December 1, 2010
Gr 3-6-These hefty, oversize editions of childhood classics include congenial paintings executed by Foreman in previous decades. The artwork is pleasant, but not really dominant here. Though inflated in size, the books employ a traditional layout of illustrated novels with thoughtful, sparing placement of pictures and uninterrupted flow of the original texts. Gentle, often humorous interpretations of characters and events appear in one full-page scene in most chapters; occasional small views and set pieces open and conclude chapters. With paintings that beautifully complement the enduring stories, these might be welcome new editions. Not visually lavish by today's standards, but still showy, they will serve as gift items or for reading aloud in some situations. Libraries with a particular interest in Foreman's work will definitely want them.-Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
December 15, 2010
Grades 5-8 This is the thirteenth in Edgar winner Van Draanens long-legged series starring the gutsy heroine in high-top sneakers. This time out, Sammy gets a rough start to eighth grade when she finds that her archenemy, Heather, is in three of her classes and that she has to suffer the history and homeroom teacher from hell, Mr. Vince. The first day of class, someone has written Die Dude! on Mr. Vinces blackboard, and the threatsincluding a dead ratescalate from there. The chief suspect? Sammy herself. Sammys investigation, friendships, family life, and wiseacre narration make this another rollicking addition to the series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2011
Can eighth grade possibly be any crazier than last year? Duh, yes!--as Sammy learns in her thirteenth outing. Per usual, Van Draanen skillfully mixes mystery (Sammy's history teacher is receiving "Die Dude" threats) with romance (her soap-star mother's love life is seriously jeopardizing her own) and comedy (as a last-minute bridesmaid, the spunky tomboy must contend with a "Mountain of Lavender" gown and--gasp!--stilettos).
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)