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ISBN: 0763632112 |
Junior Library Guild Selection
Scholastic Book Club Selection
The school Culture Fair is coming up, and Andy Shane
has to pick an African country to learn about. Deciding
isn't easy for Andy, so he's glad when Granny Webb gives
him a scarab beetle, which he knows is a symbol of Egypt.
But when Andy tries to tell Ms. Janice, Dolores Starbuckle
springs up with her gold jewelry and glitter sandals
and claims that she is the queen of Egypt. Dolores always
gets her way, but this time Andy doesn't feel like caving
in. What will it take for him to share his project with
the bossy queen? Fans of the endearing Andy Shane will
be happy to see him holding his own in his new early-chapter-book
adventure.
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| Open, humorous sketches
are just the right touch for this hilarious, pitch-perfect
school story. Readers will want to follow Andy all the
way through school.
Kirkus |
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ISBN: 0763626058 |
Junior Library Guild Selection
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Andy Shane does not want to go to Dolores Starbuckle's
birthday party. It's on the same day as Halloween! Plus,
Dolores is always ordering Andy around, making Andy
lists on a clipboard, or squealing over Andy's marble
collection. But when Dolores tells him that someone
is smashing pumpkins in front of her house, the idea
of tricking the tricksters sounds too appealing to resist.
Maybe there's even a way to scare off the vandals and
give Dolores a really great present, all at the same
time!
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With hilarious yet familiar situations, frequent pen-and-ink
illustrations, accessible vocabulary and two characters
filled with the feisty spirit of a very young Ramona
Quimby, Jacobson's offering is the perfect treat for
newest readers. |
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Kirkus |
| Dolores is still bossy and Andy
still gets irritated. Their complexity, revealed in simple
text adn natural language, is the strength of this series.
Soft watercolor pencil-and-wash sketches outline the plot;
spot art depicting potentially unfamiliar vocabulary (such
as muffins, marbles, and balloons) provides an extra boost
for beginning readers. |
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Horn Book |
| Attractive pen-and-ink illustrations
help move the story along. An entertaining, easy chapter
book for holiday collections |
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School Library Journal |
| Jacobson's kids act just
like the real thing, and Carter's ink-wash artwork adds
just the right comic dash. Not just for Halloween or
birthday storytime, this is a book ripe for reading
year-round. |
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Booklist |
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Illustrated
by Alissa Imre Geis
Nominated for Young Hoosier Book
Award
"Zoe's the smartest," said Vanessa, "I'm the best
actress, and you, Winifred Fletcher . . ." she said,
turning to Winnie. "You are the best- " Winnie waited
to hear what Vanessa would say. It seemed as if Vanessa
had to check every cupboard in her brain to find an
answer. How do you know if you're really good at something
and not just ordinary? Can you be the best at something
if you really want to? With humor and insight, Jennifer
Richard Jacobson captures the complex emotions of
jealousy, competition, self-doubt, and, ultimately,
self-acceptance.
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| ISBN: 0618472770 |
| Readers will
empathize with Winnie's complicated emotions and will
cheer when she finds out her real gift, which is much
more important than art or acting or intellect. Jacobson's
gift is telling the true story of girls who wish for independence,
but who can still support their friends and love their
family. Winnie Fletcher is the kind of friend we all wish
we could be. |
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Kirkus |
| Winnie is a
well-rounded and earnest protagonist who can comfortable
join the ranks of spunky girls like Amber Brown, Ramona
and Junie B. Jones. |
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School Library Journal |
| Both story
lines come together in the satisfying and ultimately touching
conclusion. Winnie's single-parent dad is supportive of
her artistic aspirations as well as the choices she makes
in the end. With illustrations featuring a beautiful economy
of line, a story that sensitively depicts the characters'
feelings, and fine-tuned, realistic dialogue, this is
a rewarding choice for young readers. |
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Booklist |
| While Winnie
works on her drawing for the contest, she is assigned
to be a "reading buddy" to a withdrawn kindergarten
boy with a seriously ill mother, and this challenge brings
out strengths that are valuable but not so easy to measure.
Graceful black-and-white sketches of the characters are
by turn pensive and warm and open, showing Winnie what
she likes to do best -- being a caring friend. |
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The Horn Book |
| The story,
entertaining and humorous, conveys the importance of
friendship and self-acceptance. The illustrations, although
simple black-and-white sketches, effectively demonstrate
the emotions and personalities of the characters |
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Children's Literature - Kasey Pryor
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ISBN #068986745X |
Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Book
Texas Young Adult Round Table Reading List
ALA Best Books for Young Adults, 2006
Maine Lupine Award for Juvenile Title
New York Public Library Books for the Teen
Age
Kansas State Reading Circle
Jocelyn has two boys in her life. And
a priest.
Gabe has shared fourteen years of growing
up next door. He's a "golden boy, an all-star".
