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The Greatest Kid in the World
From the beloved author of Posted comes the story of Zeke Stahls — a thoroughly average twelve-year-old who somehow finds himself in a competition to be named the World's Greatest Kid. Zeke Stahls is not the best kid in the world. Some days he struggles just to be good . He'd rather be pulling pranks than doing extra credit, and he's too busy performing experiments on his little brother, Nate, or tormenting his older sister, Jackie, to volunteer for charity. Which is why Zeke and his entire family are shocked when they receive word that he has been selected as a contestant in an online competition to find the World's Greatest Kid. Zeke has no idea how he was chosen for this, and he knows that measuring up to the other nominees--a saintly lineup of selfless, charming and talented do-gooders with photogenic smiles and hearts of gold--is hopeless. Still, with a $10,000 cash prize on the line, and Zeke's mom struggling to hold the family together on her single-parent salary, he decides to give it his best shot. As Zeke concocts various plots to show the world just how “great” he is, however, he finds himself wondering what that word even means, and who gets to decide. And what kind of kid he wants--and needs--to be.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published May 9, 2023
16 people are currently reading
3050 people want to read
About the author
John David Anderson
21 books620 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.
John David Anderson once hit himself so hard on a dare by his sister that he literally knocked himself out of a chair and nearly blacked out. He has since translated this passion and singularity of purpose to the related arts of novel writing and pizza eating. The author of STANDARD HERO BEHAVIOR, SIDEKICKED, MINION, THE DUNGEONEERS and the soon-to-land MS. BIXBY's LAST DAY, Anderson is a firm believer in wearing the same pair of jeans for three days in a row (four in the winter) and the power of writing to solve 73% of the world's problems. He lives with his beautiful wife and twins in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 5, 2023
As always, simply adore John David Anderson's writing. And hoping Logan becomes a member of the family in a sequel.
April 6, 2023
Richie’s Picks: THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD by John David Anderson, HarperCollins/Walden Pond Press, May 2023, 368p., ISBN: 978-0-06-298603-0
“I tell you life is sweet
In spite of the misery
There's so much more
Be grateful”
– Natalie Merchant (1998)
“Zeke’s letter informing him that he might be the greatest kid in the world came while his brother was baking in the driveway.
It was a slow process, even with the yards of aluminum foil Zeke had wrapped around Nate’s scrawny frame. He’d emptied the whole box–enough foil to wallpaper the living room, making his little brother look like the world’s very first Reynolds Wrap mummy. The sky was spotty with clouds, the sun peaking through and glinting off the metallic statue of Nathan Stahls standing with his arms straight out like a scarecrow.
‘Do I have superpowers yet?’ Nate murmured from the hole Zeke had poked with a butter knife close to where he assumed his brother’s mouth should be.
‘Not yet,’ Zeke said. ‘Patience. It will happen when it happens.’
Or not. Zeke thought, but it had been important to tell Nate something. If Zeke had said I want to wrap you up in aluminum foil and stick you out in the sun and see what happens, Nate might have balked at the idea. So instead, Zeke put on his straightest face (much practiced, nearly perfected) and said, ‘I learned in science class that if you can find a way to harness the energy of the sun, it can give you superpowers.’”
Oh. My. Gosh! From that opening passage onward, this book is beyond hysterical! Page after page, Zeke’s schemes and musings had me in stitches. There were stretches when my entire rib cage ached from laughing so hard and so often.
And then, the tale turned a corner and made me sob.
Oftentimes, I am moved to write about a book because it contains underlying issues or concepts that I think are essential for young people to read about. Engaging books that help kids see beyond their parent’s hell, beyond the bs and prejudices too often dished out by ignorant adults, social media posters, or bullies. Books that positively depict diversity and can sometimes even save a life.
And there are times that I am excited to write about a book because it’s so much fun, so meaningful and memorable, that it can readily contribute to kids developing serious reading addictions. THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD is this sort of book.
Zeke Stahls is a good-hearted but mischievous young man who comes up with some pretty wacky schemes. His mother is sick of having to come to school and talk to the principal about what he’s done now.
Mom is struggling financially and emotionally as a single mom. Why Zeke’s dad is no longer in the picture is one of the mysteries of this book. But the biggest mystery is why Zeke would get picked as one of five kids from around the U.S. to participate in a “Greatest Kid in the World” contest. Everyone–including Zeke–is mystified as to how some computer algorithm has chosen him as one of those five finalists.
