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Rodman’s witty take on the harsh realities of first grade, as perceived by those in the trenches, will tickle readers’ funny bones. On her first day of school, Haley is aghast at the appalling conditions of first grade: classroom walls devoid of any decorations, the absence of a second recess and chocolate shortages in the lunchroom, caused by none other than the kindergarten class. After the splendor and orange-colored sky wonder of kindergarten with Miss Lacy, Haley feels overcome by the relentless ordinariness of the aptly named Ms. Gray and the apparent tediousness of the first-grade curriculum. However, after an outburst of titanic proportions, Haley soon discovers Ms. Gray’s cozier side and learns that hard work often reaps wondrous rewards. Spiegel’s ink-and-watercolor, cartoon-style illustrations perfectly capture the quirky independence of young Haley, who refuses to go quietly into first grade. For young readers approaching this or any other significant transition with trepidation, Rodman’s humorous tale serves as a gentle reminder to search for the silver lining. (Picture book. 5-8)
