Janice Repka

"It's really funny," says Megan Curry, a fifth grade student at Ore Valley Elementary School in Dallastown, PA. "I like the parts about the circus and when Phillip went to court. It's one of the funniest books I've read."

Considering this is Repka's first book, I am very impressed. This has all the makings of a very popular book, both with students and teachers, but also with parents. The book is written very simple, with lots of different values going on. For instance, lots of information about circuses is presented, especially as a little sidebar at the beginning of each chapter. The trivia is interesting. The feelings that Philip has as being the new kid at school are universal. The ways in which he is teased can have a profound effect on kids--running away, hiding, getting angry, etc. However, he deals with it in a way that lets him rise from victim to hero. How bullying is perpetuated from generation to generation, and how painful it is. This book deals with growing up, making friends, moving around alot, trying to fit in, family relationships, and more. It is written in an upbeat, clean style that will appeal to many students. I can't wait for more from this budding writer. -----------------Reviewer Carol Hahn

S. Thompson of Dallas, TX, says: "I bought this book for my niece, but couldn't resist reading it myself before giving it to her. I was thoroughly entertained. Repka has written one of those rare children's stories that's as much fun for the parent as for the kid. It's clean and morality packed, but the message never overshadows the telling of a great story. From the premise (a kid wanting to escape from the circus) to the climax (his suing practically a whole town for being forced to play high-stakes dogdeball at school), the humor is smart, subtle, and delightfully relentless without being mean or on too high a shelf. Best are the lead-ins to each chapter -- all trivia about circus life that helps the protagonist navigate life on the outside. Also enlightening is the realistic but child-sized exploration of the legal system and how it can/should work to protect citizens. I hope to see many more stories about Phillip, son of Leo Laugh-a Lot and Matilda the Fat Lady."