Each of the finalists is to be videotaped over several days. The daily footage will be edited down and posted online, and the public will then cast daily votes for the contestant they support for winning the Greatest Kid title, along with the grand prize of $10,000 and a family trip to Hawaii.
A standout tween read, THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD is the coming-of-age story of Zeke’s week in the spotlight. It's a powerful, moving, and laugh-aloud tale of an inventive young man in a dysfunctional family that is teetering on the edge. I don’t want to give away any more of the events that transpire over that week, but man, oh man this is absolutely one not to miss.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“I tell you life is sweet
In spite of the misery
There's so much more
Be grateful”
– Natalie Merchant (1998)
“Zeke’s letter informing him that he might be the greatest kid in the world came while his brother was baking in the driveway.
It was a slow process, even with the yards of aluminum foil Zeke had wrapped around Nate’s scrawny frame. He’d emptied the whole box–enough foil to wallpaper the living room, making his little brother look like the world’s very first Reynolds Wrap mummy. The sky was spotty with clouds, the sun peaking through and glinting off the metallic statue of Nathan Stahls standing with his arms straight out like a scarecrow.
‘Do I have superpowers yet?’ Nate murmured from the hole Zeke had poked with a butter knife close to where he assumed his brother’s mouth should be.
‘Not yet,’ Zeke said. ‘Patience. It will happen when it happens.’
Or not. Zeke thought, but it had been important to tell Nate something. If Zeke had said I want to wrap you up in aluminum foil and stick you out in the sun and see what happens, Nate might have balked at the idea. So instead, Zeke put on his straightest face (much practiced, nearly perfected) and said, ‘I learned in science class that if you can find a way to harness the energy of the sun, it can give you superpowers.’”
Oh. My. Gosh! From that opening passage onward, this book is beyond hysterical! Page after page, Zeke’s schemes and musings had me in stitches. There were stretches when my entire rib cage ached from laughing so hard and so often.
And then, the tale turned a corner and made me sob.
Oftentimes, I am moved to write about a book because it contains underlying issues or concepts that I think are essential for young people to read about. Engaging books that help kids see beyond their parent’s hell, beyond the bs and prejudices too often dished out by ignorant adults, social media posters, or bullies. Books that positively depict diversity and can sometimes even save a life.
And there are times that I am excited to write about a book because it’s so much fun, so meaningful and memorable, that it can readily contribute to kids developing serious reading addictions. THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD is this sort of book.
Zeke Stahls is a good-hearted but mischievous young man who comes up with some pretty wacky schemes. His mother is sick of having to come to school and talk to the principal about what he’s done now.
Mom is struggling financially and emotionally as a single mom. Why Zeke’s dad is no longer in the picture is one of the mysteries of this book. But the biggest mystery is why Zeke would get picked as one of five kids from around the U.S. to participate in a “Greatest Kid in the World” contest. Everyone–including Zeke–is mystified as to how some computer algorithm has chosen him as one of those five finalists.
Each of the finalists is to be videotaped over several days. The daily footage will be edited down and posted online, and the public will then cast daily votes for the contestant they support for winning the Greatest Kid title, along with the grand prize of $10,000 and a family trip to Hawaii.
A standout tween read, THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD is the coming-of-age story of Zeke’s week in the spotlight. It's a powerful, moving, and laugh-aloud tale of an inventive young man in a dysfunctional family that is teetering on the edge. I don’t want to give away any more of the events that transpire over that week, but man, oh man this is absolutely one not to miss.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
June 19, 2023
The first chapter got my attention. It’s totally John David Anderson’s style - every character is well-developed, there’s a surprise or two, and you may cry at the end. I loved Zeke’s development through the three-day contest, and Jackie’s character was spot on.
June 16, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author, thank you Mr. Anderson for the opportunity to read it! I tore through this book and have been looking forward to reading it for quite some time! I have to say this book was amazing! The characters were relatable and the jokes were hilarious. The plot was very interesting, and I like the competition. Overall, this book had me hooked the entire time! Readers will enjoy watching Zeke and his family on their journey in The Greatest Kid in the World competition!
