Rules, Tools, and Maybe a Bully
Author: Rachel Vail
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Book 3 in the Justin Case series
Pages: 224
Published: 2014
Age: 7+
Justin Case made it through third grade and summer camp in the previous two books. Now he’s in fourth grade, and there’s even more to worry about: friends, bullies, grades, tests—and did we say bullies?
Once again, Rachel Vail and Matthew Cordell bring to life all the worries and triumphs of elementary school life, in diary form. Fans will relate to Justin and his adventures.
About the Justin Case Series
Books in series order
- 1.School, Drool and Other Daily Disasters(2010)
- 2.Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom(2012)
- 3.Rules, Tools, and Maybe a Bully(2014)
Reading age: 7+ years
This series should be read in order.
The diary of a third-grade year, as told by a loveable worrywart.
It's the start of the school year, and nothing feels right to Justin. He didn't get the teacher he wanted, he's not in the same class as his best friend, and his little sister, Elizabeth, is starting kindergarten at his school. Elizabeth doesn't seem nervous at all. Justin is very nervous about third grade. And to top it off, he's lost his favorite stuffed animal, but he can't tell anyone, because technically he's too old to still have stuffed animals. Right?
Here is third grade in all its complicated glory – the friendships, the fears, and the advanced math. Acclaimed author Rachel Vail captures third grade with a perfect pitch, and Matthew Cordell’s illustrations are both humorous and touching. As Justin bravely tries to step out of his shell, he will step into readers' hearts.