3rd to 5th. Lisa Yee's engaging chapter book character Bobby Ellis-Chan is back with more family and school adventures. In Bobby The Brave (Sometimes) Bobby is trying to survive gym class, the school musical, and learn how to be with his stay at home, former professional football player, dad. Just as in the first book, readers will enjoy reading of a likeable character from a multi-cultural family where the focus is not on heritage but instead typical experiences and feelings that many 4th grade boys go through. (The exception being that it is unique to have a pro football player father.) Dan Santat's black and white pen illustrations will appeal to contemporary readers. They have comic style about them even though this is not a comic. Librarians will relish being able to hand out a book where the character has mixed heritage and is just exploring and resolving everyday kid issues. This is highly recommended book for public and elementary libraries. ( )

It's not easy having a former pro football player for a father, at least not if you're Bobby Ellis-Chan. Bobby's good at lots of things - skateboarding, being a dog in the school musical, making friends - but football is not one of them! Bobby's already worried that he's not living up to his dad's expectations, but when Bobby gets off on the wrong foot with the new PE teacher things get worse. Mr. Rainerhaus, a big fan of Bobby's dad, announces that they're going to play football in gym. Bobby's toast! Or is he?

I'm happy to report that the second installment of Bobby Ellis-Chan's adventures lives up to the first. Bobby's predicaments are relatable and illustrations by Dan Santat add to the humor in the story. Hand this one to fans of Andrew Clements and other school stories. Here's hoping there are lots more Bobby books to come! ( )