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Caseley, Judith
8 Reviews
(4)
4-6
Twelve-year-old Rosie Goldglitt strives to figure out boys, her divorced parents, and just about everything else in this meandering novel. Rosie's diary entries supplement the third-person narration, allowing readers to observe her from varying distances as she navigates relationships with friends, family, and heartthrob Robbie Romano. The story's amusing at times, but plot and character are fairly standard.
Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby
(4)
K-3
Melissa and Kika, her recently adopted sister--both apparently about the same age--take turns telling the story of Kika's arrival. Accompanied by bright, cartoon-style illustrations, their account, while upbeat, also touches on Kika's fear and sadness, as well as Melissa's one instance of jealousy. Some questions, however, remain unanswered: Where does Kika come from? What language does she speak?
Reviewer: Martha Sibert
(3)
K-3
For a school project, Charlie and his mom walk around town visiting various places, including stores, the barbershop, the post office, and the pizza parlor. Charlie chronicles the places they visit in his notebook and draws pictures of the people who work there. The brightly colored mixed-media artwork is full of amusing details. While there's nothing new here, this is a good choice for primary-grade neighborhood units.
Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt
(3)
K-3
Mickey's friend Jack has turned into a bully, taking his cookies, breaking his pencil, and throwing his cap. Mickey's parents and sister each offer different advice. He follows their suggestions but also comes up with his own successful solution: he makes Jack laugh. Jack's temporary personality change (due to a new baby sister) is well portrayed in the satisfying story illustrated with Caseley's comfortable artwork.
Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander
(3)
4-6
After her father's death, thirteen-year-old Sierra finds comfort in her imaginary conversations with Abraham Lincoln, whom she and her father enjoyed studying together. Well-developed characters and breezy writing help make the offbeat premise work, and humorous scenes with Sierra's Jewish and Cuban family help leaven the novel's poignant and, at times, heart-wrenching depiction of grief.
Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger
(3)
K-3
Mickey is "short and sturdy and quick"; his best friend Longjohn is "tall and thin and speedy." In this true-to-life story, the boys' close friendship is tested during their school's Field Day when only one of them can win the fifty-yard dash. Much detail is packed into compact, colorful illustrations, which depict children enjoying a favorite day at school and learning about good sportsmanship.
Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan
(3)
YA
Sixteen-year-old Lacey has so much to do dealing with her parents' divorce and her older sister's unintended pregnancy that she barely has time to handle her own sad excuse for a love life. Caseley's portrayal of the concerns of teens written in a teenage voice is entirely appropriate as she crafts a satisfying and balanced tale of families, discoveries, and decisions.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
(4)
K-3
Mickey is a feather-covered duck in Mrs. Humphrey's class play, which features a lively cast of animal characters. On the day of the performance, he leaves his costume out in the rain, but his family comes to the rescue. The emphasis on "celebrating your differences" adds a didactic tone to the otherwise engaging story. Caseley's trademark illustrations are bold and colorful.
Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty
8 reviews
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