How Oliver Olson Changed the World, written by Claudia Mills and illustrated by Heather Maione. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009. $18.95 ages 8 and up

"As part of their space study, all the kids in Oliver's class had to make a diorama of the solar system. They could work alone, or with a friend.
Oliver was working with his parents.
Or, rather, Oliver was watching his parents work."


Here's a fun early chapter book that has all 'the right stuff'. Oliver and his classmates are about to embark on a five-week study of outer space. Mrs. O'Neill has anecdotes to share, and an assignment. From the quote above, you know what that is. The story moves along quickly, introducing Crystal and Oliver who are classmates in the same third grade class. Crystal is outgoing and inquisitive, Oliver is introspective and wishes to be mostly invisible. Crystal asks her questions and speaks her mind while Oliver does not.

Oliver's parents have been very over-protective since he was ill as a preschooler. He started school late and has since had to deal with their obsessive concern for his safety and well-being, as well as his success at school. Most kids might think it cool to have parents willing to work on every bit of homework. Oliver finds it stifling and annoying, and we come to understand his feelings.

When Crystal asks Oliver to be her partner on the solar system project, he says yes but knows he will face resistance from his parents. However, he is determined. Along the way to success in producing a credible diorama, readers learn about the solar system including the ousting of Pluto as a planet (which leads to a humorous addition to the project) and come to know Oliver and his classmates.

A class visit by a state senator has the teacher encouraging her students to come up with an idea for changing the world. Oliver is surprised to find that he can think for himself, although he isn't brave enough to share those thoughts publicly. Crystal to the rescue, and Oliver is praised for his clear thinking.

I am often asked for ideas for novels to read in an early years classroom. This would work in grades one and two...and it is one of those books that help readers make the transition from picture books to longer text.