Ratfink by Marcia Thornton; Jones 216 pages

Fifth grade Logan just can't seem to keep out of trouble at school. He starts off the school year with great intentions, but by the end of the first time he stirs up trouble with the new girl, Emily Scott. He is distracted because his grandfather has just moved into his home and his grandfather is showing signs of early Alzheimer's Disease. He wants to keep his grandfather a secret to avoid embarrassment at school. His parents make a deal with him that if he can stay out of trouble at school they will buy him a pet. This captures the early middle school angst. The ending is a bit sticky sweet -- but it is great to see him make that connection, finally, with his grandfather.