Synopses & Reviews
Nikki and Deja's teacher, Ms. Shelby, has a special announcement to make. The whole class is abuzzwhat could it be? A field trip? A pizza party? When the announcement is finally made and the class learns that Carver Elementary is going to hold its first ever election for student body president, some kids in the class are more excited than others. But none are as excited as Deja, who figures she's a shoo-in for the third grade nomination. Well, no one, except maybe Antonia, who is smiling a secret smile to herself and looking awfully confident. . . .
Deja decides that Nikki will be her campaign manager, of course, and puts her to work immediately, despite Nikki's puzzling lack of enthusiasm for the job. But will Deja's tendency to rush into things and boss people around alienate her best friend when she needs her most, and spoil her chances of becoming President of Carver Elementary?
Review
Nikki and Deja: The Newsy News Newsletter by Karen English, illustrated by Laura Freeman
Clarion, Fall 2010 ISBN-13: 978-0-547-22247-9
Junior Library Guild Premier Selection
"English writes with wit, feeling, and a spot-on voice that acknowledges the realistic friendship and problems of the protagonists. Freeman's cartoon illustrations enhance the story. These strong African-American characters are refreshing." --School Library Journal
"A solid addition to a welcome series for new readers, especially for children who want to read realistic stories about kids of color." --Kirkus Reviews
Nikki and Deja: Birthday Blues by Karen English, illustrated by Laura Freeman Clarion, Winter 2009 ISBN-13: 978-0-618-97787-1 Junior Library Guild Premier Selection
Gryphon Award Honor Book (given by the Center for Children's Books at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
ABC Best Book for Children
Pennsylvania Readers' Choice Award, K-3
Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Book
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommendation
"Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist's authentic emotions as English acknowledges the chellenges and complexities of classroom life." --School Library Journal "Likable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books--let's hope these two can start a trend." --Kirkus Reviews "An accessible story of recognizably real grade-school politicking and enduring friendship that's suitable for reading aloud or alone. Fans of the duo will rejoice at their return." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Nikki and Deja by Karen English, illustrated by Laura Freeman Clarion, Fall 2007 Junior Library Guild Premier Selection Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year
Best Children's Book of the Year/Child Study Association
Pennsylvania Reader's Choice Award, K-3
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommendation
Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Book
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books recommended title
"Accessible writing, authentic characters, an easy-to-identify-with plot and Freeman's appealing black-and-white illustrations come together smoothly in this straightforward friendship tale. English nicely fills an underdeveloped area--this is a first-chapter book featuring African-American girls, and race is presented as an attribute of the characters rather than as an issue." --Kirkus Reviews "More probing than many chapter books, this title delivers the satisfaction of a full-length novel." --Publishers Weekly "Children will quickly connect with the distinctive characters and authentically drawn situations and emotions. . . . A strong start to what will hopefully become a series." --ALA Booklist "English, who has been an elementary school teacher, clearly knows her audience and understands the intricacies of their relationship dynamics. . . . Kids negotiating the sometimes treacherous waters of middle-grade friendship will find Nikki and Deja's story both truthful and comforting." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "The book is a welcome rarity--a contemporary story about middle class black children." --Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) "English captures a strong sense of both girls, their enduring relationship, and the uncomfortable struggles that friends weather when changes erupt." --The News & Observer (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) "Nikki and Deja is the kind of early chapter book that African-American girls and their parents have been seeking for a long time." --The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) Hot Day on Abbott Avenue by Karen English, illlustrated by Javaka Steptoe Clarion, 2004 Jane Addams Honor Award Charlote Zolotow Award--Highly Commended Title NAPPA Parenting Publications Award ALSC Notable Children's Book ALA Notable Book CCBC Choices Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year School Library Journal Best Book of the Year NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing "English has childhood spats down pat. . . . Both original and emotionally effective. . . . Full of movement and energy and joy. . . . 'So good!'" --Kirkus Reviews The Baby on the Way by Karen English, illustrated by Sean Qualls FSG, 2005 "A solemn spiritual, whose resolution lies less in the possibility of joy than in the quieter peace of enduring." --New York Times Book Review Speak to Me (And I Will Listen Between the Lines) by Karen English, illustrated by Amy Bates FSG, 2004 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year "English employs the simplest of language in perfect evocation of the children's thoughts, confusions, small hopes, and large dreams. . . . Just wonderful." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "English's rich descriptions and insights bring readers into the world of six inner-city third -grade students." --School Library Journal, starred review Francie by Karen English FSG, 1999
Coretta Scott King Honor Award Parents' Choice Recommendation "Francie's smooth-flowing, well-paced narration is gently assisted by just the right touch of the vernacular. Characterization is evenhanded and believable, while place and time envelop readers." --School Library Journal
Review
"New readers can happily meet the girls for the first time here and then go back to fill in the picture, while fans will be glad to see them back in fine form."
