Six short stories about Otis Spofford. Although Otis is not hateful and cruel, he is sufficiently mean in some of his pranks to make him an unlikable protagonist. In the stories where his is more mischievous, they're all right. But the couple where he is truly mean spoiled the book a bit for me. ( )

10. [Otis Spofford] by Beverly Cleary

First, it made me so happy to learn that Beverly Cleary is still alive. So many of her books have been a treasure to read to my kids. Otis Spofford is no different.

Otis Spofford isn't quite up there with the Ramona or Henry and Ribsy books on my children's list, but it's still so much better than 90% of the books coming out today for pre-teens. That said, this was written in a different time so there are a couple of spots that don't ring right in today's culture - use of the word "indian" and Otis pretending he's going to scalp someone is one example that jumps out. Still, even that can be a learning opportunity, a chance to explain to kids that people used to accept things years ago which aren't acceptable today and how we take steps forward. ( )

A cute book chronicling the naughty journey of Otis, who enjoys the attention from being in trouble. He goes from one scenario to another, mainly at school where the landlord can't watch. There's no mention of a father in his life, but he is raised by a mother who seems to work most of the time at a dance school. Mischievous Otis seems to both annoy and amuse the teacher, who is the focal point adult in the book. The stories go from a bizarre play where Otis is playing a bull, to a bug disaster, mouse feeding, cutting off a girl's pigtails (I would have done worse in revenge to the little brat) and pig-tail adventures. Kids should enjoy the stories for the fun they're meant to be in the end. ( )

The genre of this book is realistic fiction. A boy named Otis Spofford is the protagonist of this story, and he is nothing short of mischief and devilry. He is always yearning for excitement, whether it's making mischief in school, or teasing Ellen Tebbits, a neighbor girl. Otis never feels sorry for the trouble he causes, until one of his tricks goes too far, and he has to truly apologize to Ellen. ( )

Otis Spofford likes to stir up things at school, on the playground, just about everywhere. And his favorite person to tease is his classmate, Ellen Tebbits!

Beverly Cleary takes us back, again, to life as an eight year old. Another fun read from the author of the "Ramona" books. ( )