Publication Date: July 22, 2002 | Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: A is for Amber; Easy-To-Read
Amber Brown is excited about starting second grade, but she is also a little nervous. There is a new second grade teacher this year. The old second grade teacher was really nice and used to smile at Amber in the hall. What if the new one isn't as nice? What if she doesn't like Amber?
As she sets off with her new bear backpack (named Bear Lee Brown), the flapping scab on her knee (named Scabulous), and her best friend, Justin, Amber decides she's ready for whatever happens. And second grade better be ready for Amber Brown!
Together Again Beginning readers will welcome the return of several favorite characters. Amber Brown stars in two titles by Paula Danziger, illus. by Tony Ross. In It's a Fair Day, Amber Brown, the heroine and her best friend, Justin, enjoy a vacation with their families. Unfortunately, things turn sour when Amber's parents start arguing and she gets lost at the county fair. Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown focuses on first-day jitters that are quickly quelled. (July) Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-The characters in these prequels for beginning readers lose nothing from their original portrayals in the longer books for older children. In Get Ready, Danziger effortlessly guides young Amber through an encounter with the unknown as a second grader. The child confesses her fears-will her new teacher give "seven hours of homework?-What if she's an alien from some foreign planet?" A ray of light shines on her as she begins class-Ms. Light. The woman calms worries with ease, and the "Bright Lights" include all of her students, in particular a newly confident Amber. Childlike conversations and humor capture the highlights of the school day. In the second title, a trip to a county fair includes the Browns and the family of Amber's friend Justin Daniels, but all is not well between her mother and father. The author's gift for characterization places Amber's emotions before readers; an escape from the tensions between her parents creates a potentially dangerous moment when she loses her way at the fair. The book's puns and kid-oriented humor target a serious topic with childlike truthfulness and simplified text. In both books, Ross's watercolor-and-pen illustrations emphasize the action and emotions. Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular Amber Brown books as well as Remember Me To Harold Square, The Divorce Express, and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice?Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent's Choice Awards, International Reading Association - Children's Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards. Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids' hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.In Paula's memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children's Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. "I want people who want to become writers to read lots, write and rewrite lots, take acting lessons to learn about character development, observe people and not to be afraid of not being perfect. As for those people who don't want to be writers, I hope that you will always continue to read and also not be afraid of not being perfect." "I have two sets of heroes: One--bright, creative teachers, who manage to stay in the classroom. And, two--people who have difficult childhoods and manage to use the experiences to grow into caring, understanding adults."
My about to be second grader enjoyed this and found it reassuring. I don't think it will be re-read very frequently, but it was a worthwhile shared experience.
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With the start of the school year this week, I read this book to my new second graders. Kids very often have worries about their teacher especially if the teacher is new. The teacher used her name, Ms. Light, as well as a series of play on words to help her class realize how much fun second grade would be. Great way to point out the use of words with double meanings, double entendre, and discuss student interactions. My students liked this book which generated an applause at the end....always a sign of enjoyment!
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