Overview

Twelve-year-old Westin Hopper gets in trouble--a lot. At home, at school, at his grandparents' house. . . . His ADHD always seems to mess with his brain, making him do impulsive things. So when Westin finds a magic bag that makes his thoughts come alive, he thinks it's the ticket to fixing his life. Instead, his wandering brain strikes again, conjuring up a mini T. rex, an army of headless plastic men, and a six-inch Thor. Now they all live in his bedroom, eating lunchmeat, wreaking havoc, and growing. And Westin doesn't know how to make them go away. He enlists his fellow social outcast, Lenora, to help him make things right. Lenora helps Westin realize that his talent for drawing could be the key to solving his problems. If Westin can focus while drawing, maybe he can learn to control the magic and get rid of the creatures in his room. But he'd better learn quickly. Tiny T is growing--and fast.

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9781684462810

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Fifth grader Westin has more than his share of trouble. He's caught in the middle of his divorced parents' fights. His ADHD, which he refers to as vacation brain, has caused tensions both at school and in his friendships. His Uncle Marty, an explorer who understood him better than most people, is missing and presumed dead. While rummaging through Marty's belongings, Westin encounters a magical pouch that conjures objects. As he tries to understand the pouch, Westin unintentionally creates a miniature but rapidly growing T. rex that he must feed, tame, and hide from his mother. Adding this burden to the many he is already carrying proves to be almost impossible and it is only with help of Leonora, a new student in his Friendship Group'' for students with behavioral problems, that he begins to understand not only how to control the pouch and manage the T. rex, but also what it means to be a friend. Told from Westin's point of view, readers are treated to his unique and often humorous perspective. The action-packed novel takes place in just a week, with the pace complementing the over-the-top absurdity of the plot. Saunders skillfully balances fantasy and with real-life themes, and multiple characters develop a greater sense of self-awareness throughout the novel. Westin's evolving understanding of his ADHD is poignant, and his emerging friendship with Leonora adds a welcome warmth. Readers may see this pair in the future, as the ending sets itself up well for a sequel. Leonora is cued as white and Westin is described only has having brown hair. VERDICT Young readers will enjoy the fantastical and humorous components of the novel, but there is plenty they will also relate to, as well.--Juliet Morefield, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR School Library Journal

"Fifth grader Westin has more than his share of trouble. He's caught in the middle of his divorced parents' fights. His ADHD, which he refers to as ""vacation brain,"" has caused tensions both at school and in his friendships. His Uncle Marty, an explorer who understood him better than most people, is missing and presumed dead. While rummaging through Marty's belongings, Westin encounters a magical pouch that conjures objects. As he tries to understand the pouch, Westin unintentionally creates a miniature but rapidly growing T. rex that he must feed, tame, and hide from his mother. Adding this burden to the many he is already carrying proves to be almost impossible and it is only with help of Leonora, a new student in his ""Friendship Group'' for students with behavioral problems, that he begins to understand not only how to control the pouch and manage the T. rex, but also what it means to be a friend. Told from Westin's point of view, readers are treated to his unique and often humorous perspective. The action-packed novel takes place in just a week, with the pace complementing the over-the-top absurdity of the plot. Saunders skillfully balances fantasy and with real-life themes, and multiple characters develop a greater sense of self-awareness throughout the novel. Westin's evolving understanding of his ADHD is poignant, and his emerging friendship with Leonora adds a welcome warmth. Readers may see this pair in the future, as the ending sets itself up well for a sequel. Leonora is cued as white and Westin is described only has having brown hair. VERDICT Young readers will enjoy the fantastical and humorous components of the novel, but there is plenty they will also relate to, as well.--Juliet Morefield, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR ""School Library Journal"""

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