What do you think?
Rate this book
The Cybil War
Young love, told by the Newbery Medal-winning author of Summer of the Swans
Simon is in fifth grade, and every time he sees Cybil Ackerman, his heart pounds. Falling in love with her was easy, but winning her is not. Simon's best friend, Tony, is also swooning over Cybil, and he'll stop at nothing to ruin Simon's chances of impressing her. When Simon realizes what Tony is up to, the war is on... but only Cybil can decide the outcome. Who will be the lucky winner of Cybil's heart?
"Young love, fifth-grade variety, portrayed with warmth and humor and that extra, penetrating touch one expects of Byars."— Kirkus Reviews
An ALA Notable Book
Simon is in fifth grade, and every time he sees Cybil Ackerman, his heart pounds. Falling in love with her was easy, but winning her is not. Simon's best friend, Tony, is also swooning over Cybil, and he'll stop at nothing to ruin Simon's chances of impressing her. When Simon realizes what Tony is up to, the war is on... but only Cybil can decide the outcome. Who will be the lucky winner of Cybil's heart?
"Young love, fifth-grade variety, portrayed with warmth and humor and that extra, penetrating touch one expects of Byars."— Kirkus Reviews
An ALA Notable Book
128 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1981
10 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Betsy Byars
131 books157 followersBetsy Byars was an American author of children's books. She wrote over sixty books for young people. Her first novel was published in 1962. Her novel Summer of the Swans won the 1971 Newbery Medal. She also received a National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The Night Swimmers and an Edgar Award for Wanted ... Mud Blossom!!
Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.
Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 11, 2019
I love Betsy Byars novels. Their subtext, subtlety, and poignant emotion capture the joys and tribulations of growing up, and The Cybil War does this as skillfully as some of Ms. Byars's most celebrated works. The story opens with Miss McFawn assigning roles to her students for a class play about food nutrition, but actually begins a few years earlier. When Simon Newton was in first grade, his father left the family with no warning. It took time and repeated explanations from Simon's mother for the boy to accept the truth, but he learned to cope. His father wrote a handful of letters over the years, updating Simon on his latest wilderness outing or business venture in South America or across the Atlantic, but practically speaking, Simon had no father. In second grade he met Tony Angotti, whose father died before Tony turned a year old, and the two became friends even as Simon's mother expressed misgivings over Tony's habitual lying. Fast-forward to Miss McFawn's class, and the boys are still best friends...until the events leading up to the nutrition play.
Simon has felt warmly toward Cybil Ackerman ever since she defended him in class a couple of years ago, so he's chagrined when a question she asks Miss McFawn leads to Simon losing his starring role in the play. He was so close to strutting the stage as Mr. Indigestion, but Simon is okay with yielding the part to Cybil, who will be Ms. Indigestion. After class Cybil sends Harriet Haywood over to make sure there are no hard feelings, but Tony never lets things die easy. He tells Harriet to pass along an insult to Cybil, claiming it came from Simon. Harriet storms off, but not before Tony insults her, too. Simon is in trouble; what if Cybil believes he made that provocative comment about her "popsicle stick" legs? Tony has a knack for putting his friend behind the eight ball.
Even after years of his father's absence, Simon's heart aches, and his mother is tuned in to his emotions. Whether he's had a spat with Tony, been scolded by a teacher, or enjoyed a great day, she can read it on his face, and she senses now that Simon is getting frustrated with Tony. Then Simon spots Tony at Cybil's front door, telling her a story designed to make Simon look foolish. The story is true, but why would Tony blab it to the one girl who's special to Simon? Tony has no particular feelings for Cybil, he just wants to prove she should like him. As Tony presses her to return his sudden affections, Simon's resentment grows, but he's not ready to cut the cord on his friendship with Tony, and surprisingly, his mother doesn't want him to. What happened to her disapproval of Tony's stretching the truth whenever it serves his purposes? A best friend is nearly impossible to replace, but that doesn't mean Simon has to let Tony have his way with Cybil. The sensible redhead may surprise Simon, though; she's not oblivious to reality, and just might be interested in spending more time with Simon. Life holds an infinite variety of possibilities for disappointment, but just as many avenues to happiness. Simon will reach that preferred destination eventually, even if his route takes longer than expected.
