF OF SIXTH GRADE will connect with Sonnenblick's fans and earn him many more.