(4) 4-6 Translated by Gill Rosner. As she begins junior high, Margot struggles with difficult teachers and assignments, is named class representative, and takes a school trip to Rome. The omniscient narrative gives this French import a sometimes remote quality. Kids, however, will relate to Margot's rather grandiloquent angst.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Translated by Gill Rosner. This slim novel is about Gregory, a thirteen-year-old sixth grader who is unhappy and unsuccessful at school. When Gregory sets off to attend a new boarding school, his grandfather, the only person who believes in him, is hospitalized. In this fresh setting, however, Gregory begins to turn his life around. This affecting story about faith in one's own strength should be attractive to readers who, like Gregory, struggle academically.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) YA Translated by Gill Rosner. William is a bored and apathetic French high-school student. When a frustrated teacher begs him to share his dreams, William blurts out that he'd really like to see her panties. During his resultant three-day suspension, he undergoes a gradual awakening. Funny and unponderous, the book is so brief and concentrated that it's more like a fable than a realistic novel.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2001

(2) 4-6 Translated by Gill Rosner. Illustrated by Serge Bloch. The new fifth-grade teacher, Monsieur Noël, gives each child a book of coupons that excuse the holder for infractions of the rules. But the real gift he gives them is a love for learning--he will give them a "whole year of lessons for free." Morgenstern's witty and poignant tribute to great teachers everywhere proclaims what education should be about. Her message may be pointed, but no reader will be unmoved.

Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2001

(2) 4-6 Translated by Gill Rosner. The new girl in Ernest's fifth-grade class--the "victorious, imperious, impetuous, and hilarious" Victoria--charges into the tomblike home he shares with his emotionless grandmother and dramatically alters his regimented life. With language that conveys the wit and sophistication of young sensible Ernest as the world of delight opens before him, Morgenstern leads us willingly--like Ernest to Victoria--from jubilation to greater jubilation.

Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1998