Dewey Fairchild, Sibling Problem Solver

Dewey Fairchild #3

by Lorri Horn

In this third book of the Dewey Fairchild series, young entrepreneur and problem-solver Dewey helps other kids face perhaps the toughest challenge yet: siblings. Whether it's a brother chasing his sister around with a fart in a jar, or kids coping with the over-the-top festivities for new babies-on-the-way, Dewey is always ready for a new challenge.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2019

About the author

Lorri Horn is an educator and the author of the Dewey Fairchild Problem Solver middle grade series, published by Chicago Review Press. The first in that series earned a Kirkus starred review and was selected for their “Best Middle Grade Books of 2017.” The trilogy was translated and released in China, February 2020. Additionally, her work has appeared in the Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times Sunday Opinion, Phi Delta Kappan, and Advanced Placement (AP) Central. Lorri has been a National Board Certified Teacher, has a degree in English, a teaching credential, and a Masters of Education. In addition to literature and writing, she also studied biological anthropology and human behavior. Lorri taught public school and served as an instructional leader for 15 years. Her background brings to her work a unique insight and a warm sense of humor regarding the needs and perspectives of children and family dynamics.

Reviews

[Sophia The Book Fairy · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by Net Galley in exchange of an honest review.
3 stars!
what an entertaining little book! I hope to someday read the first two books in this series so I can make more connections, but I really enjoyed this!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this newest adventure, Dewey has discovered some personal learning along with helping others solve sibling problems. The first problem begins with a 'parent' problem. Archie Thomas' mother won't allow video games during the week, but when they compromise with Dewey's help, the older sister is dismayed because Archie's mother is now entranced with the social media interactions, and managing to embarrass her daughter. After figuring that out, a new client emerges, a girl whose brother won't leave her alone and does some fairly mean things to her often. Dewey's problem-solving, and enticing stake-out to observe the problem is real research. Reading about his thinking, then connecting it to his own life for the solution shows Dewey is growing older and realizing that his life is not perfect either. He needs to find a few solutions for himself, too.
Oh my, Dewey has another personal problem! little sister Pooh Bear manages to figure out Dewey's secret office in the attic, and when she and older sister Stephanie slide through the air vents (yes, that's the entry!), Dewey struggles with the solution. What to do, what to do?
As in the first two books, social problems are also tackled by Lorri Horn. In the book about teacher problem-solving, the rights of children to speak their minds and protest is respected and upheld. This time, with a description of Dewey's solution to the bothersome brother problem, discussion of colors denoting gender and how those beliefs started is included in a solution that did not go well. Dewey's work is not always perfect! More adventures with drones and now those that take pictures also take place. And, descriptions of the characters show the author wants to be sure that readers know diverse kids and adults are in Dewey's life.
Clara, the endearing, next-door neighbor who is Dewey's assistant keeps the support going, too. She and her dog, Wolfie, are mainstays in Dewey's life, along with the family. Their support, warm and fun conversations bring a feel-good vibe to all the stories.
There is a lot to love in these books that will entertain, but also inform thinking for readers. I enjoyed each one.

Thanks to Amberjack Publishing for the copy!