Sally Warner (www.sallywarner.com) has published more than thirty novels for young readers, including the Emma and EllRay Jakes series. She lives in Altadena, California with her husband.

EllRay Jakes finally grows up (a little) by playing basketball in this ninth book in the series.
There's a new game in town-basketball! Or in Ellray's case, pre-basketball. Coach Havens has all the third graders dribbling, passing, and shooting, and he's quick to compliment EllRay's skills. No one else seems to notice them, however, and as 'the shortest kid in the class,' EllRay is still chosen last for teams at recess. What's a short guy gotta do to get noticed?? When EllRay comes up with a plan that involves the off-limits teacher's lounge, everyone does a double take!
PRAISE FOR THE ELLRAY JAKES SERIES:
"Warner is a dead-on observer of playground politics, and has a great ear for dialogue."-School Library Journal on EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken!
"...ideal for reluctant readers."-Booklist on EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken!
"Young readers can identify with EllRay, who is neither a bad seed nor a goody-two-shoes; he and his sense of humor are just right."-Kirkus on EllRay Jakes Is a Rock Star!
"The EllRay Jakes stories are just right for his real-life peers."-Kirkus on EllRay Jakes Walks the Plank