Kidsday: Weird reading I can recommend

I enjoy reading the series, "My Weird School Daze," by Dan Gutman. Gutman has written three chapter book series for young readers.

Most of the books take place in elementary school. The main character is A.J. (Arlo Jervis), a boy who hates school. A.J.'s rival, Andrea Young, is a girl who loves school and is secretly loved by A.J. In each book, the author tells about a weird teacher or other person and the strange things that happen. In some books, the kids think the teachers are fake and not real.

The first series by Gutman, titled "My Weird School," had 21 books. He started that series in 2004. The second series, titled "My Weird School Daze," had 12 books; he started that series in 2008. The latest series, "My Weirder School," began in 2011 with the release of three new chapter books; five more are planned by 2013. I have read 24 of the chapter books. They all end with the last line "But it won't be easy."

The Don Gutman books can be read by boys and girls ages 7 and older. The books are funny and enjoyable to read.

My favorite is "Officer Spence Makes No Sense!" from the "My Weird School Daze" series. Check dangutman.com for more information.

When a friend is unfriendly

DEAR KIDSDAY: I am having a problem with my longtime best friend. I feel like sometimes she is putting me down, hurting my feelings or picking a fight. I am starting to be afraid of her.

-- Scared

DEAR SCARED: You have to talk to her and let her know how you feel. Let her know you still want to be friends. Even if she doesn't want to be your friend, she doesn't have to be mean to you because then, she isn't a friend; she is a bully. If she doesn't stop being mean, talk to your teacher or mom.

Good luck.

Now that's funny

Why do bananas need to use sunscreen when they go to the beach?

Because they will peel.

--Paul Stanchfield

What candy do you eat on the playground?

Recess pieces.

--Jenna DeVincenzo

Customer: How much is that duck?

Salesman: He costs $20

Customer: I'll take it. Can you send me the bill?

Salesman: No way! You have to buy the whole duck.

--Josephine Arano

CLASS OF THE WEEK: Therese O'Loughlin's fourth-grade class, MICHAEL F. STOKES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Island Trees