Otis Spofford

Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary brings her understanding and warmth to every page of this wonderful story of a "bad boy."

When it comes to stirring up a little excitement in class, Otis Spofford knows just what to do. He can turn a folk dance fiesta into a three-ring circus . . . or an arithmetic lesson into a spitball marathon.

Best of all, Otis likes teasing neat, well-behaved Ellen Tebbits—until the day his teasing goes too far. Now Otis is nervous, because Ellen isn't just mad . . . she's planning something!

• Lovable Troublemaker: Meet Otis Spofford, a boy whose main goal is stirring up excitement—whether it involves a spitball marathon, a bullfight at the school fiesta, or a "scientific experiment" with classroom rats.
• Hilarious School Story: From the mind of Beverly Cleary, this timeless chapter book perfectly captures the chaos and comedy of elementary school life, where every day is an opportunity for mischief.
• A Classic Rivalry: Otis’s favorite target is the neat and tidy Ellen Tebbits. But when one of his pranks goes way too far, he discovers that Ellen might be even better at planning revenge than he is at causing trouble.
• Comeuppance Guaranteed: Otis’s teacher has a knack for turning his own schemes against him, proving that getting your "comeuppance" can sometimes be the funniest lesson of all.