Overall, I would rate this book 4.8 stars. It's a very kid-friendly book, and a great read!
Overall, I would rate this book 4.8 stars. It's a very kid-friendly book, and a great read!
notes-on-unfinished-books
July 30, 2023I read about 20 pages.
It was just okay. It held my interest pretty well. I liked the premise. The characters were doing interesting things, but didn't have enough traits to feel filled in. I think my issue is that it felt like a Gordon Korman premise without the Gordon Korman execution. Maybe that's unfair.
It was just okay. It held my interest pretty well. I liked the premise. The characters were doing interesting things, but didn't have enough traits to feel filled in. I think my issue is that it felt like a Gordon Korman premise without the Gordon Korman execution. Maybe that's unfair.
November 20, 2023
THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD is a hilarious book that literally had me laughing out loud. Zeke's natural creativity and curiosity, combined with a 12-year-old boy's mischievousness, make him a fun train wreck of a character from whom you never know quite what to expect. The thing that keeps him likable is his fierce devotion to his little brother and his desire to help his mother (thoughtfulness is a trait he develops as the story goes on, but he's concerned for her from the beginning). Zeke's yearning to make life better for his family, no matter what crazy antics he has to undertake, make him sympathetic, relatable, and root-worthy.
While the novel has an upbeat, humorous tone, it's not without depth. Quietly poignant, it ruminates on family relationships, the loss of a parent, and what it really means to be a good person, even a great one. Does it only count if you do noble deeds to get likes on social media or votes in an online contest? Is anyone really great ALL the time? Are there people in your life who exhibit greatness every day on the down low simply by being there for you? The story brings up discussion-worthy questions like these in a way that is subtle, entertaining, and fun. While there are plenty of serious, heavy middle-grade books out there about how the absence of a parent affects children, THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD stands out because of its lighter, more balanced approach to the subject. While it doesn't dismiss the Stahles' pain, it doesn't dwell on it either; it uses humor to explore grief in a healthy, humorous way that strikes exactly the right chord for a middle-grade audience. I'm hardly its target reader, but I adore this book and highly recommend it to anyone craving an enjoyable read with poignant undertones.
While the novel has an upbeat, humorous tone, it's not without depth. Quietly poignant, it ruminates on family relationships, the loss of a parent, and what it really means to be a good person, even a great one. Does it only count if you do noble deeds to get likes on social media or votes in an online contest? Is anyone really great ALL the time? Are there people in your life who exhibit greatness every day on the down low simply by being there for you? The story brings up discussion-worthy questions like these in a way that is subtle, entertaining, and fun. While there are plenty of serious, heavy middle-grade books out there about how the absence of a parent affects children, THE GREATEST KID IN THE WORLD stands out because of its lighter, more balanced approach to the subject. While it doesn't dismiss the Stahles' pain, it doesn't dwell on it either; it uses humor to explore grief in a healthy, humorous way that strikes exactly the right chord for a middle-grade audience. I'm hardly its target reader, but I adore this book and highly recommend it to anyone craving an enjoyable read with poignant undertones.
February 21, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Zeke lives with his college aged sister Jasmine, younger brother Nate, and hardworking, department store assistant manager mother in a typical suburban ranch. He misses his dad, and reads a box of postcards that his father has sent from the road often. It's a little hectic in the house, and Zeke adds to the frenetic energy by frequently doing ill advised pranks and getting in trouble at school or getting injured at home. When he gets a letter telling his mother that he is a finalist in a Greatest Kid in the World contest, he doesn't tell him mother because he assumes it is a joke. When Mr. Notts and cameraman Logan show up to film Zeke for the show, even his mother doesn't believe them. The Klein Agency for the Betterment of All Mankind, also known as KABAM? Sounds suspicious. But since there is a $10,000 prize and a trip to Hawaii for the winner, his mother is all in. There are four other finalists, and when Zeke looks up their videos about why they were chosen, his disbelief is further reinforced. They pack lunches for the homeless, help three legged puppies. How can he compete? It's summer, so Jasmine is in charge of the boys, and Zeke has to be filmed doing whatever it is that will make him the greatest. At first, Jasmine tries to organize games and activities with the boys that will make them all look good, but that doesn't seem to work. Zeke decides that maybe he should try a number of Guinness World Record Book activities, and maybe that will be the key, but that's not right either. When the KABAM organizers want to delve into the issue of Zeke's father, he knows that he has to come clean about his life.
