Exceptionally funny.
Perfectionist Maria Pepper’s wacky family interferes with her mascot ambitions in this simultaneously released sequel to The Pepper Party Picks the Perfect Pet (2019).
Supertidy Maria (an oddball in her family) is the kind of go-getter who lives her life by her favorite book: How to Make Friends, Influence People, and Crush Your Enemies into Dust. Her next step on the path to greatness is winning the school contest to get to be school mascot, the San Pimento Olive. But she’s surprised by stiff competition, which comes in the form of Darren Dill IV, an uber-rich new kid who ups the stakes by giving away free ice cream. Their contest takes comedic forms (including a rap battle featuring 12-year-old Ricky Pepper versus Darren’s butler, Crinklebottom, a DJ, Y’allTube celeb, and lawyer) and culminates in the actual tryouts. Darren unexpectedly offers friendship right before her family (in attempts to help her) causes their biggest disaster yet in front of the whole school (and on camera). Pushed too far, Maria quits her family. Darren takes her in, offering her Crinklebottom’s services to divorce them, just as he’d done with his own family. It’s up to the Peppers to uncover Darren’s true agenda, creating a climax that uses funny takes on sinister imagery to reach new heights of hilarity and bring forth familial reconciliations. The main characters all have light skin, some Peppers lighter than others, with the unfortunate result that the rap battle is waged by apparently all-white combatants.
Exceptionally funny. (Fiction. 7-10)Pub Date: May 28, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-338-29704-1
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: March 16, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2019
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
A charming contemporary story with a classic feel.
A 10 ¾-year-old girl weathers changes in her social circle—and her sense of self.
Dubbed “Queen of the Neighborhood” by beloved neighbor Mr. Chapman, who has sadly left Maryland for balmy Florida, Zara is apprehensive when a family with two kids moves into his house, potentially upsetting the delicate social balance. Readers familiar with Khan’s Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream books, set a few years after this series opener, will recognize the bustling Pakistani American Muslim household. Assertive, organized Zara and rambunctious 7-year-old Zayd live with their Mama and Baba; the siblings’ grandparents and uncle are integral parts of their daily lives. Zara and Zayd enjoy playing outside with their friends—Black sisters Jade and Gloria, White Alan, and Chinese American Melvin. Mr. Chapman always said that Zara knew how to “rule with grace and fairness,” but new arrivals Naomi and Michael, Jewish kids who are eager to engage socially, put this to the test. When Jamal Mamoo, Mama’s brother, brings over his Guinness World Records book, Zara decides that becoming a world-record holder is the boost her social status needs. Her humorous (and futile) attempts to make her mark ultimately lead her to being a more patient and understanding big sister and more flexible and supportive companion to friends old and new. Strong pacing, fluid prose, engaging hijinks, and heartwarming scenes of family life and outdoor play are complemented by expressive illustrations.
A charming contemporary story with a classic feel. (Fiction. 7-10)Pub Date: April 19, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-5344-9759-7
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: July 12, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2022
PERSPECTIVES
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