Jared Lester, Fifth Grade Jester — Tanya Lloyd Kyi

A spunky story about a boy with energy to burn and an unusual dream.

When Jared sees a court jester in a movie, he immediately wants this to be his future. Jared can already juggle. He can also do flips and memorize jokes. But where is he going to find a royal court to perform in?

He gets his chance when his school announces that one student will be chosen to perform for visiting royalty. The big night arrives, and Jared's act is flawless. More important, when another performance goes dangerously wrong, Jared's quick response and talent result in a dramatic rescue. Jared discovers his skills could take him farther than he'd ever imagined.

Surrounded by engaging characters -- the misunderstood bully, the perpetually tormenting sister, and the benignly inattentive parents -- readers will be charmed by the spirited Jared's passionate determination to master his act in the face of chronic doubt from family and schoolmates.