Strengths: This was a great portrait of modern day children in a family setting. The mother is very busy with work and doesn't cook as much; Jasmine makes a lot of macaroni and cheese. Zeke's behavior at school is, unfortunately, not uncommon, and I did like the surprise twist that made the behavior seem somewhat understandable. I also liked the fact that Zeke finally sees the effect that his behavior has on his mother and his family, and thinks about changing. There are lots of funny scenes, and the book is generally upbeat, although does include some sad things that I don't want to spoil.
Weaknesses: I would have liked to know more about how Zeke ended up on KABAM's radar, given his complete lack of service related projects! Also, I kept thinking that KABAM was secretly full of space aliens or criminal masterminds, because I read a LOT of middle grade literature!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like a mixture of humor and sadness, like Allbright's Milo Moss is Officially Unamazing, or Gephart's Death By Toilet Paper.
Ms. Yingling
Zeke lives with his college aged sister Jasmine, younger brother Nate, and hardworking, department store assistant manager mother in a typical suburban ranch. He misses his dad, and reads a box of postcards that his father has sent from the road often. It's a little hectic in the house, and Zeke adds to the frenetic energy by frequently doing ill advised pranks and getting in trouble at school or getting injured at home. When he gets a letter telling his mother that he is a finalist in a Greatest Kid in the World contest, he doesn't tell him mother because he assumes it is a joke. When Mr. Notts and cameraman Logan show up to film Zeke for the show, even his mother doesn't believe them. The Klein Agency for the Betterment of All Mankind, also known as KABAM? Sounds suspicious. But since there is a $10,000 prize and a trip to Hawaii for the winner, his mother is all in. There are four other finalists, and when Zeke looks up their videos about why they were chosen, his disbelief is further reinforced. They pack lunches for the homeless, help three legged puppies. How can he compete? It's summer, so Jasmine is in charge of the boys, and Zeke has to be filmed doing whatever it is that will make him the greatest. At first, Jasmine tries to organize games and activities with the boys that will make them all look good, but that doesn't seem to work. Zeke decides that maybe he should try a number of Guinness World Record Book activities, and maybe that will be the key, but that's not right either. When the KABAM organizers want to delve into the issue of Zeke's father, he knows that he has to come clean about his life.
Strengths: This was a great portrait of modern day children in a family setting. The mother is very busy with work and doesn't cook as much; Jasmine makes a lot of macaroni and cheese. Zeke's behavior at school is, unfortunately, not uncommon, and I did like the surprise twist that made the behavior seem somewhat understandable. I also liked the fact that Zeke finally sees the effect that his behavior has on his mother and his family, and thinks about changing. There are lots of funny scenes, and the book is generally upbeat, although does include some sad things that I don't want to spoil.
Weaknesses: I would have liked to know more about how Zeke ended up on KABAM's radar, given his complete lack of service related projects! Also, I kept thinking that KABAM was secretly full of space aliens or criminal masterminds, because I read a LOT of middle grade literature!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like a mixture of humor and sadness, like Allbright's Milo Moss is Officially Unamazing, or Gephart's Death By Toilet Paper.
Ms. Yingling
July 31, 2025
(Actual rating: 3.5 stars)
This book had an interesting premise. The main character is a smart kid with a penchant for all kinds of pranks which gets him in trouble frequently at school and at home, especially with his gullible younger brother who clearly loves his older brother while ending up as the guinea pig for a lot of the main character's pranks. The book opens with a sene where the main character has used all of the aluminum foil to wrap up his brother, convincing him that doing so will give him superpowers. When the duo calls it quits on the "experiment", the main character checks the mail and finds a letter telling him that he is a finalist for a "Greatest Kid in the World" contest. He thinks it's a joke but it turns out to be real and involves fine days of filming and online voting. One does have to suspend disbelief a bit in a doable way. Throughout the story, the main character learns how his behavior has affected others and been affected by various events in his life. That ending though? At first it seems like the resolution will wrap up nicely but then the final scene feels like an abrupt curtain drop leaving the resolution - in my mind - unresolved. I did not mind the book but that ending definitely dropped it down for me.
