Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet by Graham Salisbury

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in Hawaii?  Nine-year-old Calvin lives near the beach in Kailua with his busy Mom and little sister (his father left home four years ago to pursue a singing career). He has many of the same challenges to deal with that you probably do: chores, figuring out friendship problems, and staying out of trouble.  In this funny chapter book for middle grade readers, Calvin must learn to deal with the local bully, a moody teenage girl from Texas who is coming to live with them, and a new school year with a tough but “cool” teacher.   This first entry in a new series gives a nice flavor of Hawaii’s culture and introduces a very likeable character.