EllRay Jakes Stands Tall

By Sally Warner, Brian Biggs (Illustrator)

An eight-year-old boy navigates the challenges of growing up, friendships, and family dynamics while trying to improve his basketball skills.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 63 ratings

176 pages· 21,751 words· Est. 4 hour read

$6.99Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

EllRay Jakes, the shortest kid in class, struggles to get noticed on the basketball court despite his skills. Coach Havens sees potential, but EllRay is still picked last. Determined to stand out, EllRay devises a bold plan involving the forbidden teacher's lounge. Will this risky move finally earn him the recognition he craves, or will it lead to unexpected consequences? Join EllRay as he navigates the challenges of playground politics and discovers what it truly means to shine.

From the publisher

EllRay Jakes finally grows up (a little) by playing basketball in this ninth book in the series. There’s a new game in town–basketball! Or in Ellray’s case, pre-basketball. Coach Havens has all the third graders dribbling, passing, and shooting, and he’s quick to compliment EllRay’s skills. No one else seems to notice them, however, and as ‘the shortest kid in the class, ‘ EllRay is still chosen last for teams at recess. What’s a short guy gotta do to get noticed When EllRay comes up with a plan that involves the off-limits teacher’s lounge, everyone does a double take! PRAISE FOR THE ELLRAY JAKES SERIES: Warner is a dead-on observer of playground politics, and has a great ear for dialogue.–School Library Journal on EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken! …ideal for reluctant readers.–Booklist on EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken! Young readers can identify with EllRay, who is neither a bad seed nor a goody-two-shoes; he and his sense of humor are just right.–Kirkus on EllRay Jakes Is a Rock Star! The EllRay Jakes stories are just right for his real-life peers.–Kirkus on EllRay Jakes Walks the Plank

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