Robert and the Lemming Problem

It isn't as if he isn't trying. Robert expected his brand-new sneakers to impress his classmates, but instead, as usual, the kids make fun of them -- and him.

The alternative is not much better: his old hiking boots might go unnoticed, but they cause terrible blisters.

That's the last thing Robert needs on Author's Day, when he's expected to host his favorite writer.

His feet barely have time to heal before his teacher asks the class to try something new.

There are plenty of possibilities, and Robert samples them all -- tasting asparagus, learning to play the tuba, even taking up the violin -- before finding that perfect addition to his world.

In this fifth book in the best-selling series, Barbara Seuling's sensitive text and Paul Brewer's charming illustrations portray Robert as the kind of imperfect but endearing child young readers can identify with, in the process capturing the uncertainties and unexpected joys of growing up.