by Christine Kole MacLean and illustrated by Vicky Lowe ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2008
In this fourth entry in the series, Mary Margaret prepares for Christmas at home and at school, focusing on presents to give and receive and on her upcoming family outing to see the Lipizzaner horse show. As Mary Margaret’s parents tell her, “Character is the ticket,” and this nine-year-old is quite a character. In addition to intelligence, she has an abundance of ideas and interests, and she likes to be the center of attention, often leading to issues with her teacher, family and peers. The plot revolves around Mary Margaret’s detective work to discover who tried to frame her for a theft in the classroom and her mother’s gentle prodding to forgive the girl who caused the trouble. Mary Margaret tells her story in a first-person, present-tense voice that adds immediacy to the narrative as readers watch her impish behavior develop. Her ongoing interior monologue illustrates her struggles with her family, with her own impulsive behavior and with the sometimes unfair actions of others. It all adds up to an entertaining if sometimes frenetic read. (Fiction. 9-11)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-525-47973-4
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2008
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by Christine Kole MacLean & illustrated by C.B. Decker
by Jan Brett ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1999
In a snowbound Swiss village, Matti figures it’s a good day to make a gingerbread man. He and his mother mix a batch of gingerbread and tuck it in the oven, but Matti is too impatient to wait ten minutes without peeking. When he opens the door, out pops a gingerbread baby, taunting the familiar refrain, “Catch me if you can.” The brash imp races all over the village, teasing animals and tweaking the noses of the citizenry, until there is a fair crowd on his heels intent on giving him a drubbing. Always he remains just out of reach as he races over the winterscape, beautifully rendered with elegant countryside and architectural details by Brett. All the while, Matti is busy back home, building a gingerbread house to entice the nervy cookie to safe harbor. It works, too, and Matti is able to spirit the gingerbread baby away from the mob. The mischief-maker may be a brat, but the gingerbread cookie is also the agent of good cheer, and Brett allows that spirit to run free on these pages. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-399-23444-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1999
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by Renée Watson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 3, 2019
A moving exploration of the places we come from and the people who shape us—not to be missed.
On a birthday trip to New York City, a girl learns about her roots, Harlem, and how to stay true to herself.
Eleven-year-old sneakerhead Amara is struggling to feel seen and heard. A new baby sister is on the way, her mom still wants to put her in dresses, and that birthday trip from the Portland, Oregon, suburbs to New York City that she so desperately wants feels out of reach. When Amara gets a family-history assignment, she is finally able to convince her mom to say yes to the trip, since it will allow Amara to meet her dad’s side of the family in person. In addition to the school project, her mom gives Amara a secret mission: get her dad and grandpa to spend time alone together to repair old wounds. Harlem proves unlike any place Amara has ever been, and as she explores where her father grew up she experiences black history on every street. Watson is a master at character development, with New York City and especially Harlem playing central roles. Through her all-black cast she seamlessly explores issues of identity, self, and family acceptance. Although the ending feels rushed, with no resolution between Amara and her mom, Amara’s concluding poem is powerful.
A moving exploration of the places we come from and the people who shape us—not to be missed. (Fiction. 9-11)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-68119-108-9
Page Count: 208
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 7, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2019
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by Renée Watson ; illustrated by Ekua Holmes
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