This book had an interesting premise. The main character is a smart kid with a penchant for all kinds of pranks which gets him in trouble frequently at school and at home, especially with his gullible younger brother who clearly loves his older brother while ending up as the guinea pig for a lot of the main character's pranks. The book opens with a sene where the main character has used all of the aluminum foil to wrap up his brother, convincing him that doing so will give him superpowers. When the duo calls it quits on the "experiment", the main character checks the mail and finds a letter telling him that he is a finalist for a "Greatest Kid in the World" contest. He thinks it's a joke but it turns out to be real and involves fine days of filming and online voting. One does have to suspend disbelief a bit in a doable way. Throughout the story, the main character learns how his behavior has affected others and been affected by various events in his life. That ending though? At first it seems like the resolution will wrap up nicely but then the final scene feels like an abrupt curtain drop leaving the resolution - in my mind - unresolved. I did not mind the book but that ending definitely dropped it down for me.
March 25, 2023
DISCLAIMER: I received a digital review copy of The Greatest Kid in the World via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
My first John David Anderson book was Ms. Bixby’s Last Day back in 2017. I was not planning on reading this book, it wasn’t on my TBR, but one listen to the sample of the audiobook and I was intrigued.
It was one of my favorite books of that year. And now, I’ve read 9 of his 13 books.
And I’ve loved every single one.
This, of course, was no exception. While I don’t think it was quite as good as the likes of Ms. Bixby and Posted, it still had all the same heart and humor that Anderson has become a master at.
Of all his books, it probably reminds me most of Finding Orion (which I *highly* recommend if you haven’t read it) with its focus on family and grief (+whacky and zany antics the protagonist gets into while still balancing it perfectly with the angst).
And yes, I’m definitely reading it again when it releases in May.
My first John David Anderson book was Ms. Bixby’s Last Day back in 2017. I was not planning on reading this book, it wasn’t on my TBR, but one listen to the sample of the audiobook and I was intrigued.
It was one of my favorite books of that year. And now, I’ve read 9 of his 13 books.
And I’ve loved every single one.
This, of course, was no exception. While I don’t think it was quite as good as the likes of Ms. Bixby and Posted, it still had all the same heart and humor that Anderson has become a master at.
Of all his books, it probably reminds me most of Finding Orion (which I *highly* recommend if you haven’t read it) with its focus on family and grief (+whacky and zany antics the protagonist gets into while still balancing it perfectly with the angst).
And yes, I’m definitely reading it again when it releases in May.
February 2, 2023
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it,
Zeke is a lot of things. Creative, inventive, intelligent. But he'd never thought of himself as great. Unless, of course, it was great at finding ways to get into trouble.
So, when he gets a letter telling him he's been picked as one of 5 finalists in the "Greatest kid in the world" contest, he thinks it's a joke. Then he realizes how much the money would help his family, and how nice a trip to Hawaii would be...
Zeke is a relatable protagonist. He's not a perfect kid, doesn't have a perfect family, and is trying to hold it together when things are falling apart. A lot of kids are like that, too. Zeke's struggles to find his way through the contest, and the lessons he learns, will make this an enjoyable book for young readers, and possibly give them something to think about as well. This is a solid book that would be appropriate for school and classroom libraries.
Zeke is a lot of things. Creative, inventive, intelligent. But he'd never thought of himself as great. Unless, of course, it was great at finding ways to get into trouble.
So, when he gets a letter telling him he's been picked as one of 5 finalists in the "Greatest kid in the world" contest, he thinks it's a joke. Then he realizes how much the money would help his family, and how nice a trip to Hawaii would be...
Zeke is a relatable protagonist. He's not a perfect kid, doesn't have a perfect family, and is trying to hold it together when things are falling apart. A lot of kids are like that, too. Zeke's struggles to find his way through the contest, and the lessons he learns, will make this an enjoyable book for young readers, and possibly give them something to think about as well. This is a solid book that would be appropriate for school and classroom libraries.
May 2, 2023
This has appeal to kids who like reading about troublemakers, the kind that would start an underwear revolution or shoot soda off their roof. I wish it was a tad shorter for those kids, because coming in at 368 pages without illustrations, the Wimpy Kid crowd may not persevere to the ending which features plenty of mayhem, but is ultimately more heartwarming than silly. I got choked up at the end, but more for grownup reasons, so I can't wait to give this to kids to see what they think.
