Dee Lanson is a fifth-grader with so many issues. She is not comfortable with the way that Samantha stares at her. Things could be better for Dee except that Samantha has found a way of getting into her circle of friends. The desire for revenge escalates everything, putting her in a more complicated situation. While her classmates are determined to win in the softball and kickball competitions, Dee has so much to worry about. Can she get along with Samantha and feel comfortable at school and can she find peace at home?

Gloppy by Janice Laakko is a well-written Children's tale with characters that readers will adore. Laakko does an extraordinary job of creating a world that reflects what fifth-graders go through. The world-building is impeccable and it is interesting to notice what goes through the mind of young Dee and how it affects her relationships even at home. Themes of friendship, sports, family, and forgiveness and intelligently written in a way that will inspire young readers to seek what builds rather than destroy them. My daughter is a fifth-grader and I see so much of Dee in her. I had her read this book and it wasn't surprising when she told me that she has her own version of Samantha at school. Gloppy is a fun read with solid and believable characters and themes that are expertly developed. This is a transporting read for fans of Children's books.