A review by mldavisreads
Everybody Needs a Buddy by James Preller

4.0

Children's first chapter book, realistic fiction. The Big Idea Gang (BIG) is a group of four kids made up of twins Connor and Lizzy, and their friends Deon and Kym. The PTA treasurer's daughter has let it slip that the PTA has a surplus of money and the rumor mill has started about what it will be spent on. New basketball hoops? A pool? A rocket ship? The BIG has their own idea-- a buddy bench. Deon has noticed a new kid standing by himself at recess and thinks a buddy bench could help welcome him. The group researches the idea and gets very excited about it. But then they find out the PTA is donating the money to the school library for new books. Though they like the idea of new books, they are disappointed that there idea is basically DOA. But their teacher encourages them to speak up, and the BIG successfully convinces the PTA to get 2 buddy benches for the school.

This story was not a fast-paced read, but it is realistic about struggles facing elementary school students. I know a school near me where the PTA did buy a buddy bench, so it is a timely topic. I also liked the friends working together and being supported by the adults.