A Turn for de Wurst

Astrid is a highly gifted fifth grader who finds herself suffocating under a rigid, conformist teacher and principal, and she decides to take charge of her own education rather than wait to be rescued. Sydney Kendall's 2000 Royal Fireworks novel works on two levels at once — it's a funny, engaging story for strong middle-grade readers and a genuine argument for creative, problem-solving-centered education. The villain-teacher is a bit of a caricature, which some readers will find too broad, but the thought-stimulating conclusion earns its place. Royal Fireworks specializes in books for gifted and advanced learners, so this is a natural fit for that audience. Clean content throughout; appropriate for family-safe and school settings.