SPIDER STORCH’S ROTTEN RUNNER
(Albert Whitman, 1999)

Dreading the relay race event in the Third Grade Olympics because he is not a good runner, Joey “Spider” Storch finds himself caught up in the spirit of the games and learns that with teamwork, he can accomplish anything.

“This beginning chapter book is complete with classmate rivalries, idiosyncratic teachers, and sharp observations.  Spider’s well-honed sense of fair play and friendship makes him a worthy role model.” (School Library Journal)