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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. ( )