In an interconnected set of short stories, first-grader Monty Morris acquires a huge collection of old magazines, takes part in a class play, makes an outdoor birthday party special, begins karate lessons and successfully performs in an exhibition. Monty’s worries about his asthma underlie all he does, and the effect of these stories is gently reassuring: He hasn’t had an attack in some time and these new activities don’t bring one on. He even performs in a karate uniform without a pocket for his inhaler. Hurwitz also recognizes and deals with the first grader’s predictable stage fright. In the background, Monty’s gentle and affectionate parents reflect the tone of this warm collection, just right for able first-grade readers like Monty. Soft pencil drawings by McGrory (most not seen) will be interspersed throughout. Readers of Mostly Monty (2007) will appreciate the boy’s growing self-confidence (and, in particular, his father’s encouragement as he tries new things), but this title stands on its own. (Fiction. 5-8)
