Ernestine & Amanda (Belton, Sandra. Ernestine & Amanda.) (Paperback)

by Sandra Belton (Author) "BYE, MAMA." I held the handle of the screen door to make sure it wouldn't slam shut..." (more)
Key Phrases: Miss Elder, Miss Nickerson, Miss Helen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Set in the 1950s, two stories are narrated alternately by a pair of African American girls who take pride in their heritage but can't always appreciate each other. In the first, they prepare for a piano competition: "Lots of texture and perceptive writing make this a winner," said PW. The second title finds the two attending different summer camps-one integrated, one all African American. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Told in the alternating voices of two fifth-grade girls, this novel gives readers a glimpse into the middle-class black world of the 1950s. Both piano students of Miss Elder, Amanda and Ernestine circle each other warily throughout the book and compete for the friendship of a fellow student because they misperceive one another's intentions and motivations. Each girl in alternating chapters gives her perspective, often on the same event, so that readers see what Ernestine and Amanda don't: how very much they actually have in common. In the end, it is not clear if they'll ever become close friends, but that possibility is held out because of their love of music and their pride in who they are. This is a gentle, sweet, simply told tale of family, community, and friendship. It's also a book that will enhance any library's collection.
Carol Jones Collins, Montclair Kimberley Academy, NJ
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068980847X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689808470
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,885,085 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of Enemies and Friendship, July 4, 2001

By	Jess (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ernestine & Amanda (Belton, Sandra. Ernestine & Amanda.) (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful story about two completely different girls who find themselves brought together through several incidents. After stolen friends, fights, competitions, and more, Ernestine and Amanda have come a little closer to being friends, while remaining in an "in-between" zone as not yet friends, and not yet enemies. The story continues in, "Summer Camp: Ready or Not!" which is another excellent addition to the series. I enjoyed this book, just because of the "well-writteness" of the story. Ernestine and Amanda are like real people almost, experiencing real life issues, real hate, and real friendship.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of Enemies and Friendship, July 4, 2001

By	Jess (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ernestine & Amanda (Belton, Sandra. Ernestine & Amanda.) (Hardcover)

This book is a wonderful story about two completely different girls who find themselves brought together through several incidents. After stolen friends, fights, competitions, and more, Ernestine and Amanda have come a little closer to being friends, while remaining in an "in-between" zone as not yet friends, and not yet enemies. The story continues in, "Summer Camp: Ready or Not!" which is another excellent addition to the series. I enjoyed this book, just because of the "well-writteness" of the story. Ernestine and Amanda are like real people almost, experiencing real life issues, real hate, and real friendship.