Strasser (Kidnap Kids, 1998, etc.) issues an unsubtle problem-solving clinic built around a baseball teammate’s sudden change of behavior. The fifth and sixth graders who gather to play after school are used to having their games occasionally disrupted by rock-throwing high schoolers, but are taken aback when Jenny, one of their own, starts arguing obvious calls, stalking off in a huff if she doesn’t get her way, and sometimes not showing up at all. Eventually team captains Ian and Krishnan find out what’s up; because Jenny’s stepfather has entered a drug rehabilitation program and her mother has been forced to find a job, Jenny has been saddled with caring for her two-year-old brother for long stretches, a responsibility that she’s really not up to. After a bit of parental prodding, Ian invites Jenny, and her stepbrother Billy, one of the rock throwers, over for pasta and other comforts, persuades his teammates to help keep an eye on Peter, and disarms the high school punks by challenging them to a game. The last two-page chapter acts as a hasty exit, summarizing the resolutions; sports fans—and most other readers—will be disappointed by a near-total lack of action. (Fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: March 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-399-23124-X
Page Count: 121
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1999
This vibrant, thoughtful book from Katz (Over the Moon, 1997) continues her tribute to her adopted daughter, Lena, born in Guatemala. Lena is “seven. I am the color of cinnamon. Mom says she could eat me up”; she learns during a painting lesson that to get the color brown, she will have to “mix red, yellow, black, and white paints.” They go for a walk to observe the many shades of brown: they see Sonia, who is the color of creamy peanut butter; Isabella, who is chocolate brown; Lucy, both peachy and tan; Jo-Jin, the color of honey; Kyle, “like leaves in fall”; Mr. Pellegrino, the color of pizza crust, golden brown. Lena realizes that every shade is beautiful, then mixes her paints accordingly for portraits of her friends—“The colors of us!” Bold illustrations celebrate diversity with a child’s open-hearted sensibility and a mother’s love. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-8050-5864-8
Page Count: 28
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1999
A sentimental tale overwhelmed by busy illustrations and rampant pedantry. A gifted quiltmaker who makes outstanding quilts never sells her wares, but gives them away to the poor. A greedy king so loves presents that he has two birthdays a year, and commands everyone in the kingdom to give him gifts. Everyone brings presents till the castle overflows; the king, still unhappy, locates the quiltmaker and directs her to make him a quilt. When she refuses he tries to feed her to a hungry bear, then to leave her on a tiny island, but each time the quiltmaker’s kindness results in her rescue. At last, the king agrees to a bargain; he will give away his many things, and the quiltmaker will sew him a quilt. He is soon poor, but happier than he’s ever been, and she fulfills her end of the bargain; they remain partners forever after, with her sewing the quilts and him giving them away. The illustrations are elaborate, filled with clues to quilt names. A note points to the 250 different quilt names hidden in the picture on the inside of the book jacket. (Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 1-57025-199-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1999
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