Aaron Wesley Haberman’s sixth-grade teacher, Ms. Newhouse, just made Aaron’s day, having assigned his crush, the beautiful Kristin Kramer, to his history-of-Halloween special project group. This could be Aaron’s big chance, as long as he doesn’t blow it! Unfortunately, he has a problem: he can’t talk to Kristin without turning bright red.
Thus begins Operation Tiger, G.L. Eaves’ charming new chapter book. Perfectly pitched to both boys and girls, it is at once heartfelt and funny. Kids will devour it in single sittings.
“Operation Tiger” is the code name Aaron gives to his quest to win Kristin’s heart. He wants nothing more than to transform himself into Kristin’s dream date, so he asks everyone he knows for advice — his friends, her friends, even his Mom. For Kristin, he pretends to like country music and ice-skating. He douses himself in his father’s bad cologne and dresses up in ridiculous and oversized cowboy boots. With his little sister giggling mercilessly at his every comic misstep, Aaron twists himself up into a neurotic, romantic tizzy.
To add some flame to this romantic fire, everyone isn’t playing by the same rules and Aaron is working with some bad information. He seems to have forgotten his mother’s golden rule: be yourself. Luckily for him, Kirstin sees the funny prince beneath Aaron’s goofy nervousness and a happy ending ultimately ensues.
Eaves is a former school librarian and she knows her audience well. Operation Tiger is the proper length, offers the perfect pace and tone, and aims its stakes just right. Eaves understands and respects kids, who will enjoy her novel as a result.
Also available in hardcover and ebook.
