Mischief

Mischief #1

by Stefania Shaffer

GETTING AWAY WITH MISCHIEF

Fifth grader Slater Hannigan wants to keep his big man on campus status.
It does not matter that he glued the teacher’s chair cushion to her skirt last year—
he gets away with everything because of his powerful mother who has secured his popularity by throwing him over-the-top Halloween Haunts.

But when the friendless girl in class discovers the secret that will finally mean real trouble for Slater if he gets caught—and embarrass his father the D.A.—this one will be too big for her to keep.

MISCHIEF appears as the first in a 4-book series for Middle-Grade readers.

~~~

“I highly recommend Stefania Shaffer’s hilarious middle-grade novel, MISCHIEF, featuring crazy misadventures…perilous pranks…and fresh characters for young readers…”
—Penny Warner, best-selling author of over 60 books for adults and children, including the Agatha Award winning middle-grade mystery series, THE CODE BUSTERS CLUB

“MISCHIEF enables us to remember what it's like to be a kid, especially as it relates to boyhood...Anyone involved in education…will find MISCHIEF relatable, funny and engaging.
—Evona Mozulay Panycia, Science Educator, Middle School and College Level, Bernards Township School District

“In MISCHIEF….characters become so real…hear them interacting as Stefania masterfully weaves this tale. Cliffhangers abound, leaving readers…salivating for the next book.”
—Daina Lujan, Principal, Millbrae School District; Vice President, South San Francisco Unified School District Board of Trustees

"Such a fun middle grade read. Great for reluctant readers. The characters are all easy to relate to and the story is realistic. Walk into any middle school in any town in the United States and you would find these kids their families and their “poor” teacher. I was so happy to hear it is part of a series and cannot wait for the next three books."
-Deb Schenkel, librarian

"Shaffer, who faced her own middle school classes as a teacher, manages to get the reader engaged in both Dana's and Slater’s stories, and to have a grand time doing so."
- Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

"This book is akin to a modern day Tom Sawyer, which helps to bring the Tom Sawyer legacy to life. Also, children can get an invitation to become a VIP member of Mischief-Makers and the chance to win top secret giveaways and previews."
- Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

"Middle Grader Slater Hannigan is the perfect blend between Tom Sawyer and Dennis the Menace. Mischief, Book 1 by Stefania Shaffer is a hilarious children’s adventure from the Mischief Series that will keep you amused. The characters are well developed and unforgettable. I really like how the book is written and the author leaves intriguing hints of future adventures and mishaps to come. Not only pre-teens will love reading Mischief; adults will too."
- Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

"This is a great book for the middle grade readers who likes mystery and adventure. Stefania has very developed characters and a great plot. Can’t wait for the other books in this series to come out. A fun and action packed books I would recommend to my granddaughter."
- Connie Stein via Netgalley

Genres: Childrens

254 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2017

About the author

Stefania Shaffer traded a successful career in corporate America for the middle school classroom as an English Language Arts teacher. Fifteen years later she is expanding her role into writing elective curriculum that focuses on college and career readiness. She is the author of the fictional story Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes about a student finally finding a few extraordinary teachers who become her heroes for life.

Her second book is the Memoir 9 Realities of Caring for an Elderly Parent: A Love Story of a Different Kind in which she unveils the gritty realities Boomers will face in this funny, and compassionate account of their daunting role if they are the adult child coming home to care for an elderly parent until the very end.

The Companion Playbook (2016), the workbook version, has been created to save those readers precious time from copious note-taking on the Memoir.

Currently at work on a 4-book series aimed at middle-grade readers about little mischief-makers in elementary school and how they grow forward with a release anticipated for fall 2017.

Her public speaking credits include major San Francisco media on KGO/Ronn Owens, KQED/Michael Krasny, KTVU/Bay Area People and education conferences, including the national Gates Ed Foundation for teacher leaders known as ECET2--Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teachers and Teaching. She lives in Northern California with her family.

Learn more about Stefania's books and public speaking by visiting www.stefaniashaffer.com

Reviews

[Michelle Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

Mischief, Book 1 is a modern day Tom Sawyer adventure from Stefania Shaffer. Slater Hannigan isn’t pleased when he learns that his fifth-grade teacher is Dana Burbank. But Miss Burbank isn’t thrilled either, having to endure the never-ending pranks of this troublesome, glib talking ten-year-old, who gets away with everything.

When the school has a pie throwing contest, Slater and his friends conspire to earn the most money in order to win the coveted prize, which does not amuse his teacher. His mother throws a Halloween Haunt party that his classmates attend, but a witch predicts Slater’s future and it isn’t looking bright. Her disturbing words worry Slater even more when he sees them written in dripping red on the classroom door.

Middle Grader Slater Hannigan is the perfect blend between Tom Sawyer and Dennis the Menace. Mischief, Book 1 by Stefania Shaffer is a hilarious children’s adventure from the Mischief Series that will keep you amused. The appealing cover illustration complements the story’s theme. Slater is every teacher’s nightmare, the child no one wants in their class.

I’m sure teachers can recall a student or two who are similar to Slater and his friends. This witty story gives excellent reflections of the student-teacher relationship in its most natural setting. The characters are well developed and unforgettable. I really like how the book is written and the author leaves intriguing hints of future adventures and mishaps to come. Not only pre-teens will love reading Mischief; adults will too.

[Vernita Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brothers Slater and Graham Hannigan are as mischievous as they come; they're always up to something. Of the two boys, Slater is the most rambunctious in Mischief Book 1: Mischief Series by Stefania Shaffer. Slater will stop at nothing when he has his mind set on something, even if it means that others are affected. Like last year, when Graham broke his arm and had to have his new souvenir Super Bowl jersey cut, that his dad had just bought him, so that he could be operated on. Did Slater feel bad? Yes, but he just had to win the monkey bar race. He was so engrossed in the activity that he didn't even know it happened. Read more https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...

Mischief

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an adorable middle grade novel packed with nonstop adventure and laughs! We meet charming and sometimes mischievous little characters that middle grade readers will certainly identify with. The families are dynamic and realistic. Reluctant readers will appreciate the easy flowing, vivid detail that makes it easy to visualize each scene in this action filled story.

