3.5/5 stars.

This movie was one of my absolute favorites growing up. However, I didn't learn until walking through a bookstore that the movie was based on a book. I read this now because I am in the process of becoming an educator. Upper elementary is my sweet spot and I want to grow my repertoire of middle-grade books. I will definitely read this one to my students. It's fun, has a great message, and would be a great book to compare to the movie adaptation. A nice quick read.