March 15, 2005
Gr. 2-4. In this beginning chapter book, Kate's anxiety over a school spelling bee leads her to snap at her pal Jake. Worried that she has lost his friendship and stung by her bullying classmate Violet's mean remarks, Kate endures an unhappy time before she realizes that she can count on Jake in more ways than she had suspected. Most children will feel right at home in the elementary-school setting realistically depicted here, from classroom routine to playground dynamics. The bully's motivation is suggested in such a way that, in the end, readers may even sympathize a little with Violet. Fourteen expressive pencil drawings illustrate the 13 short chapters. A down-to-earth school story for young readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)