If you're a fan of Halloween you are in for a REAL treat as you experience Slater's epic Halloween Haunt right along side his classmates.

I'm loving the start to this series and can't wait to see what silly situations Slater and his pals find themselves in next.

I received an ARC of Mischief. Opinions are my own.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slater is always up to mischief and gets away with it. He's also the most popular boy in school because his mom gives him these incredible elaborate halloween parties. Slater has his gang of friends always doing something he wants them to do. The last thing in the book is a tremendous mishappening by slater and his friends and I sure do wonder if they are going to get out of this last one??? Very good book of how the kids get into mischief within the school and out of school and how the teachers and parents are handling it.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Shaffer has done a fantastic job at capturing life in the classroom.

If you've been a teacher for any length of time then you have had a "Slater" in your class. Where he is, mischief follows. And of course, he is always 'innocent' of the infractions.

Whether it's the first day of school, a Halloween party, hanging out with his friends, etc., Slater's ability to make the most of his opportunities leaves his friends howling in laughter. That is until someone begins to notice the things that Slater wishes no one would see.

Just when it looks like he has turned over a new leaf, the leaves strike back.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mischief tells the tale of Slater Hannigan, a mischievous 5th grader. Slater is *the* class prankster. His mission seems to be to torment his teacher, Miss Burbank. I could tell from reading the book that the author has been a teacher (as am I).

Middle school kids would enjoy reading about this prankster and his friends. The only negative I can see is that the books is a bit wordy and sometimes seems geared toward an older audience with word choices/style.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slater is an extremely mischievous boy just starting 5th grade. His poor teacher had him for 4th grade and is so fed up with him that she even thinks of quitting. His parents can see no wrong in Slater so do nothing but enabled his behavior. Stefania Shaffer puts a lot into these characters and makes them almost real. She has put a great amount of development into Slater. The book does leave off at a cliffhanger, so look for book 2

[Jenenenicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the "Shenanigans" of Slater Hannigan. This book is for anyone who likes adventure, mystery and good old-fashioned fun! The Halloween Haunt chapter transports you to a spooky night rich in details and high-jinks. It will be interesting to see how the characters evolve over the entire four book series.

[Daina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mischief is an incredible read sure to capture the attention of even the most reluctant of readers. Shaffer brings characters to life through vivid description and lively dialogue. Within the first few pages, Slater and Graham some to life and I couldn't wait to see what shenanigan's were coming next. I highly recommend this read!

[Caitlin Zonder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cute story. Slater gets into quite a few shenanigans during the school year. As a teacher, I felt for Miss Buchanan on several occasions. His mom sure knows how to throw some amazing parties, that I would have loved to go to as a kid. Kids will really enjoy this story and like me, will want to read the next to find out what else Slater gets into!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining book, with good promise for exciting adventure for the series. The writing was descent, but the flow was a bit off. At times I thought I skipped a page as the events were not always fully developed and details felt missing. Scenes jumped around a bit. Despite this, I otherwise enjoyed the book and would recommend this for a YA reading.

[Penny Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Stefania Shaffer’s first book in her new series, MISCHIIEF, and loved it!
Perfect for middle-grade readers, with a crazy misadventures, perilous pranks and fun characters.
Highly recommend it. (Got a preview copy.)

[Pam Wallach Kefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very entertaining and well written. It was a joy to read as the characters are so well developed. I loved the plot, and the title is perfect!. A great start to a series of books, can't wait for the next one!

[Joyce Walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

More! More! More! I was drawn into this wonderful book of Mischief from the very first page. Ms. Shaffer captures the journey through adolescence of Slater in such a way that we can all recall our own childhood and remember the Slater's of our time. We saw the obnoxious young boy, but also got a glimpse of the boy with a conscience too. I look forward to reading about his next pranks and how he evolves through the next books. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you have boys. Enjoy the read!!!

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun, a great book for primary school aged kids. There's a lot of foreshadowing throughout the book which really builds up the mystery of what does Slater DO that's so bad! I'd definitely like to read on in the series :)

[Elizabeth Braden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that young readers will find engaging. Children can relate to these characters and the emotions they go through. The book also leaves a good ending while setting readers up to want more from book 2. Good job, Stefania.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an educator, I fell in love with the "poor teacher" from the beginning and could identify the main character "Slater" in my own school without hesitation. Each of the characters was real enough to stand-in for one of my students, and to make it relatable to middle-grade readers who will see themselves, and their peers in these pages. The element of mystery was wonderful, and I am excited to see that this is part of a series. More future reading for me!

[Critter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
Slater Hannigan pulls a lot of pranks in school and he never gets in trouble for his pranks. Miss Burbank had him as a student in fourth grade and in fifth grade he is once again one of her students. This was an incredible book. The characters felt very realistic. The story was very interesting and exciting.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a signed copy by the author, Stefania Shaffer. I instantly re-gifted it to a friend's very precocious bookworm (bookdragon) daughter who squealed in delight & vanished to her room. High praise indeed.

[Megan]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Clipinchick]

I received this book for free from the author/publisher in response for an honest review of the book. I have not had the opportunity to read this book at this time. I will add my
review of this book once I have read the book. Thank k you for allowing me the optometrist review your work. I look forward to reading this book.

[Rhonda Aquila]

Enjoyable read. Wasn't as predictable so many books can be. Can't wait to read rest of series!