(3) 1-3 Carver Chronicles series. Illustrated by Laura Freeman. When third grader Gavin's brand-new bike goes missing, he's certain that new kid Khufu took it. Gavin and his friends come up with a scheme to get it back. Big lessons--on why we shouldn't jump to conclusions and on the importance of communication and understanding--abound in this relatable illustrated chapter book, the fifth about a diverse group of boys at Carver Elementary.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Carver Chronicles series. Illustrated by Laura Freeman. Calvin is convinced he'll win the science fair with his project hypothesizing that boys are faster than girls. But his new next-door neighbor, bully Harper, has a vested interest in the science fair himself. As Calvin's theories on family, friendship, and gender are challenged, he grows as a person and a scientist. Black-and-white illustrations accompany the warm fourth story about the diverse boys at Carver Elementary.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 Carver Chronicles series. Illustrated by Laura Freeman. Carlos's cousin, Bernardo, is staying with them temporarily, and it's not going well: he doesn't understand how to feed Carlos's geckos, Carlos's papi is bonding with Bernardo over soccer, and Bernardo makes some questionable choices at school. Carlos eventually learns to empathize with his cousin in English's satisfying third book in the series, which focuses on diverse kids at Carver Elementary.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(2) 1-3 Carver Chronicles series. Illustrated by Laura Freeman. Skateboarder Richard spends so much time mastering a flat-ground Ollie that other things fall by the wayside. After blowing off his report on howler monkeys--again--Richard finds himself staying in for recess; readers will cheer when he finally tackles the report. Kids will recognize themselves in this series entry (including the occasional black-and-white illustrations) starring a realistic, likable boy of color.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(2) 1-3 Carver Chronicles series. Illustrated by Laura Freeman. English kicks off a new series, set in the same classroom as her Nikki and Deja books, starring Gavin, a new kid at Carver Elementary. Readers will identify with this character who is full of good intentions. Freeman's occasional black-and-white illustrations give readers a picture of the neighborhood. Chapter book readers have few options for reading about urban boys of color; here's hoping for more about Gavin.

Reviewer: Robin L. Smith | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014