and#8212;Bulletin
Review
"In her first chapter book, English perceptively explores the undercurrent of insecurity and rivalry that threatens two African-American girls' friendship." —
Publishers Weekly"Accesible writing, authentic characters, an easy-to-identify-with plot and Freeman's appealing black-and-white illustrations come together smoothly in this straightforward friendship tale." —Kirkus Reviews
Review
"English has childhood spats down pat...both original and emotionally effective...full of movement and energy and joy...'So good!' " Kirkus Reviews
"audiences will sympathize with the falling-out-with-a-friend blues even as they long for their own blue popsicles" BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"high-energy collage illustrations...a satisfying summer story about community and friendship." THE HORN BOOK Horn Book
"Innovative illustrations add depth and texture to an evocative text." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred School Library Journal, Starred
"English's story is engaging...Steptoe's stunning, mixed-media illustrations make the boar soar." BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
Review
and#8220;Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that and#8216;this time my daddy might come for my birthday.and#8217; When Dejaand#8217;s classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Dejaand#8217;s high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki and Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls.and#8221;
and#8212;Booklist
and#8220;Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a and#8216;just becauseand#8217; sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antoniaand#8217;s party. This straightforward plot explores Dejaand#8217;s reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikkiand#8217;s close friendship? Maybe she didnand#8217;t sabotage Dejaand#8217;s party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freemanand#8217;s occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter booksand#8212;letand#8217;s hope these two can start a trend.and#8221;
and#8212;Kirkus Reviews
and#8220;In this successor to Nikki and Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor, Miss Ida, who serves turnips and has a black-and-white TV. At school, Deja learns that her and#8216;nemesis,and#8217; as Miss Ida calls Antonia, intends to hold an extravagant and#8216;Just Becauseand#8217; bash that will coincide with Deja's more modest plans. Deja worries that their classmates will choose to go to Antoniaand#8217;s party. Thankfully, her friend Nikki provides constant support, and Auntie Deeand#8217;s return results in clarity and perspective. The narrative is a bit contrived, although it is realistic that there is no resolution of Dejaand#8217;s longing for her father. Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonistand#8217;s authentic emotions as English acknowledges the challenges and complexities of classroom life.and#8221;
and#8212;School Library Journal
and#8220;An accessible story of recognizably real grade-school politicking and enduring friendship thatand#8217;s suitable for reading aloud or alone. Fans of the duo will rejoice at their return.and#8221;
and#8212;The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Synopsis
The second book about Nikki and Deja, two African American third-grade girls who are best friends.
Deja's birthday is coming up, and she's been talking about it for weeks. But just before the big day, Auntie Dee gets called away on a business trip and Deja must stay with an elderly neighbor . . . who cooks turnips for dinner and doesn't even have a color TV! Worse, the machinations of spoiled Antonia, Deja's new nemesis, threaten to ruin Deja's birthday party plans. Like the first book, this story captures with subtlety and humor all the small betrayals and triumphs of young girls' relationships. Readers will get a wider view of the girls' diverse urban neighborhood, and will recognize themselves and their classmates in the colorful, deftly drawn school scenes. A more serious theme is also introduced (with a light touch) in a subplot concerning Deja's absent father.
