George, aka "Suds," is about to enter the fifth grade, where he and his classmates will be the "top dogs" of the whole school. Maybe the teachers and principal think they're in charge, but Suds and his friends know who really runs things. To get ready for this responsibility, Suds must project cool and be a leader. But what does it mean to be a leader?

A warm, funny coming-of-age story from master storyteller Jerry Spinelli.