Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown ANNOTATION
Amber Brown loves the second grade but wonders if she will ever receive an award from Deskarina, the desk fairy, for keeping her desk clean.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Second grade is almost as wonderful as Amber expected, but there's one problem: the rules. Most of them are easy for Amber, but she just can't manage to keep her desk clean. Even when Ms. Light tells them about Deskarina, the fairy who gives treats to kids with neat desks (a cousin of Dentalina, the tooth fairy), Amber has trouble.
But seeing other kids get treats while her desk is skipped over gets Frustrating&150just enough for her to take some action.
Following closely on the events in Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown, kids and teachers will applaud this hilarious take on a universal September classroom issue.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger, illus. by Tony Ross, shows evidence of the "characteristic love of puns and her kid-targeted sense of humor" that PW praised in earlier installments about the spunky gal. Here, Amber struggles to keep her desk neat in hopes of being rewarded by a visit from Deskarina, the "desk fairy." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft
"A Is for Amber" designates the series which takes place when the famous Amber Brown was younger and her parents were still together. In this adventure (perhaps her last; Ms. Danziger died in 2004), the seven-year-old Amber loves second grade and her unconventional teacher, Mrs. Light. She even likes the class rules till a new one pops up—all desks must be kept clean. Poor Amber, neatness is not her thing, until Mrs. Light tells the class about Deskarina, the Desk Fairy, who leaves treats for a neatly organized space. The lively story, Ambers's second-grade friends (including Justin, who now tells chicken jokes), and her amusing but realistically difficult struggle for neatness will undoubtedly resonate with beginning readers. What fun to see Amber, wearing at last her hard-earned blue ribbon from Deskarina! Tony Ross's wonderfully immediate ink and watercolor illustrations continue to capture the essence of Amber in all her untidy charm. Some of the best depict Amber's visualizations of the Desk Fairy and her Deskmobile, topped by the little girl's glowing pride when she wins the ribbon and then her rueful look as she sees her cluttered bulletin board at home. This latest, perfectly-pitched tale will appeal to beginning readers whether Amber is an old friend or this is a first encounter with the author's endearing creation. Paula Danziger will be missed. 2004, Putnam, Ages 5 to 8.
School Library Journal
Gr 1-3-Amber loves second grade-until her teacher announces a new rule that all students must keep their desks clean. Now Amber knows she's in big trouble. Then Ms. Light explains that Deskarina, the desk fairy (cousin to the tooth fairy), will give out a Clean Desk Award to deserving children. Amber wants one. As she watches her classmates receive their awards, she continues trying until the day she finally figures out that she can stuff garbage in the trash can instead of her desk. Suddenly it's easier to find things and, to her surprise, she wins the coveted prize. Danziger is at her best as she guides readers through Amber's personal struggle to attain her goal. Her depiction of the girl and her friends rings true while the colorful illustrations reflect the humor, determination, and ultimate success of this unforgettable character. Not only is this an appealing beginning chapter book for Amber fans but it works as a read-aloud as well.-Kristina Aaronson, Henniker Community School, NH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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