No Talking

A "New York Times"-bestselling author portrays a battle of wills between some spunky kids who challenge one another to see who can go longer without talking, and a creative teacher who sees how the kids' experiment can provide a unique lesson in communication. Illustrations."A vintage tale from the master of the theme-driven, feel-good school story."- "Kirkus Reviews," starred review"Readers may be compelled to use their voice to praise Clements's deft handling of an interesting premise."- more >>

A "New York Times"-bestselling author portrays a battle of wills between some spunky kids who challenge one another to see who can go longer without talking, and a creative teacher who sees how the kids' experiment can provide a unique lesson in communication. Illustrations."A vintage tale from the master of the theme-driven, feel-good school story."- "Kirkus Reviews," starred review"Readers may be compelled to use their voice to praise Clements's deft handling of an interesting premise."- "Publishers Weekly""Andrew Clements set the standard for the school story in 1996 with his first novel, "Frindle," which went on to sell more than two million copies..."No Talking "is Clements's best school story since."- "The New York Times Book Review""You have the right to remain silent." However...

The fifth-grade girls and the fifth-grade boys at Laketon Elementary don't get along very well. But the "real" problem is that these kids are loud and disorderly. That's why the principal uses her red plastic bullhorn. A lot.

Then one day Dave Packer, a certified loudmouth, bumps into an idea -- a big one that makes him try to keep quiet for a whole day. But what does Dave hear during lunch? A "girl, " Lynsey Burgess, jabbering away. So Dave breaks his silence and lobs an insult. And "those" words spark a contest: Which team can say "the fewest words" during two whole days? And it's the boys against the girls.

How do the teachers react to the silence? What happens when the principal feels she's losing control? And will Dave and Lynsey plunge the whole school into chaos?

This funny and surprising book is about language and thought, about words unspoken, words spoken in anger, and especially about the power of words spoken in kindness...with or without a bullhorn. It's Andrew Clements at his best -- thought-provoking, true-to-life, and very entertaining. << less