Unschooled

"Unschooled" by Allan Woodrow is a lively chapter book for elementary readers, primarily ages 8-11, though it can be read aloud to younger children. It follows best friends George and Lilly, who find themselves leading opposing teams during their school's Spirit Week. What starts as friendly rivalry quickly devolves into a series of escalating, "nasty" pranks and sabotage, threatening not only their teams' chances but also their deep friendship and the very existence of Spirit Week. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, competition, and the consequences of actions, all wrapped in a humorous and fast-paced narrative. Parents can use this book to discuss peer pressure, sportsmanship, and the importance of honesty and integrity, even when the stakes feel high.