This is a cute chapter book for beginning independent readers. Carlos goes to Carver Elementary school and has worked hard to become a good student. He tries hard to play soccer to please his dad, but really wants to do something involving animals. He has an ant farm and 3 geckos, but if he gets 100 on 5 spelling tests in a row, his dad will get him a butterfly habitat and his room will be his oasis. When he finds out that his cousin Bernardo is moving in with them and will be sharing his room, he is not happy but tries to make the best of it. Bernardo is somewhat of a disappointment to Bernardo. He gets the top bunk, is awesome at soccer so steals his father's affection, does not do well in school and tries to feed the geckos popcorn. What other trouble will he cause and how will it affect Carlos. When Carlos finally realizes that Bernardo is not doing things to hurt him but is trying to fit in and get over the loss of his father, he feels bad and tries to make amends. A story with a good message about school and thinking about others. I would certainly recommend this book to school libraries, teachers for their class library and students reading beginning chapter books.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )