Title: Class Action 
Author: Steven B. Frank
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Pages: Print 243
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Rating: ★★★★★

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from @KidLitExchange #partner in exchange for my honest review. Thanks again to @KidLitExchange  #partner for access to review a free copy of this book! The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or KidLitExchange. The  copy used in this review is an uncorrected copy from HMH.

Dust Jacket Synopsis:

NO. MORE. HOMEWORK.

That’s what sixth grader Sam Warren tells his teacher while standing on top of his desk. He’s fed up with doing endless tasks from the time he gets home to the time he goes to sleep. Suspended for his protest, Sam decides to fight back. He recruits his elderly neighbor/retired attorney Mr. Kalman to help him file a class action lawsuit on behalf of all students in Los Angeles. Their argument? Homework is unconstitutional.

With a ragtag team—aspiring masterchef Alistair, numbers gal Catalina, sports whiz Jaesang, rebel big sister Sadie and her tech-savvy boyfriend Sean—Sam takes his case to federal court. He learns about the justice system, kids’ rights, and constitutional law. And he learns that no matter how many times you get knocked down, there’s always an appeal…until the nine justices have the last say.

Will Sam’s quest end in an epic fail, or will he be the hero who saves childhood for all time?

Favorite Quotes:

“Earlier this year we had to projects on endangered species. I did mine on the red panda because I love trees and so do they. But if I had to do it again, I’d choose a different endangered species. I’d choose childhood.” -Sam-

“You can’t tear down a wall if you don’t take a swing.” -Sam-

Final Thoughts:

This middle-grade fiction follows the life of Sam Warren. Sam has come home every day from school with mountains of homework. He has no time to build the treehouse with his dad, spend time with his mom, watch tv, or even hang out with his friends. His sister, Sadie, stays up late many nights working on special projects. One day in class, his teacher decides to give everyone a packet to complete over Columbus Day weekend. This weekend is one of his only a few long weekends he was looking forward. At this moment, Sam realizes that he cannot take it anymore, “it” being the endless amount of homework. Sam tries to rally other members of his class to stand with him against homework, but he learns that it is going to take a lot of hard work, a team of friends, an expert, and a sister on the debate team to keep homework away from home. Can Sam get homework removed from the home? Can Sam speak up for those students who are afraid to speak up? Will Sam stop student’s childhoods from going extinct?

Overall, Class Action is a fantastic story of bravery, commitment, determination, and the power of believing in yourself. A group of kids works together to achieve something that no one has ever tried to reach before. With the support of Sam’s parents and Sadie doing research, they might stand a chance to win their case. Mr. Kalman was tough to get on their team, but in the end, he was one of their biggest supporters. This novel encourages youth to stand up for what they believe in and not to be afraid to challenge their rights to freedom. The author did an excellent job with this storyline. I felt transported into the fight for no homework with the students in this book. I also liked the factual information provided about education court cases presented in this book. It served as a fiction read while also providing some educational facts. I personally would have liked for more interaction between Sam and the principal of the school. I think that would have added more to the story. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a fictional read that follows the life of one student who started a movement.

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