Trio Plus One

Jealousy. Envy. Loneliness. We’ve all felt these emotions. In this incredible story of frustration and friendship, Jordan, Rico, and Brandon share the silly things we do when feeling bad about ourselves. Bobby, the editor of the school newspaper at REACH Middle School, is jealous of a popular threesome. His plan: break up the trio. Does it work?The whole school gathers to watch the trio compete in the Coolest Kid Competition. Three contests – athletics, arts, and academics – will determine the winner. But, will the friendships survive?

Jordan Campbell, Rico McCard and Brandon Smith left me thinking deeply about two common struggles in middle school--identity and friendship. The voice and storyline drew me into the book and I found myself connecting to each of the characters as the story unfolded. This is an impressive first book for these authors and a book that I will have readily available for students at my school, where I am principal. I know my students will find the story enjoyable, and I expect the message of the story will remain with them. Buy this book! -- Heidi L. Cook Trio + One is a great story about a middle schooler, Bobby, who is jealous of three popular best friends at school. Bobby feels like they get all the attention and exclude him, so he decides to split up the group with a schoolwide "Coolest Kid Contest" featuring the 3 kids. They soon turn on each other, coming to Bobby for friendship. However, once they realize his scheme, they ask him why he did this to them and tell him how he was never really excluded from the group. Bobby came to know that sometimes it was he who kept away from the other boys. This book teaches kids how it feels to be excluded and how they should prevent anyone from feeling that way. In addition, kids will learn not to jump to conclusions. I highly recommend this book for anyone. It can be understood on different levels, but it would be best for kids 7 and up. I hope you enjoy this book. Its magnificent story line, along with all of the lessons that can be learned from it, is definitely worth your time reading. Enjoy! -- Dallas This story conveys so well the feelings of jealousy we are so capable of having when we envy other groups of friends. I was particularly struck by the authors insight when they have the main character, Big Bobby, wonder if it was the 3 friends that stopped hanging out with him or whether it was Bobby that stopped hanging out with them. Loved the illustrations as well! Looking forward to reading the other books written by teens of Reach Incorporated.