Yet now, in the spring of 1975, he's missing, disappeared
on the brink of senior year at Weaver High. The whole
town is set to go searching for him.
Benny has only been in New Hampshire since
January, yet for Joss, he's the answer to a long held
prayer to be someone in somebody's eyes. She loves them
both.
Father Warren - hair turning white and
"kind of cool in his black clothes" - is a
link between the three of them. Or a wedge. Or a threat.
For Joss, the priest holds power over her sense of herself;
for Benny, power over his soul; for Gabe, so mysterious
and alluring, he holds the power of destiny.
In a story shot with suspense, these four
characters, and the lives of others they've touched
in their small town, intermingle with unforgettable
force. |
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| *"Jacobson
traces complex issues with a gentle hand, demonstrating
respect and empathy for her three adolescent characters.
The discovery that Father Warren is sexually abusing Gabe
is not played for dramatic punch but as a means for personal
growth. Jocelyn's maturity and strength are believably
earned; her voice is honest and compelling" |
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Horn Book,
starred review |
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| *"It's
no small achievement to make a story set 30 years ago
feel immediate, nor is it easy to take a ripped-from-the-headlines
topic and deliver it without sensationalism. In a triumphant
ending, Joss comes to some important realizations and
makes a bold decision to take action-a move that puts
this girl with the "stained soul" squarely on the side
of the angels. The enticing cover art will draw in teens;
the story will hook them." |
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Publishers Weekly,
starred review |
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| *"Jacobson's
admirable first work for young adults is one which controversial
topics are delicately handled. The final message is one
of hope and salvation after a shocking secret vindicates
Joss. Provocative - and timely" |
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Kirkus, starred
review |
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From the very beginning, well-drawn
and subtle suspense grinds away at the reader. As chapter
follows chapter, we just can't shake that feeling of
impending doom. Jennifer Richard Jacobson's novel is
multilayered --- with elements of romance, mystery/suspense,
family relationships, and friendships. At the very heart
of the book lies the question of faith --- religious
faith, and also self-faith. I highly recommend this
thought-provoking and beautifully written novel.
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Teen Reads |
| While
the external search in the book is for the missing
Gabe, the true search in the book is Joss searching
for herself. What is daring about this book is
not that it includes the issue of abuse by a Catholic
priest; what is daring is that it shows a girl
struggling towards autonomy. Jacobson is willing
to have her main character be weak and passive
because of fear and shame. What is brilliant is
how Joss grows, and how she confronts fear and
shame and takes action. I have to share this line:
"It's been good to realize that even when I can't
see my reflection in Benny's eyes, I still exist." |
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Liz Burns
A
Chair, A Fireplace and a Tea Cozy |
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ISBN076361940X
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Illustrated
by Abby Carter
Beginning Reader from Candlewick (2005)
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Chicago Public Library's Best Children's
Book, 2006
Texas 2X2 List Selection
Scholastic Book Club Selection
Nominated for the Beverly Cleary Children's
Choice Award
Andy Shane doesn't like school. In particular,
he doesn't like Delores Starbuckle, the class know-it-all.
Thankfully, Andy has a very wise and understanding grandmother,
Granny Webb, who helps Andy find what he needs to teach
Delores a lesson!
*
A surprise school visit teaches Andy something about
sticking up for himself and using every resource-even
the Stare-to solve a problem. Open, humorous sketches
are just the right touch for this hilarious, pitch-perfect
school story. Readers will want to follow Andy all the
way through school. (Fiction. 5-8) |
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Kirkus,
starred review |
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School
Library Journal, starred review |
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| Dolores,
consistently depicted in Carter's frequent, informally
drawn classroom scenes with her mouth either pursed disapprovingly
or wide open, will elicit shivers of recognition from
many young readers, and her final transformation from
termagant-in-training to Andy's bosom buddy, though suspiciously
quick, brings a satisfying sense of resolution. |
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Booklist |
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ISBN# 0618280081 |
Illustrated
by Alissa Imre Geis
Nominated for the 2004 Rhode Island Children's
Book Award
Chosen by the School Library Journal for their
annual Children's Curriculum
It's off to camp for Winnie: sunny days
of rock climbing, cascading down slippery falls, floating
in a cool lake—and meeting a fascinating new friend.
Winnie can't remember ever having more fun.
But in the midst of the excitement, Winnie
discovers how complicated life can get too as she watches
one fib tumble mysteriously and rapidly to the next
not-so-little lie.
Readers will once again find a friend
in Winifred Fletcher in this early chapter book, written
with authenticity and illustrated with charming line
drawings.
