A laugh-out-loud, quirky new middle grade series that looks at bullying in an entirely new and inventive way.

Sawyer's grandfather was part Stegosaurus, so it wasn't a complete surprise when puberty included growing spikes and a tail. But when the kids who bully him at school go missing it's up to Sawyer and his friends, Elliott and Sylvie, to solve the mystery!

Despite the Principal's Zero Tolerance Policy, Sawyer becomes a bully magnet, befriended only by Elliot aka "Gigantor" and the weird new girl. When the bullies start disappearing, Sawyer is relieved—until he discovers a secret about the principal that's more shocking than Dino DNA. The bullies are in for a galactically horrible fate…and it's up to Sawyer and his friends to rescue them.

Dinosaur Boy is the perfect…

• book for middle school boys and reluctant readers
• bully book for children that explores the topic in a new and inventive way
• dinosaur chapter book for kids 9-12
• preteen gift for boys

With issues like bullying, not fitting in, and heroism, this is a book that kids and adults will share and treasure. It's Wonder with dinosaurs and is sure to touch your heart."—P. J. Hoover, author of Tut: The Story of My Immortal Life

"A wild and wacky adventure...with enough twists and turns to rival a roller coaster, DINOSAUR BOY is sure to appeal to wonderfully weird kids of every shape and size."—Kelly Milner Halls, award-winning author of Girl Meets Boy

CORY PUTMAN OAKES was born in Switzerland and grew up in California. She graduated from UCLA and Cornell Law. Since then, she’s been an associate at a big law firm, taught at Texas State University, and written several books. Cory lives in Austin, Texas, with husband and daughter. Visit Cory’s website at corypoakes.com.

Categories

• Juvenile Fiction / Science Fiction
• Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories
• Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Bullying

Product Details

ISBN: 9781492605379
ISBN-10: 1492605379
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
Publication Date: February 3rd, 2015
Pages: 224
Language: English
Series: Dinosaur Boy

Recommended Reading Level

Minimum Age: 8
Maximum Age: 12
Minimum Grade Level: 3
Maximum Grade Level: 7

"Credible characters and real-life issues like bullying, appreciating differences, and being true to oneself keep Oakes’s (The Veil) series kickoff grounded...Oakes draws on everything from the dubiousness of zero-tolerance bullying policies (especially when they’re being used to ship students to Jupiter) to the importance of tolerance and the injustice of discrimination to create a story with unexpected depth" — Publishers Weekly

"An entertaining barrel ride past sheaves of middle-grade themes from bullying to racial identity." — Kirkus Reviews

"Oakes emphasizes the effects of bullying and peer pressure. There are also plenty of fun science and sci-fi ideas woven throughout. The trim size and plot-driven pacing make this an ideal recommendation for reluctant readers...A fun and funny read with layers of deeper issues" — School Library Journal

"A rollicking, action-packed read...a deceptively layered take on middle-grade social dynamics that will have your young reader appreciating Oakes’ storytelling twists and turns as much as her lessons about acceptance" — Austin American-Statesman

"A fun mix of school drama, science fiction, and humor, the story explores the daily hassles of living as part dinosaur, along with the real pain of bullying." — Booklist