It's got a great hook: what if you got a letter that said you'd been hand selected as one of only five kids in the United States to enter a contest to be named the Greatest Kid in the World?!? There are also compelling questions about our choices on and off screen in a world where so much is recorded. One of the driving questions is outwardly stated: "Were people only good when they knew someone was watching them?" (257) John David Anderson has come up with another winner!
It's got a great hook: what if you got a letter that said you'd been hand selected as one of only five kids in the United States to enter a contest to be named the Greatest Kid in the World?!? There are also compelling questions about our choices on and off screen in a world where so much is recorded. One of the driving questions is outwardly stated: "Were people only good when they knew someone was watching them?" (257) John David Anderson has come up with another winner!
May 9, 2023
Zeke has no idea why he got a letter announcing that he was one of five tweens chosen to compete for the title of Greatest Kid in the World. Four days of filming Zeke at home, nightly video posts and online voting, a monetary grand prize and a trip to Hawaii. Older sister Jackie knows there’s been some mistake. Zeke is messy, thoughtless, and addicted to pranks that keep him in trouble at school. Younger brother Nate already thinks Zeke is awesome because the mischief he thinks up is always entertaining, while Mom is too tired working extra shifts and just barely keeping the household together to have much of an opinion. The other contestants are paragons of virtue while Zeke’s video submissions tend toward failed Guinness Book records, but they are funny and show Zeke and his family finally able to confront their sorrow at the loss of Dad. Upper elementary class read aloud potential! EARC from Edelweiss.
August 26, 2023
Zeke can’t seem to help but attract trouble and it is wearing on his mother to constantly have to meet with the school. His older sister is supposed to be taking care of Zeke and his little brother but she stays locked up in her room most days. It’s up to Zeke to find fun – and sometimes dangerous – activities for his little brother. From wrapping Nate up completely in foil to bake in superpowers to zip-lining from the roof to riding a skateboard down a 3-story slide at the playground, Zeke has tried it all. When Zeke receives a letter inviting him to participate in the Greatest Kid in the World contest as one of the 5 finalists, he assumes it’s a joke and tosses the letter. It turns out to be real and comes with a $10,000 prize plus a trip to Hawaii. With the help of the cameraman and his sister, Zeke and his family finally start to reconnect as a family, but will Zeke win the contest? This is a funny and at times bittersweet story of the power of family.
Read
March 18, 2023Twelve year old Zeke is pretty much a screw-up. He's smart enough so he gets decent grades but he's always getting into misadventures. His teachers, mom and older sister Jackie are frustrated with his exploits, but younger brother Nate reveres him. Postcards from Dad are included in the story but clearly Dad is no longer around. The family seems to be barely functioning when Zeke is invited to be a candidate for a Greatest Kid in the World show vying for prize money the family desperately needs. Zeke's antics are beyond goofy and he's clearly not a great candidate for the show, but the week of filming provides the catalyst for the Sthal's to move from a traumatized, dysfuctional family to a loving group ready to move forward as a team. A cute read with an unrealistic, whacky set-up; coming in May.
April 26, 2023
Thank you to #NetGalley, John David Anderson and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Zeke Stahls, a normal but trouble making 12-year-old, somehow finds himself in "The Greatest Kid in the World" competition. Zeke is no where near the good kid the others in the competition are, but he's determined to try to start doing better. If he wins, he will win $10,000. Money his family desperately needs since his family is on a single family income. Will this competition teach Zeke that there's a different way to be "great"?
I loved this book! I think Zeke's situation is very similar to what kids are going through today. I really liked all the characters and Zeke really grew on me as the story went on. I also enjoyed Logan's character. I hope that if there is a sequel, Logan will make another appearance.
Zeke Stahls, a normal but trouble making 12-year-old, somehow finds himself in "The Greatest Kid in the World" competition. Zeke is no where near the good kid the others in the competition are, but he's determined to try to start doing better. If he wins, he will win $10,000. Money his family desperately needs since his family is on a single family income. Will this competition teach Zeke that there's a different way to be "great"?
I loved this book! I think Zeke's situation is very similar to what kids are going through today. I really liked all the characters and Zeke really grew on me as the story went on. I also enjoyed Logan's character. I hope that if there is a sequel, Logan will make another appearance.
