Mysterious Max: #1

In the first volume of the Jeffrey and the Third-Grade Ghost series, a 1950s ghost named Max befriends Jeffrey on his first day in third grade. Before Max died (readers do not learn the cause of death), he occupied the same desk that Jeffrey now sits in, the first student in 30 years that the ghost considers a worthy ally. Like Jeffrey, Max was always in trouble because of his outrageous antics. Now Jeffrey is getting the blame for invisible Max's tricks. At first Jeffrey is upset by Max's pranks, but he soon realizes that the ghost, despite his wisecracking, ``cool-cat'' behavior, is lonely and enjoys their friendship. And Max comes through for Jeffrey when it really matters. Both boy and ghost are fun-loving characters. While the text is sometimes flat, Max and Jeffrey's mischievous behavior will find favor with middle grade readers. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-10. (Nov.)