Raymond and Graham Dancing Dudes Book

It’s time for the fourth grade’s annual hoedown, and best friends Raymond and Graham are ready to wow the whole school with their great dance moves. But Raymond ...

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5

A humorous, lighthearted look at the beginning of the tween years, illustrated with amusing cartoon drawings. When Raymond is labeled a "baby" by the class bully, he turns to his friend Graham for lessons on how to be a manly fourth grader. He needs advice right away because within the next few weeks his class will have a Valentine's party and perform a square dance in front of other students. The boys finagle to get their favorite girls for partners, but misfortune strikes when Raymond volunteers for a job before he hears exactly what it will be. As an extra boy, he will dance with their elderly teacher. To make things worse, his grandfather accompanies him to a "maturation" program on developing bodies and speaks up with some embarrassing comments. By the time the dance program is over, Raymond discovers that he is well on the way to becoming a fine young man. This book will appeal to readers moving on from Suzy Kline's "Horrible Harry" (Viking) and Louis Sachar's "Marvin Redpost" (Random) series, and to those who like Jake Drake and Herbie Jones.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA