Funny and clever but far from perfect, third-grader EllRay Jakes competes in an unofficial popularity contest and finds himself in a terrible mess!

EllRay's fail-safe plan to earn respect includes dazzling his classmates with his dad's prized crystal collection. But when he brings the collection to school (without his father's permission) things go horribly wrong. He gives away the crystals and then must face his father's anger. His father gives him an ultimatum: Get them back, or face the consequences. EllRay's stuck between a rock and a hard place!

The third-grade star of his own lively series, EllRay Jakes is a charmingly flawed kid who faces the usual problems at school and at home. Readers will be able to relate to the real-life issues EllRay takes on in each true-to-life chapter book as he navigates peer pressure, bullies, teachers, parents, and more.