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 he is 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, talented do-gooders with photogenic smiles and hearts of gold--is hopeless. But with a $10,000 prize on the line and Zeke's family struggling to make ends meet, he decides to give it his best shot. As Zeke concocts various plots to show everyone how "great he is, however, he finds himself wondering what that word even means. And what kind of kid he wants--and needs-to be. |
What People are saying about the greatest kid
"The world's OK-est kid makes good in this fun romp." Kirkus Reviews
"A fraught, funny tale of grief, loss, and internet fame. Poignant moments deliver a strong message that sometimes, all you can do is your best, and that's not so bad." Common Sense Media, Family Selection
"It doesn't preach to readers about doing better, going bigger, or being completely selfless, but it DOES remind us just how much the little things, or at least the things we view as little, count...how far that ripple effect reaches, and the amount of good we can do, if only we put our hearts in it." Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
"A fraught, funny tale of grief, loss, and internet fame. Poignant moments deliver a strong message that sometimes, all you can do is your best, and that's not so bad." Common Sense Media, Family Selection
"It doesn't preach to readers about doing better, going bigger, or being completely selfless, but it DOES remind us just how much the little things, or at least the things we view as little, count...how far that ripple effect reaches, and the amount of good we can do, if only we put our hearts in it." Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Great things are happening
It's not ALL doom and gloom. All over the world, people are doing incredible things. Click on any of the following links to learn about what people are up to and how you can make a difference.

LOOKING TO TEACH GREATEST KID OR USE IT AS A READ ALOUD?
Then check out this awesome Educator's Guide put together by Walden Pond Press!
Then check out this awesome Educator's Guide put together by Walden Pond Press!
Are you the greatest kid in the world?Have you done something selfless or generous, astonishing or outstanding, recently? Have you done something to make a positive difference in your community or the world at large? If so, and if you'd like to share it with me (and have permission to do so from a parent or guardian), you can fill out this form. At the end of each month, I will review all the entries and pick one reader to receive a signed copy of the book. Serious contestants only, please.
Sponsored by the Klein Agency for the Betterment of All Mankind. Only one entry per person. Winner will be contacted by email within the first week of the following month. Contact information will be used for this purpose only. No purchase necessary, though the author would love it if you would read the book at least. Check it out from the library. Libraries are awesome. Void if prohibited. Not valid in places where books are banned for no good reason. |
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