Overruled

by Christy Wopat

Mac has a reputation—and not the good kind.

When his best friend gets hurt on the playground, everyone assumes he’s to blame. Facing suspension, Mac gets one last shot to clear his a classroom mock trial, complete with witnesses, lawyers, and a surprise judge.

As secrets come out and friendships are tested, Mac learns that breaking free of a label is harder than it looks—but maybe being seen for who you really are is worth the fight.

260 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Christy Wopat is a middle-grade author and longtime educator who believes every kid deserves to see themselves in a story. She loves helping kids discover the joy of reading and the power of their own voices.

When she’s not writing, Christy can be found cheering at her kids’ activities, playing with her cats (Old Dan, Little Ann, and Kitty Kitty Meow Meow), or curled up with a good book. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband.

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Christy Wopat’s award-winning memoir, titled “Almost a Mother: Love, Loss, and Finding Your People When Your Baby Dies” was published by Orange Hat Publishing in 2018. She is immensely proud of the three books about grief she wrote after her twins died shortly after birth.

Overall, Christy writes because she cares.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overruled is the book that every child labeled at school needs. For every boy that doesn’t fit the box of public education, this story is for you. Mac is a misunderstood boy who often gets in trouble for his quick to anger personality. But underneath? He just wants to be liked and accepted by his peers. He struggles in school until he finally has a teacher who sees him for who he truly is. This story shows the power in someone believing in you! Every child needs a teacher her champion like Ms. J. A must read!

[Christine DeSmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overruled is a perfect look at the trials of growing up as a boy—especially if you’re a boy who always seems to be in trouble no matter how hard you try. Mac is starting Fifth Grade. Life is a scrambled mess and he’s scrambling to feel grown up and respected but he’s not getting any respect from anybody. He can’t even feel good anymore about playing with his favorite stuffed animal, because after all, grownup kids don’t do that, do they? He wants to earn the right to go with Dad to the upcoming car festival, but then Mac is accused of harming a friend seriously on the playground. What really happened? Who else was involved? Who might be lying to get out of trouble? Can anybody believe trouble-maker Mac? A classroom mock trial ensues with Mac in the hot seat, but this isn’t a mean thing. Kid readers should enjoy seeing how their fellow fifth graders conduct the trial and figure out the truth of what happened. This novel teaches forgiveness of one’s self and others, as well as how to be a friend, and how not to jump to conclusions about anybody. The author is a long-time middle-grade teacher. Christy Wopat gets readers inside kids’ heads—particularly a boy’s in this instance—in a stellar, entertaining story filled with authentic action and emotional learning moments.

[Amy Laundrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t surprised to learn that the author of Overruled, Christy Wopat, has been an educator for over twenty years. She understands kids and the rhythms of a school day. 
Her main character, Mac, is impulsive, which often lands him in trouble, but he’s not innately mean. His friendships matter deeply to him, and when he loses Julia, his best friend, he blames Alex. Misunderstanding set off a chain of events with real emotional stakes.
One of my favorite characters was Mac’s teacher, Ms. J. Mac himself admits, “This teacher was so extra. What teacher didn’t yell at you when you were as rude as I was?” Ms. J believes in her students, challenges them, and creates a classroom where kids can grow into the best versions of themselves. 

Her mock trial—held to determine whether Mac pushed Julia off the monkey bars—is both entertaining and enlightening. If I still had a fourth-grade classroom, I’d seriously consider doing a similar activity so students could explore how the judicial system works.

A smart, funny, heartfelt read, Overruled captures the challenge of breaking free from labels and the courage it takes to let yourself be truly seen. Perfect for middle-grade readers.

[Deni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite books I've ever read. Raisins a "Mac" has made me see the world differently, and also was part of what made me choose homeschooling in the middle of his K year, because schools weren't made for boys. Through this story the author shows her depth of compassion and understanding that is clearly missed by the majority of people throughout the story. This is true for real life as well. Author Christy Wopat weaves the truths and realities of highly emotional children into a nuanced deep understanding of how their minds work and work against them. She explores the psychology of "labeling" kids without truly getting to know them, and the ramifications of that in their lives long term. I highly recommend this book for EVERYONE who works with other children of any age. A great read for kids around Mac's age and up also! Loved this so much and hope it can get into the hands of educators everywhere!

[Chris Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book that should be read by so many kids these days who feel "different" in some way, and don't quite feel they have control of themselves, or that people don't understand them.

Wopat shows her teacher chops with every scene (spoken as a former teacher wayyy back in the day who understands how different and difficult it is to teach kids today compared with 50 years ago. The mock trial concept for 5th graders is inspiring and empowering (I would think) for kids.

As an author who has also written a book about a kid who was different and struggling in school, I urge you to read this, share it with grade-schoolers you know, get it into school libraries, and tell the world about an excellent book for kids who want to feel accepted and understood for who they are, not what society decides they should be.

[Silvia Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mac’s reputation for trouble isn’t entirely undeserved, even he admits, but he’s been trying for a new start since kindergarten. Can he help it if other kids purposely rile him—and teachers only notice his reaction? Perfect for classrooms and read-alouds, OVERRULED by Christy Wopat makes “friendship” Exhibit A, proves “reputation” to be hearsay, and rules, in the end, for “second chances.” Young readers will root for Mac and his entire class in this instant favorite. - Silvia Acevedo, author of MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS: CRASH COURSE

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully written story from one of my favorite authors! This is a needed story for all of those kids who are labeled in school and feel like they never get a fair shake at anything. Mac is Mr. Misunderstood who under his tough boy exterior wants what everyone does, acceptance and belonging. He tries to do the right thing and seems to find himself on the wrong side of things, that is until he gets Ms J as his teacher. His life changes and he discovers what it’s like to have someone who believes in him. A must read for boys and a fantastic addition to a classroom, home, or library.

[Jenny ruetten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every student deserves a fresh start! Overruled is a compelling story that students and adults can see themselves in and relate to. This story includes great SEL and social studies lessons that weaves in humor, friendship, the power of forgiveness, and references to fun 80’s music/puns. This is a must read for upper elementary and middle school students. I loved it and highly recommend as a read aloud or class novel.

[Elise Posledni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this thinking I could recommend it for my nieces or nephews (which I will!) but got totally sucked into the story as well! Mac’s 5th grade tale of trying to fit in and being understood for who he really is was engaging and well written. I was rooting for Mac and justice! A great reminder that it is a disservice to label or judge people - no matter the age!

[Kristy Schellenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Mac is such a relatable character for so many kids. As a teacher, this book really made me reflect about how I approach students who are “trouble makers” in class and how I can adjust my thinking to give them a fair shot. Highly recommend!!!

[Bethany Fredericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wopat does it again! Excellent storytelling with compelling characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning!