The Talent Show: A Jackson Friends Book - Softcover

MICHELLE EDWARDS has written and illustrated many books for young readers, including Chicken Man, winner of the National Jewish Book Award, and the Jackson Friends series. She lives in Iowa City, Iowa.

Grade 1-3-An engaging, sensitive story about an African-American child overcoming stage fright. Howardina Geraldina Paulina Maxina Gardenia Smith embraces thoughts of stardom with a passion. On the morning of the Jackson Magnet Talent Show, she dresses herself while thinking about the final rehearsal before the entire school, Opening Night, and the delectable party afterward. In class, the second grader can barely concentrate on her math problems and quickly writes down some answers hoping that they are right. "Good luck," says her teacher as Howie hands in her paper. But when it is her turn to perform, she experiences pangs of stage fright and loses her voice. Grandma comes to her rescue and allows Howie to work through her nervousness and decide whether or not she is going to appear on Opening Night. The author's expressive black-and-white, pen-and-ink and gouache illustrations capture the emotions of Howie and her friends. This fine beginning chapter book concludes with an explanation of stage fright.
Karen Land, Greenport Public School, NY
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