Description:

**Because one taste of fame is never enough -- a sequel!** After starring in last year's school play, Dustin Grubbs is ready for his acting career to take off in his school's upcoming musical production of Oliver! The TWIST is that phys-ed funds are being cut to do it, sparking grounds for an all-out war of the worlds: athletes vs. drama geeks. What's worse, Dustin has only sung and danced in the shower. Badly. It looks like it's the final curtain for Dustin when a field trip to Chicago teams him up with his wacky absentee father for the opportunity of a lifetime -- a shot at a national TV commercial! But when a family conflict leaves him with an impossible decision, will Dustin still rise to new heights -- or fall flat on his face? Packed with hysterical scenes and zany zingers, Dustin Grubbs: Take Two! is the showstopping sequel to Dustin Grubbs: One-Man Show*,* in which our plucky hero proves once again that showbiz isn't for wimps! ** ### From School Library Journal Grade 5–8—Dustin Grubbs, 12, has show-business aspirations like his dad, who moved from Buttermilk Falls to Chicago to be a stand-up comic. Unfortunately, the seventh grader's school must use athletic-department funds to produce the musical Oliver!, dividing athletes from "drama geeks." With no musical talent, Dustin finds himself in the middle, estranged from his friends and bullied by the star basketball player. On a class trip to Chicago, he spends time with his dad, auditions for a commercial, and finds and administers CPR to the principal's lost dog, the team's mascot. The boy is able to see his quirky family and his belligerent classmates as they really are, giving up his reward money for saving the pup for the good of the team. This fast-paced sequel to *Dustin Grubbs: One-Man Show* (Little, Brown, 2005) has believable characters, witty conversations, and a satisfying conclusion. —*Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN* Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ### Review "Dustin, help me find your father's head." With an opening like that, how could you not want to read on?! I recommend this delightful story. It's a perfect choice even for the most reluctant readers." **- Children's Literature** The giggles never stop no matter what Dustin does, with snappy dialogue coming from every character. Great fun for kids who like to laugh." - **Kirkus Reviews** "This great book lets you watch as Dustin Grubbs survives bullies, food-fights and the war between the drama geeks and jocks!This piece of art I give 5 stars out of 5, as it had me rolling on the floor 'til the last page."**  - KIdsWWwrite ** "Crazy, wacky, funny..." -** ChicagoParent.com **  **** "The author really knows how to capture teenage emotions." **- *Gentle Reads: Great Books to Warm Hearts and Lift Spirits, Grade 5-9* by Deanna J. McDaniel**