May 10, 2023
Dave does it again!!! This book had me laughing out loud and also reaching for my box of tissues. Zeke isn't the world's greatest kid. Sometimes he struggles just to be slightly-good, preferring to pull pranks and perform experiments on his little brother. So he's more shocked than anyone when a letter arrives in the mail informing him that he's in the running for the title of The Greatest Kid in the World, which comes with a $10,000 prize. Knowing how his mom is struggling to keep the family afloat financially since his dad's been gone, he decides to play the part and hope for the best.
There is so much heart in this book. It's highly readable for a wide-range of kids and packs an emotional punch without being preachy or cliche. John David Anderson is one of those rare authors who just intrinsically gets middle-school boys and you'll want to hand this book to all of them.
There is so much heart in this book. It's highly readable for a wide-range of kids and packs an emotional punch without being preachy or cliche. John David Anderson is one of those rare authors who just intrinsically gets middle-school boys and you'll want to hand this book to all of them.
April 16, 2023
This book started out a little slow, but ended up being such a great read! I absolutely loved it. Zeke, an ordinary twelve-year-old kid who is generally up to no good, gets nominated as one of the "Greatest Kids in the World". He will be filmed over the course of a week and people will vote to decide which of five kids would be deemed the greatest. The winner will receive a trip to Hawaii and $10,000. Zeke is determined to be great and win the prize for himself and his family, who can really use the money. Zeke needs to show his best self, and will learn what it truly means to be great along the way. An awesome read for MG kids and beyond.
Some of the language used in the book may be better suited for middle school and up, but the story itself is great for mature third graders and up
Some of the language used in the book may be better suited for middle school and up, but the story itself is great for mature third graders and up
May 8, 2023
Zeke is the star of this book. He’s what adults often call “creative” or “energetic” in a way parents know isn’t a compliment. Imagine everyone’s surprise when he is one of the 5 finalists in the “greatest kid in the world” competition. Suddenly a boring summer is anything but because even though he’s pretty sure he’s not so great, $10,000 badly needed dollars are at stake and he’s going to do his best to earn them. There is a lot of heart on these pages. The family is dealing with a loss and sibling and parent-child relationships are at the center of the story. That being said, this is a great one for kids who love humor in their chapter books. What shines is Zeke, his heart, but also his uncanny ability to dream up ridiculous shenanigans.
November 5, 2024
Lily and her family have moved in with her grandmother to help care for her. While navigating a new city, new friends, and a whole new life, Lily also has a “small” problem: she keeps seeing an invisible tiger, like the ones in the stories her Halmoni has told her her whole life. When the tiger eventually communicates with Lily, she’s faced with an important but dangerous choice that could bring healing to her Halmoni … if the tiger can be trusted. This moving novel, which combines Korean folklore, magical realism, and occasional humor, tackles many important issues for tweens, including changing relationships with siblings and parents, facing death and grief, exploring the nuances of identity and personality, and facing mistakes with humility.
February 23, 2023
DRC from Netgalley and Walden Pond Press.
Another fun and heartwarming story by Anderson.
Zeke, who is always in trouble at school for pulling pranks and causing disruption, is nominated for an award; Greatest Kid in the World. When the letter arrives, he thinks it is a hoax and tosses the letter in the bushes. But the next morning, the director and his cameraman show up with paperwork and contract and the lure of winning $10,000. Zeke knows his single mom and two siblings could really use this money. He decides to give it a shot. What follows is a dysfunctional family wallowing in grief learning to come back together and find happiness.
Another fun and heartwarming story by Anderson.
Zeke, who is always in trouble at school for pulling pranks and causing disruption, is nominated for an award; Greatest Kid in the World. When the letter arrives, he thinks it is a hoax and tosses the letter in the bushes. But the next morning, the director and his cameraman show up with paperwork and contract and the lure of winning $10,000. Zeke knows his single mom and two siblings could really use this money. He decides to give it a shot. What follows is a dysfunctional family wallowing in grief learning to come back together and find happiness.
April 27, 2023
This was a heartwarming story! I thought the characters were well developed and enjoyed their individual personalities. I liked the story line as well. Fun concept and it is written perfectly. The conversations were not only funny at times but also meaningful. The relationship of the main character, Zeke, and his mother was perfection and real to life. The ending was great, made sense, and written true to the characters in the story. Overall, a really good book!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.
