In this novel set in the early 1960s, sixth grader Marc Chaikin is stuck in the middle of things everywhere he turns. To begin with, in his school, there are two separate classes for each grade. Marc is in room 6-321, the classroom for the smartest kids, who are usually thought of as nerds. Cary Lipshitz thinks he's the smartest of the smart class, and he sneers at all the other kids. The other sixth-grade group, class 6-309, is for the less advanced kids, the ones who can barely read. Nicky Raffetto is the leader of this group and under him, they're fighters!

It's bad news for everybody when Nicky pulls a stunt --- lighting firecrackers at school. The principal moves him into room 6-321 because that class is the only one with a male teacher, and the principal thinks only a man can control Nicky. Outside of class, Nicky is still the leader of the 6-309 kids, and swaggers around the playground. But Cary teases Nicky endlessly and makes him feel like dirt. The principal will expel Nicky if he gets into any more fights. All Nicky can do is give Cary dirty looks and promise revenge when school is over for the summer.

Marc feels sorry for Nicky, but he has his own problems. He is wildly in love with Lily Wu, the smartest and most perfect girl in 6-321. But Cary likes her too, and Marc doesn't want him as a rival. At home, Marc's parents fight all the time and they're even talking divorce. On top of this, the 6-309 kids pick fights with the 6-321 kids, and a full-scale feud develops. They even agree to have a major after-school battle. This is Marc's idea, though he's not really sure why he came up with it. Marc would love to back out, but how can he do so and not be considered a chicken?

Surprising things start to happen: the lines blur between the rebels and the obedient, the smart and the simple. School for Marc becomes a seesaw. Where will things settle? And what terrible national event will make all of this school conflict seem unimportant? Find out when you turn the pages of this exciting and realistic story.

   --- Reviewed by Tamara Penny