Gr. 1-3. Wilson's I Am Reading title is a real change from the talking animals that so often populate easy readers. Kevin's friends Mickey, Ricky, and Nicky are forming a band, and although Kevin is well aware that the others are cool and he's not, he does have something to offer--his grandmother's basement in which to practice. As the band grows famous, Kevin feels that he should drop out, but his mates stick with him, and he becomes a fan favorite despite his limited talent. Kids in first and second grade will like reading books about cool kids who seem 12 or so, and Wilson uses this interest (and word repetition) to keep them reading. Gawky Kevin resembles the child from the movie
About a Boy in his oversize hand-knit sweater, and, other than the basement, seems to have little in common with his bandmates. Still, Kevin does evolve, and there's a good message about being oneself.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Review
Children's Literature This "I Am Reading" book would appeal to older readers because of its subject matter, but the text is modest for newly independent readers of any age.
School Library Journal
All of the stories offer clear and simple texts with appealing plots. The splashy, cartoon illustrations do an excellent job of supporting the narratives. Edgier and more interesting than the titles in the "Hello Reader" series (Scholastic), these books are solid additions.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.