The Cybil War features lovely insights, uncommonly subtle ones for a children's novel. Tony's grandfather, Pap-pap, isn't ashamed to shed tears if there's a tug on his heartstrings; he cried the first time he heard that Simon's father left. Simon hadn't wept once over his father, but came close while watching Pap-pap's sincere emotional reaction to the story. Tony's interactions with Pap-pap let Simon see a new side of his friend, one of tender concern. Tony loves Pap-pap, but dismisses his tears because they flow so often. "It doesn't mean anything", he once told Simon in front of the old man. But Pap-pap disagreed. "It means something...It means I get so full I spill over." What wonderful commentary on the significance of having your emotions easily stirred, whether for reasons of sadness, joy, or beauty. Frequent tears are overflow from a heart brimming with the stuff of life. Should not such a person be envied? No one knows better than Simon the unpredictability of life, but retreating as his father did isn't the answer, a revelation that comes to Simon in the closing pages of The Cybil War: "Because in this world, with all its troubles, even if you had to sit by Harriet Haywood in the movies in the afternoon, you could still be riding beside Cybil Ackerman in the evening." It takes patience to ride out the bad days hoping for good, but a heart's wish fulfilled leaves little doubt that life is glorious. There's no telling what tomorrow will bring, so savor your halcyon days and don't be afraid to get so full of life that you "spill over." Pap-pap certainly is a wise man.
I'm torn on my rating for The Cybil War. Two and a half stars, yes, but I can't decide whether to round up or down. The promotional copy on the front and back covers is misleading, suggesting the story is about a mischievous girl playing two boys off each other so she can bask in their adoration. Perhaps other editions of the book don't miss the point so badly, but this Apple Paperbacks version could use an external rebranding. The story relies heavily on subtext, maybe too much, but I'll still round my rating up to three stars. The Cybil War is a quality novel by one of its generation's best authors for kids. Betsy Byars is an American original.
Simon has felt warmly toward Cybil Ackerman ever since she defended him in class a couple of years ago, so he's chagrined when a question she asks Miss McFawn leads to Simon losing his starring role in the play. He was so close to strutting the stage as Mr. Indigestion, but Simon is okay with yielding the part to Cybil, who will be Ms. Indigestion. After class Cybil sends Harriet Haywood over to make sure there are no hard feelings, but Tony never lets things die easy. He tells Harriet to pass along an insult to Cybil, claiming it came from Simon. Harriet storms off, but not before Tony insults her, too. Simon is in trouble; what if Cybil believes he made that provocative comment about her "popsicle stick" legs? Tony has a knack for putting his friend behind the eight ball.
Even after years of his father's absence, Simon's heart aches, and his mother is tuned in to his emotions. Whether he's had a spat with Tony, been scolded by a teacher, or enjoyed a great day, she can read it on his face, and she senses now that Simon is getting frustrated with Tony. Then Simon spots Tony at Cybil's front door, telling her a story designed to make Simon look foolish. The story is true, but why would Tony blab it to the one girl who's special to Simon? Tony has no particular feelings for Cybil, he just wants to prove she should like him. As Tony presses her to return his sudden affections, Simon's resentment grows, but he's not ready to cut the cord on his friendship with Tony, and surprisingly, his mother doesn't want him to. What happened to her disapproval of Tony's stretching the truth whenever it serves his purposes? A best friend is nearly impossible to replace, but that doesn't mean Simon has to let Tony have his way with Cybil. The sensible redhead may surprise Simon, though; she's not oblivious to reality, and just might be interested in spending more time with Simon. Life holds an infinite variety of possibilities for disappointment, but just as many avenues to happiness. Simon will reach that preferred destination eventually, even if his route takes longer than expected.
The Cybil War features lovely insights, uncommonly subtle ones for a children's novel. Tony's grandfather, Pap-pap, isn't ashamed to shed tears if there's a tug on his heartstrings; he cried the first time he heard that Simon's father left. Simon hadn't wept once over his father, but came close while watching Pap-pap's sincere emotional reaction to the story. Tony's interactions with Pap-pap let Simon see a new side of his friend, one of tender concern. Tony loves Pap-pap, but dismisses his tears because they flow so often. "It doesn't mean anything", he once told Simon in front of the old man. But Pap-pap disagreed. "It means something...It means I get so full I spill over." What wonderful commentary on the significance of having your emotions easily stirred, whether for reasons of sadness, joy, or beauty. Frequent tears are overflow from a heart brimming with the stuff of life. Should not such a person be envied? No one knows better than Simon the unpredictability of life, but retreating as his father did isn't the answer, a revelation that comes to Simon in the closing pages of The Cybil War: "Because in this world, with all its troubles, even if you had to sit by Harriet Haywood in the movies in the afternoon, you could still be riding beside Cybil Ackerman in the evening." It takes patience to ride out the bad days hoping for good, but a heart's wish fulfilled leaves little doubt that life is glorious. There's no telling what tomorrow will bring, so savor your halcyon days and don't be afraid to get so full of life that you "spill over." Pap-pap certainly is a wise man.
