by Beatrice Gormley & illustrated by Karen Ritz ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1992
The author of several contemporary fantasies (Mail-Order Wings, 1981) tells a realistic story about the two weeks before a seventh birthday. In her first grade, Ellie has three friends with whom she enjoys imaginative games (at one point ``Pioneers'' becomes ``Pioneers and Fairies''—after all, Dorothy was from Kansas); slightly older neighbor Ruth is also a sometime playmate, though her camaraderie evaporates in the presence of girls her own age. Mom has set a limit of three for the birthday sleepover; as Ruth—believably depicted as a spoiled youngest child, thoughtless but not ill-natured—blows confusingly warm and cold, Ellie puts her on and off the list. A cutting put-down of Ellie's treasured $2.98 ring gets Ruth off for what seems like the last time; but when she shows up at the party after all, Ellie's mom helps save the situation, as well as the uneasy friendship. Gormley does a good job of capturing her young characters' conversations and imaginative play, slipping in enough detail about their families to give their alliances and concerns some depth. Likable, perceptive, easily read. B&w drawings not seen. (Fiction/Young reader. 6-9)
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-525-44969-8
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1992
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by Lois Lowry & illustrated by Middy Thomas ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 2002
Gooney Bird Greene (with a silent E) is not your average second grader. She arrives in Mrs. Pidgeon’s class announcing: “I’m your new student and I just moved here from China. I want a desk right smack in the middle of the room, because I like to be right smack in the middle of everything.” Everything about her is unusual and mysterious—her clothes, hairstyles, even her lunches. Since the second graders have never met anyone like Gooney Bird, they want to hear more about her. Mrs. Pidgeon has been talking to the class about what makes a good story, so it stands to reason that Gooney will get her chance. She tells a series of stories that explain her name, how she came from China on a flying carpet, how she got diamond earrings at the prince’s palace, and why she was late for school (because she was directing a symphony orchestra). And her stories are “absolutely true.” Actually, they are explainable and mesh precisely with the teacher’s lesson, more important, they are a clever device that exemplify the elements of good storytelling and writing and also demonstrate how everyone can turn everyday events into stories. Savvy teachers should take note and add this to their shelf of “how a story is made” titles. Gooney Bird’s stories are printed in larger type than the narrative and the black-and-white drawings add the right touch of sauciness (only the cover is in color). A hybrid of Harriet, Blossom, and Anastasia, irrepressible Gooney Bird is that rare bird in children’s fiction: one that instantly becomes an amusing and popular favorite. (Fiction. 6-9)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2002
ISBN: 0-618-23848-4
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Walter Lorraine/Houghton Mifflin
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2002
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by Teri Sloat & Betty Huffman & illustrated by Teri Sloat ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2004
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
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