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32 pp.
| Holiday
| October, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1682-8$$16.95
(4)
K-3
When a park is overrun by "hangouts" who litter, graffiti, and otherwise scare off "old-timers" and parents, narrator Angelo and his grandfather join a neighborhood group. After their cleanup efforts are undone, the unlikeliest of park-goers restore order. Although the book is slow to gain momentum, the dialogue is snappy, the message is subtly articulated, and the gouache illustrations bring the community to life.
(3)
K-3
Andy and his family have always imagined moving from their cramped apartment into a house. They get their chance after volunteering for a Habitat for Humanity-style renovation project on their own street. The hopeful story, accompanied by warm illustrations, emphasizes the value of helping others. The book is both readable and a useful addition to a curriculum.
40 pp.
| HarperCollins
| April, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-688-16716-0$$15.95
|
LibraryISBN 0-688-16717-9$$15.89
(3)
K-3
Lucy fears that a new supermarket will force her grandfather's grocery store out of business. Inspired by a school project about community, she turns organizer, and she and her neighbors spruce up Grandpa's store and pledge their loyalty. The characterizations are strong, the illustrations deft and affecting, the story complex and uplifting but not deluded: Lucy acknowledges that the new supermarket is a success.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| March, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1369-1$$15.95
(4)
K-3
A boy looks back at his family's adoption of a dog, the different kinds of activities Jack enjoyed throughout the various seasons, his less active life as an older dog, and his eventual death. While clearly intended as bibliotherapy, the narrative is natural-sounding and realistic, and the watercolors warmly illustrate a family's love for their pet. The book concludes with a note for adults about children's grieving for a pet.