Armstrong and Charlie

Book cover of Armstrong and Charlie

Book description

Charlie isn't looking forward to sixth grade. If he starts sixth grade, chances are he'll finish it, and he'll be older than his older brother ever was. Armstrong isn't looking forward to sixth grade either. He'll have to wake up at five thirty to ride a bus to an all-white…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Armstrong and Charlie as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Shirley Vernick

Author

I love the unique and true voices in this alternating-narrator story of two boys in LA who differ by race and neighborhood but end up in the same sixth-grade class, thanks to bussing.

The hilarious dialogue, combined with the sobering elements of grief and bullying, takes this gem way beyond the usual “unlikely friendship” trope.

I delighted in watching these two boys flail and ultimately thrive in the quagmire that is early adolescence.

From Shirley's list on MG/YA fiction books based on true events.