Shermy and Shake, the Not-So-Nice Neighbor

“An understated slice-of-life story. . . . Earnestly told, low-conflict vignettes affirm the compassion and understanding that friendship can require to bloom.” —Publishers Weekly


When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer—and to unexpected friendships.