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| "When
Winnie's assigned to a different tent from her friends,
she learns the joy of making new ones and the challenges
of meeting people who are unaware of her history. When
she tries to avoid the inevitable pity that strangers
feel when they learn that her mother has died, Winnie
tells a fib that grows into a full-fledged lie. But with
the help of her understanding friends, sensible counselor,
and understanding father, she is able to straighten things
out. Written with a light touch and illustrated with winsome
line drawings, this is a series for young readers to write
home about." (Fiction. 7-10) |
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Kirkus |
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| "Young
readers will find alot to talk about; they'll recognize
that Winnie's lie is also a wish, and that camp is the
kind of place where a kid can try to reinvent herself
and and become someone new for a while. Is lying the same
as not telling?" |
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Booklist |
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Though this is a sequel to Winnie Dancing
on Her Own (Houghton, 2001), it stands on its own. Fans
of family and friendship stories such as Paula Danziger's
"Amber Brown" series (Putnam) and Johanna Hurwitz's "Russell
and Elisa" series (HarperCollins) will truly enjoy meeting
Winnie.
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School Library
Journal |
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| "This
satisfying, quick-moving story portrays the fun and challenge
of camp life and making new friends. Frequent gray and
white drawings capture Winnie's feelings and enhance the
inviting text designed for beginning chapter-book readers." |
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The
Book Review |
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Illustrated
by Alissa Imre Geis
Booklist — Top 10 First Novels
of 2001
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Bank Street's Best Children's Book
For the first time since they were five,
the girls didn't know how to be with one another. It
was as if Winnie had said "I don't want to be in
the club anymore."
Threesomes are hard, everyone says, but
since kindergarten, Vanessa, Winnie, Zoe — the
End-of-the-Alphabet Club — have done everything
together: sleepovers, trips to the library, games at
recess. Yet now, as the world of ballet enters their
lives, Winnie fears she will lose her two best friends.
Simply told and illustrated with heartfelt,
spirited drawings, this early chapter book explores
the mysteries and joys of friendship.
| "The
author demonstrates her intimate knowledge of elementary
school dynamics...This uplifting tale speaks to
the emerging independence of all grade-schoolers." |
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Publisher's
Weekly
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| "Jacobson
(Moon Sandwich Mom, 1999, etc.) does a skillful
job of showing the heart-wrenching emotions felt
by a child left behind by unfeeling friends in this
easy novel for girls interested in ballet." |
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Kirkus
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| "Best
of all is Winnie's realistic relationship with her
single dad, who can be silly and forgetful...He
doesn't know anything about buying ballet tights,
but he's there for her when she needs loving support
— and he gets it just right." |
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Booklist
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| "Big
print and fast-moving chapters make this inviting
to readers uncertain about longer texts, and Geis'
sharp-edged black and white scrawls add a pleasing
pungency." |
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The Bulletin
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And
this from a 6 ½ year old:
"It's
a very good story! Everyone who likes ballet (the
slightest bit) will love it, and all other girls
in the world." |
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from Lacey
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Illustrated by Benrei Huang
Now out in paperback!
Rafferty wants to play with his mom, but
Mrs. Fox is too busy painting. So Rafferty packs up
his things and heads off in search of a new mother.
Along the way he encounters some of his friends and
their fun moms.
At first, Rafferty enjoys hanging out
with these different moms. But soon he comes to realize
that his mom is the most fun of all.
| "Jacobson
does a good job getting this 'grass-is-greener'
story to a level little ones can understand. Huang's
brightly colored and comforting illustrations have
an amusing edge that takes away any of the fear
that might come with a book about leaving home." |
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Booklist
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| "Rafferty's
quest for a mother more to his liking will resonate
with new readers...the plot will enable them to
predict what will happen to the young fox as he
tries living with each new family...the illustrations
aptly convey the warmth of the reunion between mother
and son." |
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School
Library Journal
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| "Delightful
illustrations and a simple plot will be enjoyed
by most beginning readers." |
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Children's
Literature
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Illustrated by Greg Shed
Etta just knows this is the year she'll
be brave enough to ride the Ferris wheel at the midway
fair — she's even told her brother and sister.
But when she tests herself on top of the chicken coop
and finds she's too scared to move, she's suddenly not
so sure — the sky is so vast, what's out there
to catch her if she falls?
Through love and support from a caring
older sister and a wonderful combination of determination
and imagination, Etta comes to discover she really is
able to soar to new heights, as readers will when they
cheer Etta on with each turn of the page!
With a deceptively simple, timeless tale,
Jennifer Richard Jacobson's debut on the Dial list is
a spectacular one, while renowned artist Greg Shed's
paintings literally illuminate the page.
| "A
child finds a way to get past her fear of heights
in this sensitive, well-knit episode...Etta's intense
satisfaction is written across her face in the penultimate
scene, and readers will feel it with her." |
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Kirkus
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| "
The text and illustrations work in concert to deliver
the essence of youthful discovery. The book will
be cherished by children who are seeking courage
and by those who have found it." |
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School
Library Journal
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| "Young
readers conquering anxieties of their own will want
to linger over this comforting drama." |
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Publisher's
Weekly
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| "What's
most attractive about the plot is that Etta finds
her way round the fear at her own pace, with no
one pushing her." |
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Chicago
Tribune
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