I'm torn on my rating for The Cybil War. Two and a half stars, yes, but I can't decide whether to round up or down. The promotional copy on the front and back covers is misleading, suggesting the story is about a mischievous girl playing two boys off each other so she can bask in their adoration. Perhaps other editions of the book don't miss the point so badly, but this Apple Paperbacks version could use an external rebranding. The story relies heavily on subtext, maybe too much, but I'll still round my rating up to three stars. The Cybil War is a quality novel by one of its generation's best authors for kids. Betsy Byars is an American original.
June 21, 2020
Oh goodness. Byars really does know kids and know how to write both and for them, and for their adults, almost as well as Kevin Henkes The main reason I can't give this five stars is because it's too referential to current pop culture... though I'm only a few years older than these kids I only remember the names "Miss Vicki" and "Moshe Dayan" and had to look them up (though I admit, only to satisfy my own curiosity; appreciation of the story is not dependent on knowing all the references).
The secondary reason it's not perfect is because it's not subtle enough; we know exactly how Sam feels even when he's not sure himself, and we know how Tony feels inside from what Sam's mother says about him. Otoh, it's all revealed organically, and there are interesting details and nuances to all the characters, even all the supporting cast... there's enough world-building in here for a series. On the third hand, our understanding of Cybil herself is incomplete... readers could have a whole discussion about whether she even notices both boys vying for her attention (until the point at which it become obvious of course), whether she cares, whether she's encouraging them to compete for her.
How many books are there that acknowledge that fifth-graders are starting to think about what it will be like to go on dates together, about being brave enough to :gasp: hold hands? Not enough, imo, because it's such an awkward subject. You sure don't want to encourage those readers who aren't there yet, or make them feel as if they're slow... but you don't want to hide your head in the sand and pretend that a lot of them aren't already growing up.
Byars handled the whole issue with grace, tenderness, and charm. Within the context of a very funny book that could be read by even younger children who can just enjoy the adventures.
Btw, there's one more 'issue' here - Sam's father took half the family's savings and left to have a mid-life crisis all on his own. Once in awhile Sam gets a note about what adventures he's been having. No complaint from Mom about Dad's duty... aren't there laws, by 1981, about that sort of thing?
One great line, from Cybil's sister "Miss America" party. A runner-up says "Well, I better get to be Miss Congeniality or I'm going home!"
The secondary reason it's not perfect is because it's not subtle enough; we know exactly how Sam feels even when he's not sure himself, and we know how Tony feels inside from what Sam's mother says about him. Otoh, it's all revealed organically, and there are interesting details and nuances to all the characters, even all the supporting cast... there's enough world-building in here for a series. On the third hand, our understanding of Cybil herself is incomplete... readers could have a whole discussion about whether she even notices both boys vying for her attention (until the point at which it become obvious of course), whether she cares, whether she's encouraging them to compete for her.
How many books are there that acknowledge that fifth-graders are starting to think about what it will be like to go on dates together, about being brave enough to :gasp: hold hands? Not enough, imo, because it's such an awkward subject. You sure don't want to encourage those readers who aren't there yet, or make them feel as if they're slow... but you don't want to hide your head in the sand and pretend that a lot of them aren't already growing up.
Byars handled the whole issue with grace, tenderness, and charm. Within the context of a very funny book that could be read by even younger children who can just enjoy the adventures.
Btw, there's one more 'issue' here - Sam's father took half the family's savings and left to have a mid-life crisis all on his own. Once in awhile Sam gets a note about what adventures he's been having. No complaint from Mom about Dad's duty... aren't there laws, by 1981, about that sort of thing?
One great line, from Cybil's sister "Miss America" party. A runner-up says "Well, I better get to be Miss Congeniality or I'm going home!"
July 29, 2009
Simon has been in love with Cybil for three years, but now his best friend Tony seems to have his heart set on Cybil too. Tony, a loud, crude, habitual liar thinks that the best way to get a girl's attention is to insult her physical appearance and then claim to be repeating what Simon has said in private. This puts Simon in uncomfortable positions and leads to the Cybil War, an undeclared battle for the attention and affection of Cybil.
