Synopses & Reviews
"Girls who are settling into chapter book series...will love the fast pace and familiar school and family situations."--Horn Book The latest paperback in the Just Grace series, finds Graces best friend in the whole world, Mimi, on the verge of getting a brand-new sister. Grace is really excited, plus nervous, plus worried, plus happy all mixed together. But both Grace and Mimi are in for a surprise when they find out that Mimis family is not adopting a brand-new sister—and instead she is getting a brand-new brother. (Oh, brother!) And to heighten the excitement even further, Grace is in for a big surprise of her very own... Readers will be just as curious as Grace to find out what it is!
Review
"This is just right for middle-grade Anna fans ready for new experiences."
and#8212;Kirkus
"Barton's winning illustrations continue to delight."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"Fans of Anna's previous adventures will definitely want to keep following her as she journeys toward young adulthood."
and#8212;Bulletin
Review
Just Grace and the Terrible Tutu on our Fall 2010 list
Just Grace and the Snack Attack
"New characters, such as the hyperactive "Owen 1," keep the story fresh, but readers will most enjoy Grace's angst-ridden first-person narrative, delivered with her usual comic touch. Cartoon illustrations (and directions for creating a zine) enliven the text and help to showcase Grace's artistic talent." --Booklist
"[R]eaders will appreciate her straightforward, honest discussion of strong emotions they'll be sure to relate to." --Horn Book
Just Grace Goes Green
"Girls who are settling into chapter book series featuring Clementine and Judy Moody will love the fast pace and familiar school and family situations. . . . Harpers sketches add interest and break up the text, leaving the new reader time to pause and smile. "-Horn Book
Just Grace Walks the Dog
"Graces cartoon illustrations and charts enliven the conversational, first-person text. . .Her ruminations about the ways that people—and animals—may not be what they seem will provide both entertainment and food for thought for a wide range of readers."—Kirkus Reviews
"Harper has created a quick enjoyable read in this third 'Grace' book."—Library Media Connection
Still Just Grace
"Harper's strength is her understanding of third-grade angst...she explores with a comic touch...Suggest this reassuring look at friendship and family to fans of Judy Moody and Clementine." —Booklist
"Dealing with the problems of friendship and change in a lively way...a good addition to the middle-grade shelves." —School Library Journal
Just Grace
Booksense Summer Selection 2007
"The kids come alive in the story, and Harper, the author of several previous books, including the graphic novel Fashion Kitty (2005), enhances the comical goings-on with sparkling cartoon sketches. Equally delightful is the wry voice of energetic Just Grace, who never misses an opportunity to point out the injustices life has dealt her. Shes a hero through and through. Give this to fans of Ann Nagdas Meow Means Mischief (2003) or anyone looking for a funny book." —Booklist, starred review
"Grace is a funny, mischievous protagonist who should easily find a place in the pantheon of precocious third graders. Fans of Amber Brown, Clementine, and Judy Moody will love her." —School Library Journal
Review
"A gentle, affectionate take on familiar middle-grade issues and the joys of reading."
and#8212;Kirkus
"Tender . . . Cheng credibly portrays Anna's budding maturity."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"Cheng's telling is as straightforward yet sympathetic as her self-contained main character; and Halpin's often lighthearted pencil-and-wash sketches both decorate and enrich this perceptive novel."
and#8212;Horn Book
"Readers are led to discover the extraordinary within the ordinary, and to witness how kindness can draw trust and create confidence in a hesitant child."
and#8212;School Library Journal
"This is a remarkably pithy and nuanced portrait of a fourth-grader and her world, and the streamlined simplicity of Cheng's writing and the brief page count make it accessible."
and#8212;Bulletin
"The Year of the Book was a pleasure to read and more. This is a novel to treasure and share with every middle-grade reader you know."
and#8212;New York Times Book
Synopsis
The thirdand#160;chapter book sequel to The Year of the Bookand#160;and The Year of the Baby, eleven-year-old Anna takes a trip to China and learns more about herself and her Chinese heritage.
Synopsis
Eleven-year-old Anna heads off to sixth grade, leaving the comfort of elementary school behind and entering the larger, more complex world of middle school. Surrounded by classmates who have their roots all in America, Anna begins to feel out of place and wonders where she belongs. When Anna takes a trip to China, she not only explores a new country and culture, but finds answers to her questions about whether she is more Chinese or more American.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; This young illustrated chapter book is the third in the series that includes The Year of the Book and TheYear of the Baby.and#160;
Synopsis
In the seventh installment to the Just Grace Series, Grace and her best friend Mimi can't wait for Mimi's adopted little sister to arrive. But when the baby comes, it's not a sister at all . . . it's a boy!
This sweet, comical story builds upon the delightful adventures of Grace, a curious and well-meaning third grader who occasionally gets into a little bit of trouble.
Synopsis
This fully illustrated chapter book follows Anna, a young Asian-American girl, as she navigates relationships with family, friends, and her fourth-grade classroom, and finds a true best friend.
Synopsis
In Chinese, peng you means friend. But in any language, all Anna knows for certain is that friendship is complicated. When Anna needs company, she turns to her books. Whether traveling through A Wrinkle in Time, or peering over My Side of the Mountain, books provide what real life cannotand#8212;constant companionship and insight into her changing world. Books, however, canand#8217;t tell Anna how to find a true friend. Sheand#8217;ll have to discover that on her own. In the tradition of classics like Maud Hart Lovelaceand#8217;s Betsy-Tacy books and Eleanor Estesand#8217; One Hundred Dresses, this novel subtly explores what it takes to make friends and what it means to be one.
Synopsis
In this seventh installment in the Just Grace series, any day now Graces best friend in the whole world, Mimi, is going to be getting a brand-new sister. Grace is really excited, plus nervous, plus worried, plus happy all mixed together. But both Grace and Mimi are in for a surprise when they find out that Mimis family is not adopting a brand-new sister—and instead she is getting a brand-new brother. (Oh, brother!) And to heighten the excitement even further, Grace is in for another big surprise!