Synopsis
Nikki and Deja's teacher, Ms. Shelby, has a special announcement to make. The whole class is abuzz--what could it be? A field trip? A pizza party? When the announcement is finally made and the class learns that Carver Elementary is going to hold its first ever election for student body president, some kids in the class are more excited than others. But none are as excited as Deja, who figures she's a shoo-in for the third grade nomination. Well, no one, except maybe Antonia, who is smiling a secret smile to herself and looking awfully confident. . . .
Deja decides that Nikki will be her campaign manager, of course, and puts her to work immediately, despite Nikki's puzzling lack of enthusiasm for the job. But will Deja's tendency to rush into things and boss people around alienate her best friend when she needs her most, and spoil her chances of becoming President of Carver Elementary?
Synopsis
When the students in Nikki and Dejaand#8217;s class find out that their school is going to hold its first-ever election for student body president, some kids are more excited than others. But none is as excited as Deja, who figures sheand#8217;s a shoo-in for the third grade nomination. Deja decides that Nikki will be her campaign manager, of course, and puts her to work right away. But will Dejaand#8217;s tendency to rush into things and boss people around alienate her best friend when she needs her most, and spoil her chances of becoming president of Carver Elementary?
This is a charming new entry in a chapter book series praised for its humor and authentic characters.
Synopsis
It's the hottest, stickiest day of the summer. A fat-sun-in-the-sky day. An eating-ice-pops-on-the-porch day. And for Kishi and Renée, it's a best-friends-breakup day. Each girl sits on her own front porch, waiting for the other to apologize, even though they know they'll never speak to each other again, no matter how bored they get. But then the sounds of feet slapping the pavement and voices chanting double-dutch rhymes drift up the avenue, and neither one can resist going out in the street to play.
This lyrical friendship story, the first collaboration of two outstanding artists, pairs a rhythmic text with distinctive collage illustrations. Its subtle message about sharing and forgiveness will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the ups and downs of being, and having, a best friend.
Synopsis
Newsy news is not just regular news. It's news that's interesting and exciting. Nikki and Deja know that there's plenty of newsy news happening on their block andand#160;at Carver Elementary, just waiting to be reported. Luckily, Nikki has herand#160;special pen and notepad, Deja has the use ofand#160;Auntie Dee's computer, andand#160;they both have lots of ideas. Before long, the
Fulton Street Newsy News Newsletter is born. At first, everyone wants to read what the girls have written. But after justand#160;one issue, some unexpected problems arise. Will Nikki and Deja's plans to become celebrated journalists succeed?
Like the first two Nikki and Deja stories, this accessible chapter book shines with emotional depth and humor, perfectly capturing the complexities and joys of elementary school girls' friendships.
Synopsis
When Deja launches her campaign to become president of Carver Elementary, she can't see beyond her goal to notice her best friend Nikki is upset. This fourth book in the Nikki and Deja series tacklesand#160;a rough patch in third gradeand#160;friendship.
Synopsis
“Fans will be glad to see [the girls] back in fine form.” -
The Bulletin
Watch out, Carver Elementary. Deja is running for president! When the students in Nikki and Dejas class find out their school is holding its first-ever election for student body president, some kids are excited, but none is as excited as Deja. She decides Nikki will be her campaign manager, of course, and puts her to work. But will Dejas take-charge ways alienate her best friend when she needs her most? A great friendship story that ties in well with the U.S. election season. Now in paperback!
Synopsis
Meet Nikki and Deja, who live next door to each other and are best friends. They do everything together—watch Saturday morning cartoons, play jacks, jump double Dutch at recess, and help each other with their homework for Mrs. Shelby's third-grade class. But when an arrogant new girl arrives and Nikki and Deja form a club that would exclude her, the results are not what they expect. This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life—particularly friendships and cliques—with finesse and humor.
About the Author
Karen English is the author of several books for young readers, including the novel FRANCIE (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), which received a Coretta Scott King Honor Award. Her previous book for Clarion, Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, was named an ALA Notable Children's Book and was praised by the Jane Addams Peace Association for its "nuanced portrait of the inner workings of young girls' relationships."and#160;She lives in Los Angeles, California.