How to Be Best in Class

A rambunctious dog shows her young owner the beauty of being unique in Proia’s picture book.

Phebe is an excitable, gregarious Australian Shepherd. One day, Phebe’s owner, Rae (a young white girl), decides to take Phebe to an obedience class in the park. They are running late, so Rae tells Phebe to hurry, and Phebe takes this as permission to run. Unfortunately, it is only the first of many misunderstandings and mistakes for Phebe as she struggles to follow commands. But when it’s time to play fetch, Phebe outshines the rest of her classmates and demonstrates that being different is not synonymous with being a bad dog. Proia deftly renders a journey many readers will find familiar; Phebe’s experiences are representative of the challenges many neurodivergent individuals face throughout their lives. Phebe is seen as a problem (“I don’t know why you even bother with that dog, she never listens”), but the story gives Phebe a win, illustrating how a neurodivergent brain approaches and solves complex problems in creative ways. While the author doesn’t explicitly address race and ethnicity, the cast of characters is diverse, representing a variety of backgrounds. The prose, dialogue, and plot are cleanly executed and well-organized, resulting in an accessible, satisfying story for children. The charming, full-color illustrations by the author enhance the story and integrate with the text exceptionally well.

A unique and winning celebration of difference and creativity.