It's a good story, ringing with a quiet truth rare to find in novels aimed at middle elementary-schoolers. Byars never condescends. She allows her character to proclaim his love for a classmate and then she reminds us of what that felt like at that age. There's more to this story, because Byars develops her characters well. The reason Tony and Simon are friends in the first place, we discover, is that they have something very sad in common. We root against Tony and when Simon gets angry at his behavior, we get angry right along with him, but Byars doesn't let us think of him only in two-dimensional terms.
The book is a short 126 pages and a quick read, but it is a deep 126 pages. There's a lot to discuss here with young readers who are lucky enough to discover it. I regret that I was 40 before I got to read it, but am pleased to have read it now. Highly recommended. Thanks, Cindy!
It's a good story, ringing with a quiet truth rare to find in novels aimed at middle elementary-schoolers. Byars never condescends. She allows her character to proclaim his love for a classmate and then she reminds us of what that felt like at that age. There's more to this story, because Byars develops her characters well. The reason Tony and Simon are friends in the first place, we discover, is that they have something very sad in common. We root against Tony and when Simon gets angry at his behavior, we get angry right along with him, but Byars doesn't let us think of him only in two-dimensional terms.
The book is a short 126 pages and a quick read, but it is a deep 126 pages. There's a lot to discuss here with young readers who are lucky enough to discover it. I regret that I was 40 before I got to read it, but am pleased to have read it now. Highly recommended. Thanks, Cindy!
September 27, 2023
I first read this, when I was 11, right around the time it was published. I used to reread this book all the time as a child. Reading it again as an adult, I see how well it holds up, even though it is dated with some References of the late 70s early 80s. But I really admire how the author treats her hero as an intelligent kid.
Does anybody know who the illustrator is or was? Does not give them credit in this old paperback copy that I found.
Does anybody know who the illustrator is or was? Does not give them credit in this old paperback copy that I found.
September 1, 2020
This is one of those books I read and reread in elementary school, and then I kind of forgot about. I wanted to read it again for nostalgia's sake. As soon as I did, it all came flooding back. I think what I like best about Betsy Byars is that is is one of the best middle-grade authors at nuanced characters. Her books are short; the plots are never too complicated, but the characters are always multi-dimensional. I think the best example here is Tony. Tony is pretty much a jackass. He is a terrible friend to Simon. He lies all the time. But there are a couple of scenes where Byars shows that of course that isn't all there is to Tony. The one that got to me the most is when Pap-Pap (another damn good character who is only in a few scenes and makes a huge impact) is crying because he smells something that reminds him of his mother when he was a young boy. Instead of laughing, or ignoring him, Tony stops, and breathes in deeply, and enjoys what his great-grandmother's apron would have smelled like and talks to Pap-Pap about it. It's a nice moment, and it does a lot for the character to make him less of a caricature.
May 5, 2011
Sweet read about first love and friendship. Simon has been in love with Cybil since the second grade but has noticed recently that his best friend Tony has been trying to catch Cybil's eye. Tony plays dirty in the quest to earn Cybil's affection and Simon struggles with how to handle the situation. Simon is also dealing with his own sorrows of having a father that walked out on he and his mother for a "simpler life."
December 11, 2009
This a sweet story of young boys dealing with their first crush. Cybil is the center of attraction for 2 friends turned enemies. The book follows the boys as they try every trick possible to persuade Cybil that the other boy is not worthy of her attention. It is interesting to read about boys who have crushes instead of girls. This book has certain similarities to The Nickname Game.
September 2, 2018
This is unremarkable short story about a school crush. My boys are not into books like this and neither am I, so it was kept untouched in my home library for a long time. Recently, I decided to donate some books to my kids school, so before giving it away I wanted to read it to form an opinion and make sure I’m not giving away some hidden gem of a book. From the first few chapters I saw it is just another quick chapter book for elementary school kids- kind of read and forget variety. I’m sure it will be okay for elementary and lower middle school age kids.
January 10, 2022
I didn’t like this book because it had no humor in it. The book was really sad, and there were no adventures. There’s no point of the book. It was about two boys who liked the same girl. Her name was Cybil. The boys were Simon and Tony. Tony said bad things about Cybil, and then said that Simon said that. The Cybil chose Simon, the one who wasn’t saying bad things. The moral of the story is don’t say bad things about the people you love, and they might choose you.
Kaylyn (9 years old)
Kaylyn (9 years old)
May 12, 2022
It's kind of deeper than a typical children book. Both Simon and Tony experienced loss and Tony have a weird family dynamic, but if Simon reverse to a quiet self, Tony lies to and about everyone all the time and have an arrogant tendency.
