I think this does a great job of showing kids that being kept back a year doesn't necessarily mean that you're stupid—that there can be other reasons for being behind in school, like moving around a lot or, as in Kisho's case, not having English as your first language. I also really liked that Charlie was given a second dimension here.

Tell you what, though: the Sweet Valley elementary kids really are terrible bullies, who generally get away with their awful behaviour completely. I'd love to see them properly told off for being awful every once in a while!