From School Library Journal
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, NYCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 2-4. The latest entry into the Jackson Friends series stars second-grader Howardina Smith, who is excited about the class talent show; even the local news channel will be there. But on the day of the dress rehearsal, something happens that Howie never expected: she gets stage fright. It's tough, but with the support of her grandmother and a strong tug on her own inner resources, Howie finds what she needs to have her moment in the sun. Like the other books in the series, this combines strong characterizations with a heartfelt story that touches on real emotions. The pen-and-ink and watercolor-and-gouache artwork is very imaginative, but just a few spots of color might have been nice. A spread at the conclusion discusses stage fright; there's also a short profile of each member of the Jackson friends.
Ilene CooperCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