The story funny at times, but Tony's lies pissed me off lol (Thankfully his manipulative trait doesn't fool Cybil.)
I like Cybil, she's cool and a very put up character :)
The ending is a feel-good one with a little growth on Simon. Nice read.
The story funny at times, but Tony's lies pissed me off lol (Thankfully his manipulative trait doesn't fool Cybil.)
I like Cybil, she's cool and a very put up character :)
The ending is a feel-good one with a little growth on Simon. Nice read.
April 27, 2021
This is a grammar/middle school book that I used to have and always remembered. Tracked down an old print with the drawings. It was a fun little reread. I do recommend it for grammar/middle schoolers.
November 7, 2021
A middle-grade story of first love, and of recognising and dealing with a toxic friendship. Byars grounds her writing with small details and the tragicomic ironies of real life. The result is downhearted yet somehow still easy to read, and ultimately cathartic.
August 23, 2025
I love all the 70s references in this book, down to Donny Osmond, damn the complaints about the datedness in the reviews. What isn't dated is what a complex, winning character Cybil is, and Simon. I only wish Byars had written a sequel.
September 11, 2017
a good book to re-read, and recollect what it was about...
February 21, 2018
yayayayayayayyayayyayayayyayayyayayayayyayayayayayyayaya
May 5, 2020
it is cool and good to
Read
August 10, 20231983 edition, teenbook - Rachel?
December 31, 2016
This review also appears on my blog, Read-at-Home Mom.
The Cybil War is an Apple paperback published in 1981. The story is that of an elementary school love triangle wherein best friends Simon and Tony fight to win the affections of their classmate, Cybil Ackerman. Simon has been in love with Cybil since she was kind to him after his father moved out, but Tony, a notorious liar who isn't even allowed to attend his own sister's birthday party, is in it more for the competition. Cybil herself is more than worth the fight - she's smart and generous and compassionate, and possesses an inexplicable ability to rise above the antics of her classmates, even when they aim to hurt her feelings. Though the right choice for Cybil is pretty clear early on, it's still fun following the story to its satisfying conclusion.
I think this book captures the feelings of early crushes in a very innocent and pure way. There is no real romance in this book; rather, the love Simon feels for Cybil is a very noble form of admiration where he regards her with awe more than anything else. There are some references to dating, which, even 20 years ago, was not something that happened among elementary school kids I knew. There was some "going out" but that usually just meant holding hands and spending recess together, not going to the movies, as they do in this book. The storyline matches up better with sit-coms about school life than it does with real life. Maybe kids went on dates in 1981, but it seems like it happened much more in pop culture than in reality. The book also includes a pet show, which is definitely the kind of thing I think kids dream of having, even if they never actually do it. I can still imagine that piece of the story taking place in a contemporary book.
Because this book is by Betsy Byars, I expected it to be well-written, and I was not disappointed. I was also pleasantly surprised when I realized the book is still in print and available as an e-book! It's one of the few books about love that can appeal to boys or girls - and maybe even more to boys, given the male friendship at the center of the plot. The cover could use an update, but otherwise, I think the story is a perfect choice for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders who are taking their first tentative steps toward finding love.
The Cybil War is an Apple paperback published in 1981. The story is that of an elementary school love triangle wherein best friends Simon and Tony fight to win the affections of their classmate, Cybil Ackerman. Simon has been in love with Cybil since she was kind to him after his father moved out, but Tony, a notorious liar who isn't even allowed to attend his own sister's birthday party, is in it more for the competition. Cybil herself is more than worth the fight - she's smart and generous and compassionate, and possesses an inexplicable ability to rise above the antics of her classmates, even when they aim to hurt her feelings. Though the right choice for Cybil is pretty clear early on, it's still fun following the story to its satisfying conclusion.
I think this book captures the feelings of early crushes in a very innocent and pure way. There is no real romance in this book; rather, the love Simon feels for Cybil is a very noble form of admiration where he regards her with awe more than anything else. There are some references to dating, which, even 20 years ago, was not something that happened among elementary school kids I knew. There was some "going out" but that usually just meant holding hands and spending recess together, not going to the movies, as they do in this book. The storyline matches up better with sit-coms about school life than it does with real life. Maybe kids went on dates in 1981, but it seems like it happened much more in pop culture than in reality. The book also includes a pet show, which is definitely the kind of thing I think kids dream of having, even if they never actually do it. I can still imagine that piece of the story taking place in a contemporary book.
