Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff is the story of Albie, a struggling fifth-grader, coming to terms with his family's expectations for him.

Albie's never going to be the smartest kid in his class -- he struggles with stuff that seems to come easily to some of his peers, and feels like he's only almost doing a good-enough job. But several new developments in his life, including an artsy new nanny and a math club at school, help Albie find his own way of absolutely standing out.

This is a sweet and touching story and will be appreciated by readers who enjoy realistic fiction about kids overcoming their circumstances.

(Reviewed from a copy borrowed through my library system.)