From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2—Lili is so shy and soft-spoken that she is almost invisible in her classroom. She fails to ask for what she wants and often ends up with what she doesn't want: a partner named Cassidy. Then one day, when Mrs. Backmeyer is absent and Cassidy is being cruel to the guinea pig, Lili finds her strongest, most forceful voice and commands respect: "Even the glue in the bottle stood still." This engaging story is well written and even poetic. Lili is a well-developed character, and her growth is believable. The warm, energetic illustrations highlight the elements of humor in the story, as when the substitute teacher is on her cell phone outside the room with the class visibly out of control within. Lili's facial expressions are priceless, especially as she shrieks "STOP IT!," and children will laugh at Cassidy's archlike pigtails, and at the birds and fish that line up along with the students. While shy youngsters may claim Lili, others will relate to her. This excellent title will spark discussions on feeling shy, practicing assertiveness, and dealing with bullies.—
Barbara Katz, Parish Episcopal School, Dallas, TX Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Newbery Honor Book author Choldenko follows How to Make Friends with a Giant (2006) with another picture book about honest friendship and confronting bullies. Lili's voice is so soft that her teacher can't hear her during roll call. During partner projects, Lili is too shy to pair up, and at recess, she hides in the classroom with a book. Then loud Cassidy chooses Lili to work with on a project, but Lili ends up doing all the work. When Cassidy wants to share lunch, Lili ends up with the carrots and Cassidy gets the cake. The final straw comes when Cassidy decides to pour glue into the classroom guinea pig's water bottle. In defending a beloved pet, Lili finds her voice, learns to assert herself, and makes a true friend. Schindler's pastel illustrations have a feathery, soft-edged texture that adds a reassuring tone to the story of a child's roiling emotions. All kids, whether they're a Cassidy or a Lili, will leave this well-told story with plenty to think about. Engberg, Gillian