Because this book is by Betsy Byars, I expected it to be well-written, and I was not disappointed. I was also pleasantly surprised when I realized the book is still in print and available as an e-book! It's one of the few books about love that can appeal to boys or girls - and maybe even more to boys, given the male friendship at the center of the plot. The cover could use an update, but otherwise, I think the story is a perfect choice for fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders who are taking their first tentative steps toward finding love.
May 29, 2010
This is my 10 yr old little brother's favorite book. I get so excited that he loves to read! He kept talking about this one and how much he liked it, so I bought him a copy for his birthday. He asked me if I would like to read it too, so I did.
It was a cute little story about two best friends who like the same girl. The main character, Simon is a nice, likeable guy who seems to block himself in a little bit from the troubles of his life. His best friend, Tony, is a compulsive liar who tries to make trouble for Simon and Cybil. He makes up stories and does what he can to upset people in general, and basically tries to make life miserable for as many people as he can. It feels almost typical of kids that age (like 4th grade) but Tony seems pretty harsh, although that might be more because he is placed next to nice-guy Simon. At one point, a character is talking to Tony and calls him 'juvenille' and another comments that he will spend his whole life blaming the negative pieces on things outside of his control. 'It wasn't my fault, it's because the desk was unlucky' etc. I think that sums him up quite well.
I didn't much care for the way the characters were written. I believe I would have liked this book a lot more if I had read it when I was younger. The characters were all pretty flat. I felt like there were moments when Byars tried to add depth to the characters but it never really worked. It was a cute story for younger kids, but doesn't really hold up well for the older audience.
It was a cute little story about two best friends who like the same girl. The main character, Simon is a nice, likeable guy who seems to block himself in a little bit from the troubles of his life. His best friend, Tony, is a compulsive liar who tries to make trouble for Simon and Cybil. He makes up stories and does what he can to upset people in general, and basically tries to make life miserable for as many people as he can. It feels almost typical of kids that age (like 4th grade) but Tony seems pretty harsh, although that might be more because he is placed next to nice-guy Simon. At one point, a character is talking to Tony and calls him 'juvenille' and another comments that he will spend his whole life blaming the negative pieces on things outside of his control. 'It wasn't my fault, it's because the desk was unlucky' etc. I think that sums him up quite well.
I didn't much care for the way the characters were written. I believe I would have liked this book a lot more if I had read it when I was younger. The characters were all pretty flat. I felt like there were moments when Byars tried to add depth to the characters but it never really worked. It was a cute story for younger kids, but doesn't really hold up well for the older audience.
May 30, 2016
The Cybil War is a story about two best friends who are confident and cool until a new girl moves in and throws them off their game. The boys have given accurate nicknames to the students in their school but they can't seem to come up with an accurate nickname for the new girl. She's different than anyone else they know. Before they know it, both boys are in love with her and vying for her attention. It all comes to a head at a school performance. Who will get the girl? Will the boys still be best friends when this all gets settled? Find out in Betsy Byar's middle-grade novel about life and love and friendship.
July 24, 2008
I was in the Young People Library with my kids when I ran across this book I had read in 4th grade. I remember it being a fast and fun read not only about boys who have a crush on the same girl, but about a boy dealing with the absence of his father. I think the author does a great job integrating humor into potentially sad stories. I also like her other books, "Summer of the Swans" and "The Pinballs"
July 29, 2015
3.5 interesting. Was not really a war but more like a fight over the girl. Very quick and easy for good readers. I thought that it was a little weird to make a book that was all over a girl..... Then agai I picked this one up cause Brayers is one of my favorite authors. Was not THAT impressed-- sorry Betsy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2008
Cute little 5th grade love story I found in my stack of old books from home. I like Betsy Byars, but I had forgotten how so many books in the 80's were directly or indirectly about kids dealing with divorce.
September 25, 2008
Absolutely loved this book when I was a child. A great pre-coming-of-age story about a boy dealing with an absentee father, a first crush, and a best friend who may not be much of a friend after all. Can't wait to read this to my children some day.
October 25, 2008
IT IS SORTA CORNY
November 4, 2008
I remember loving this one!
November 13, 2008
I read this a long time ago but I do remember that it was a really good book!
Read
July 1, 2009CUTE thats all I can say. But its funny no matter what age you are!
October 28, 2009
This is so good. It makes you feel that you are better than what some people might think of you, and you are.
March 29, 2011
I really liked the book The Cybil War but I felt like it had a really slow beginning and it didn't even mention Cybil War. But other than that it was awesome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews