Shermy and Shake Series

Fastidious Shermy and freewheeling Shake face a substitute teacher, fall for a shelter dog, and keep their friendship sparkling in their latest big-hearted adventure.

Shermy loves going to second grade. Well, except when the substitute teacher does the lessons out of order (spelling before recess and social studies during math time?). His friend Shake, however, goes with the flow. Maybe that’s why their friendship works. Whether it’s writing letters to their favorite authors, making homemade toys for the animal shelter, or coming up with New Year’s resolutions for each other (“Stay a reading superstar!” Shake writes), the two pals’ personalities always seem to balance out. But when Shermy adopts Wally, a lovable shelter dog, he gets so busy with training that he has less time for Shake—who eventually stops asking to do stuff together. And one day, Shermy hears about moving boxes at Shake’s house. Is Shake moving away? Shermy is so worried he feels like he can’t breathe. Wise Grandpa Gordy tells Shermy friendship is a big responsibility—just like having a dog—and that it blossoms with TLC.

Shermy is excited to learn the new kid in school is none other than his pal Shake, but what if the other kids like Shake better? The two friends’ story, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson, continues with heart and humor.

Being a second grader is even cooler than Shermy imagined. He loves reading new stories (and filling out charts about them!), helping his teacher get organized, and being a good classroom leader. So when the teacher asks Shermy to be a school buddy for the new kid, Shermy says, “Sure!” Imagine his surprise when the new kid turns out to be Shake—Shermy’s summer friend from out of town. This is amazing news! Or is it? Meticulous Shermy and boisterous Shake couldn’t be more different, and soon the other kids are all looking at Shake like he’s a super rare Magic Monster card—and not looking at Shermy at all. Can Shermy and Shake stay buddies now that school is in session? A nuanced story about friendship that shines with authentic humor and understanding, from Newbery Honoree Kirby Larson and illustrator Shinji Fujioka.

“An understated slice-of-life story. . . . Earnestly told, low-conflict vignettes affirm the compassion and understanding that friendship can require to bloom.” —Publishers Weekly


When a new kid comes to stay with his grandmother at the house next door, Shermy’s plans for a quiet, relaxing summer are completely upended. That’s because Shake is nothing like Shermy. And Shermy is nothing like Shake. Shermy likes to read quietly in the shade of a tree. He knows the proper way to do a puzzle. He collects treasures in the pouch he wears around his neck, and the books on his shelves are alphabetized by author. Shake likes to play street hockey or space explorers. He gobbles up rocket ice pops and Toaster Tarts. He shows up unannounced and plays board games by his own rules. As the two boys are forced to spend more and more time together, will they learn how to get along? Or will it be one long countdown until Shake goes home? Newbery Honor recipient Kirby Larson teams up with debut illustrator Shinji Fujioka to create a humorous and heartfelt ode to summer—and to unexpected friendships.