July 21, 2025
The Greatest Kid in the World was very addicting I could not put this book down. The author really showed that he was expected by everyone to be a trouble maker and nothing more but as you get deeper into the book you start to realize that he has a kind heart by looking out for his brother, mom, sister, and strangers he meets along his journey as the possibly greatest kid. In just the five days that he’s filmed for the greatest kid award he gets shot down with obstacle after obstacle that he has been avoiding until it blows up. Luckily he has the love and support of his family to help guide him and stand side by side with his challenges.
February 4, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy to review.
Zeke never thought of himself as great, unless you were talking about getting into trouble. But he receives a letter that he is a finalist in the "Greatest Kid" contest. Follow Zeke on his way through the contest.
This book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom library. Zeke is a very relatable character. I think kids will enjoy his story.
Zeke never thought of himself as great, unless you were talking about getting into trouble. But he receives a letter that he is a finalist in the "Greatest Kid" contest. Follow Zeke on his way through the contest.
This book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom library. Zeke is a very relatable character. I think kids will enjoy his story.
September 16, 2023
This reads a bit like Gary Schmidt's Pay Attention, Carter Jones. I did cry at the end, and I think this book is Anderson's most like Ms. Bixby's Last Day since Ms. Bixby's Last Day. Every book he's written since, I've more or less written the same review, that it's no Ms. Bixby's Last Day, but Anderson is a good writer, and I'll read anything he writes. So now that I've kinda gotten my wish, why is it I no longer feel I need to read everything Anderson might write in the future? Strange.
October 17, 2023
I kept waiting for the twist that would show us that the other contestants were also not great, or that our MC had been chosen for some unknown reason, so that left me in a state of confusion and anticipation. Although it didn't go as I expected, I liked Zeke and his family's growth throughout the book. Like him, I'm still not sure how he ended up on the list of finalists in the first place, but I guess that's not the point of the book.
July 15, 2025
I haven’t read a JDA book since Ms. Bixby (which wrecked me - in a good way), and this book has convinced me that I have made a mistake with this choice.
This story was delightful, goofy, and heartfelt! I kept thinking what a good read aloud it would be for my 5th graders.
I think a lot of kids will see themselves in Zeke. Impulsive, but good hearted. ❤️
I adore the family dynamic in this, especially.
This story was delightful, goofy, and heartfelt! I kept thinking what a good read aloud it would be for my 5th graders.
I think a lot of kids will see themselves in Zeke. Impulsive, but good hearted. ❤️
I adore the family dynamic in this, especially.
September 8, 2025
Pacing issues through the first third of the book. But, the ending was well worth the read. Zeke was our middle child that was NOT the over-achiever & humanitarian that should have been in the "Greatest Kid In The World" competition. Yet, someone entered him. The cameraman took pity on Zeke during the tapings and helped him out. This was a coming-of-age story with a sweet ending. Quite emotional. Enjoy.
April 10, 2023
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I am not sure how Zeke attracted the attention of KABAM, the company behind a contest to select the greatest kid in the world, but when he finds himself to be a finalist, Zeke knows he has a lot of work to do. Readers will enjoy following along as the contest progresses and watching Zeke become “great”.
I am not sure how Zeke attracted the attention of KABAM, the company behind a contest to select the greatest kid in the world, but when he finds himself to be a finalist, Zeke knows he has a lot of work to do. Readers will enjoy following along as the contest progresses and watching Zeke become “great”.
April 12, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book! I have loved John David Anderson's writing since his first book. This latest one is among my favorites. Full of humor and heart, this leaves you contemplating the question, what does it mean to be great? I think middle grade readers will fall in love with Zeke and his family. 💚
notes-on-unfinished-books
July 31, 2023I read about 20 pages.
It was just okay. It held my interest pretty well. I liked the premise. The characters were doing interesting things, but didn't have enough traits to feel filled in. I think my issue is that it felt like a Gordon Korman premise without the Gordon Korman execution. Maybe that's unfair.
It was just okay. It held my interest pretty well. I liked the premise. The characters were doing interesting things, but didn't have enough traits to feel filled in. I think my issue is that it felt like a Gordon Korman premise without the Gordon Korman execution. Maybe that's unfair.
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