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The Greatest Kid in the World Hardcover – May 9, 2023

by John David Anderson (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9 ratings
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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.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  6. Publisher
    Walden Pond Press
  7. Publication date
    May 9, 2023
  8. ISBN-10
    0062986031
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0062986030
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

9780062986047 image 9780062338211 image 9780062338181 image 9780062643902 image 9780062643872 image
The Greatest Kid in the World Posted Ms. Bixby's Last Day Finding Orion Granted
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
9
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,201
4.7 out of 5 stars
660
4.6 out of 5 stars
60
4.7 out of 5 stars
242
Price $9.99 $6.39 $6.99 $8.31 $8.99
More hilarious and heartwarming middle grade stories by John David Anderson! 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. A humorous, poignant, and original contemporary story about bullying, broken friendships, social media, and the failures of communication between kids. A funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story about three boys, one teacher, and a day none of them will ever forget. An unforgettable tale of love and laughter, of fathers and sons, of what family truly means, and of the ways in which we sometimes need to lose something in order to find ourselves. A heartfelt novel about a fairy-in-training and her first wish-granting assignment.
9780062985958 image 9780062986016 image 9780062643933 image 9780062985972 image
Stowaway Homebound One Last Shot Riley's Ghost
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
57
4.5 out of 5 stars
16
4.7 out of 5 stars
70
4.1 out of 5 stars
20
Price $7.99 $9.99 $8.55 $12.89
More hilarious and heartwarming middle grade stories by John David Anderson! The first book in a coming-of-age sci-fi duology about Leo, a kid trying to navigate the galaxy in order to save his family—and, possibly, the planet Earth. The conclusion to the epic sci-fi coming-of-age tale that began in Stowaway, which Booklist called "The Mandalorian meets Guardians of the Galaxy" in a starred review. A humorous and heartwarming story of family, friendship, and miniature golf. A ghost story pulled from the darkest shadows of middle school.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The novel’s premise and the understated wit of Zeke’s engaging first person narrative make this title easy to booktalk and rewarding to read." — Booklist

About the Author

John David Anderson is the author of more than a dozen acclaimed and beloved books for kids, including the New York Times Notable Book Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, Posted, Granted, One Last Shot, Stowaway, Keep It Like a Secret, and many more. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his wonderful wife, two frawesome kids, and clumsy cat, Smudge, in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit him online at johndavidanderson.org.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Walden Pond Press (May 9, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062986031
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062986030
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 9 ratings

About the author

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John David Anderson

John David Anderson

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John David Anderson was born a long time ago to parents who loved him deeply and pretended to understand him sometimes. In 1983 he won the prestigious third place trophy in Little League and improved his handwriting grade from a D to a C. He is the author of critically acclaimed books for young people. He enjoys both writing and reading as a means of escape, though he's not always sure what he's running from (bills? feelings of inadequacy?). He attempts to use the Force on a daily basis, mostly to get his son to eat.

As yet he is unsuccessful.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
9 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rachel
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Hit by John David Anderson!
Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
I absolutely love John David Anderson's books, and this one is no exception. Zeke is a mischievous kid, and I enjoyed going on his journey with him as he discovers what greatness really means and tries his best for his family. His story is one with a lot of laughter and some tears - and, most importantly, a whole lotta heart. And I'd like to give a shoutout to Logan, who was probably my favorite character, as I loved his kindness and advice throughout the story. Thanks for another fun, wonderful, meaningful trip, John David Anderson. I can't wait to see where you take us next!
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Libmom
4.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming, fun
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023
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.
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Jessica at Cracking the Cover
5.0 out of 5 stars Broad appeal
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023
The Greatest Kid in the World is one of those books that starts off innocuously but quickly turns into something much more.

At the center of the story is Zeke, a smart kid with big ideas. Big ideas that more often than not get him into trouble. But it’s those big ideas that make him so likeable. Zeke is the kind oof kid that you’d dread as a teacher and would question as the parent of one of his friends. As you get to know him, though, you realize there’s much more to him than what’s on the surface. In his heart, Zeke’s a good kid — you just have to look past his adventurous spirit to find it.

Author John David Anderson does an excellent job realizing Zeke. His heartfelt exploration of him and his family rings true, especially when it comes to the dynamics between siblings.

The Greatest Kid in the World is an unassuming novel that will knock your socks off. It’s exactly the sort of contemporary middle grade that has appeal for everyone. It will make you laugh. It may even make you cry. It definitely will stick with you long after you finish it. I highly recommend it.
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Megan L
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book about the Greatest Kid!
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 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
One person found this helpful
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Lee
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023
Zeke receives a letter notifying him that he’s one of five finalists for the Greatest Kid in the World Competition and he could win $10,000 and a trip to Hawaii. He can’t believe it and even his mom thinks it’s a mistake. When they come to his house to confirm and tell him he will be filmed over the next four days, Zeke begins to think how he can show off how great he is. When things don’t go quite as Zeke had planned and he’s not getting many votes, he become discouraged. Logan, who’s filming Zeke, tells him you’ll figure it out. Zeke knows he can be great in his own way. Does he figure that out in time?
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Galiah Morgenstern
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2023
Another incredible John David Anderson best!! Zeke is a creative, reckless troublemaker, who is named Top 5 Greatest Kids- winning would mean a lot to his beleaguered family, but- how to win? This book had me laughing out loud, crying, wincing, cheering… Zeke’s gotta win, right??
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