Flying Solo by Ralph Fletcher (author) (US edition)

Kids rule! When Mr Fletcher doesn’t turn up to teach class one day, the students must fly solo. But dark truths unravel before the day is out… It’s not your usual school day. First the teacher doesn’t show up. Nor does his substitute. Well – no problem. The kids of this sixth-grade class take a vote to run the class on their own. It’s all OK at first, despite the mix of students. That is, until Rachel White reminds the class of another pupil who died six months ago… A gripping mystery, a moving message and an unusual set-up make this a really memorable book about a class with a big life lesson to learn.