Big Nate: Payback Time!

Big Nate, it seems, has developed a terrible allergy to his social studies teacher, the dreaded Mrs. Godfrey. An allergy with sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and spots on his face. Principal Nichols is on the case and soon discovers it’s not Mrs. Godfrey who is causing Nate’s reaction, unfortunately for Nate. So life goes on as per usual for Nate, with Timber Scout calendar sales (Chad is the unlikely hero), Nate tooting his own horn in the soccer goal, and while he is writing for the school newspaper, interesting ideas for livening up science class, and an afternoon training a newbie in the ways of detention — on which Big Nate has profound knowledge. But Big Nate’s love life takes center stage often and culminates in a challenge to an after-school fight.

A new Big Nate book is always welcome news for the middle-grade set, and this will be no exception. Lincoln Peirce has a wicked sense of humor and is fully in touch with his inner child. There isn’t really a storyline through this book. It’s more like a collection of comic vignettes, but it will keep youngsters busy reading and happy.