Peters debuts with a ``Springboard Book'' about a contest that surely could never be—but that will certainly elicit gleeful giggles. The ``Feetfirst'' company is sponsoring the unlikely event (as described in the title) for ten-year-olds, with the magnificent prize of ten pairs of ``Jaguar Jetstreams'' over the next ten years. Earl, one of six children, knows that winning would help his family; besides, he'd love—just once—to come out ahead of friend Damian, whose dad out west keeps him well supplied with things like new bikes but whose methods of winning don't always seem fair. Sure enough, Damian buys a pair of ancient sneakers for the contest, then ``cheats'' by seasoning them with rank cheese; but when he and Earl tie at the finish, he cancels out what he admits was unfair play: he throws the contest by using a ``Smell Repel'' insert. It's all rather obviously contrived, but kids will love it; and, while Earl's motto— ``Cheaters never prosper''—is not really borne out by the events, the debate about it is intrinsic to the story. Smith's freely squiggled, cartoony b&w illustrations (in which most of the characters are African-Americans) extend the lively characterizations and the humor. (Fiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-316-70214-5
Page Count: 58
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Trickling, bubbling, swirling, rushing, a river flows down from its mountain beginnings, past peaceful country and bustling city on its way to the sea. Hooper (The Drop in My Drink, 1998, etc.) artfully evokes the water’s changing character as it transforms from “milky-cold / rattling-bold” to a wide, slow “sliding past mudflats / looping through marshes” to the end of its journey. Willey, best known for illustrating Geraldine McCaughrean’s spectacular folk-tale collections, contributes finely detailed scenes crafted in shimmering, intricate blues and greens, capturing mountain’s chill, the bucolic serenity of passing pastures, and a sense of mystery in the water’s shadowy depths. Though Hooper refers to “the cans and cartons / and bits of old wood” being swept along, there’s no direct conservation agenda here (for that, see Debby Atwell’s River, 1999), just appreciation for the river’s beauty and being. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)
Pub Date: June 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-7636-0792-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Candlewick
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2000
Trisha is ready to start at a new school, where no one will know she has dyslexia. At first, she is heartbroken to be in Miss Peterson’s special-ed class, aka, “the junkyard.” But Miss Peterson treats the children as anything but junk, showing them that everyone has a unique talent. Polacco’s trademark style is fully present here; her sensitively drawn alter ego shines with depth of feeling. When bullying occurs, Miss Peterson proves her students are worthwhile by planning a junkyard field trip, where they find valuable objects to be used in exciting ways. Trisha’s group repairs a plane, and the class buys an engine for it. Then a beloved class member dies, and the children must find a way to honor him. While the plot meanders somewhat, the characters are appealing, believable and provide a fine portrayal of a truly special class. Children will be drawn in by the story’s warmth and gentle humor and will leave with a spark of inspiration, an appreciation of individual differences and a firm anti-bullying message, all underscored by the author’s note that concludes the book. (Picture book. 7-10)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-25078-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2010
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