(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. With Nancy Ohlin. African American girl Shai learns more lessons about life and friendship, supported by her performing-arts-school friends and loving family. In Pants, Shai is determined her tap routine will win a dance competition; Shai and bestie Emmie prep for a fundraising concert in Rescue. The plots and illustrations aren't anything outstanding, but they're satisfying and feature lots of cultural markers and appealing details for performance-loving readers. Review covers these titles: Shai & Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! and Shai & Emmie Star in To the Rescue!

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. With Nancy Ohlin. African American girl Shai learns more lessons about life and friendship, supported by her performing-arts-school friends and loving family. In Pants, Shai is determined her tap routine will win a dance competition; Shai and bestie Emmie prep for a fundraising concert in Rescue. The plots and illustrations aren't anything outstanding, but they're satisfying and feature lots of cultural markers and appealing details for performance-loving readers. Review covers these titles: Shai & Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! and Shai & Emmie Star in To the Rescue!

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. With Nancy Ohlin. Best friends Shai (who's African American) and Emmie (white) audition for Once on This Island, the third-grade musical at their Atlanta performing-arts school. Shai's dreams of stardom are threatened when a new girl from Hollywood goes for the lead. Co-written by teenage actor Wallis, the story is rather pat, but aspiring actors will be drawn to this new series; grayscale illustrations provide visual breaks.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester