King of the Castle

By the prizewinning author of the classics Red is Best, The Bare Naked Book and Big or Little, this chapter book is about a man who spends every day in a school but who cannot read. Mr. Elliot has a job he loves. He is the custodian in a primary school. He is so useful to everyone that sometimes he sees himself as the king of the castle. But Mr. Elliot has a secret. He can't read. Using many excuses like pretending not to have his glasses, he has hidden his inability to read all of his life. When he sees a child at the school being called stupid and falling into the traps he remembers so well himself, Mr. Elliot finally decides he must learn how to read. His granddaughter proves to be his perfect audience. Black and white illustrations enhance this novel's appeal for readers 7 to 10.