Gr 1–3—Only two kids in Roscoe's class are lucky enough to own the new fashion fad, sneakers with built-in walkie-talkies. Then an out-of-the-blue package arrives for Roscoe from Great-aunt Imogene, and he joins the cool set. When his friend Gus can't get new shoes because his old ones are not worn out, Roscoe sets to work on his pal's seemingly indestructible footwear. Then, just when Gus's mother relents, the school outlaws the sneakers, and Roscoe ends up in time out for destroying his friend's old ones. End matter includes an entertaining list of things Roscoe wonders about before falling asleep and a preview of the next book in the series. Applegate perfectly captures the voice of kids in this fast-paced, funny title. Children will love the short chapters, kid ingenuity, and comical illustrations.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Praise for the ROSCOE RILEY series: “Applegate perfectly captures the voice of kids in this fast-paced, funny title. Children will love the short chapters, kid ingenuity, and comical illustrations.” — School Library Journal

“Applegate’s writing is strong and lively, and the short sentences, funny situations, and frequent appearance of pictures will make this series an easy sell to novice readers. Adult readers-aloud will also appreciate the understated humor of Roscoe’s narrative and nod in recognition at the goings-on.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Roscoe is an appealing, lively kid whose story is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and Biggs’expressive pencil drawings add to the humor” — ALA Booklist