Perfectionist Elfie Oster learns the value of "unperfection," in this funny look at middle school life from the author of Annie's Life in Lists

Elfie Oster was sure that Hampshire Academy was going to be the perfect school for her. She was sure about it right up to the minute she got expelled. On her first day.

It was all a terrible misunderstanding, but until she can find a way to fix things, Elfie has to go back to Cottonwood Elementary for fifth grade. Where she's never really fit in. Or had friends. It is not a perfect situation. And then it gets worse. Her babysitter gets really sick. Her aunt and uncle aren't speaking. She's forced to do a group project involving an egg. . . .

But sometimes when everything goes spectacularly wrong, you figure out what truly matters--and what doesn't. So really, this terrible, horrible, surprisingly hilarious year may just be the best thing that's ever happened to Elfie.

After a series of spectacular-and at times, hilarious-disasters, including being expelled from school, perfectionist Elfie Oster discovers what truly matters as she tries to make sense of everything that is happening to her.

"Just the right mix of gentle humor, unconditional love, and Elfie’s own compelling brand of heart." —Kirkus Reviews

"Mahoney leaves her star with a new resilience and friendships to help her meet [uncertainties] head-on." —Bulletin

"The many vivid characters and Elfie’s spot-on conversations with both kids and adults will draw readers into her involving story of turmoil, discovery, and change." —Booklist

"A sure pick for booksmart readers who might need a boost making friends, and an excellent candidate for illustrating social-emotional learning skills." — School Library Journal