"Mudshark" by Gary Paulsen

RATING:Thumbs Up!

REVIEW:

              This was a witty and cute story that had me flipping through the pages quickly.  The story is about a kid who is known as "Mudshark."  He is the "go-to" kid at school.  He can solve just about any problem.  Kids think he's a genius.  They don't know how he knows the answers to everything.  But in reality, he's just very observant and has a great memory.  I especially like the intercom announcements by the principal.  "They[hazmat] are working to contain dangerous material in the faculty restroom." 
It just made me laugh! Then, a parrot moves into the picture and almost puts Mudshark out of business.  The parrot can solve problems too!  Fortunately, Mudshark is able to figure out how the bird is able to answer questions and keep it from spilling the beans about something the school custodian did.  In the end Mudshark prevails and all is well at school.