I Hate Books

Hamish loves stories. He especially loves listening to his grandpa, who reads with lots of expression. Hamish’s brother, Nathan, is a good reader, too. Actually, Nathan is a genius. Hamish himself is just smart, or thinks he’s smart until he starts third grade, and his teacher, Miss Margin, asks him to read aloud. Instead of reading, he makes up a wild story about the Happy Jolly Farming Cow. Before too long, Hamish’s secret is out. Miss Margin escorts Hamish to Mr. Robinson, the reading teacher, who tells Hamish that reading is a very serious matter. Still, Hamish insists on making up stories instead of reading the flashcards. Mr. Robinson sends Hamish home with a note to his parents, who are stunned to learn that Hamish can’t read. Eventually Nathan steps in, persuading Mom and Dad to buy Hamish a toy truck if he learns to read a children’s picture book. Hamish has always wanted an awesome toy truck, but is he up to the challenge? Kate Walker’s witty, sensitive text answers that question in a beautifully illustrated story with an important message about conquering fears and setting — and surpassing — new goals.