Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
by Joseph Slate
Published 1996 by Dutton Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780525454465

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Jacket Notes:

Here's a warm, humorous book for that special morning of mixed emotions--the first day of kindergarten or preschool. Miss Bindergarten's soon-to-be students are excitedly, anxiously getting ready at home. Young schoolgoers will recognize their own actions and emotions in the rhyming text which incorporates the alphabet for additional interest. Full color.

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 07/01/1996

Any child made anxious by the first day of kindergarten should find great comfort in this book's two parallel stories: 26 young animals--from an alligator named Adam to a zebra named Zach--get ready for their first day of school, while a teacher named Miss Bindergarten is hard at work preparing herself and her classroom for their arrival. Wolff and Slate (previously teamed in Who Is Coming to Our House?) boost the confidence of their audience by showing that Miss Bindergarten, a gentle-looking black-and-white dog in a green dress, is slightly more harried in her preparations than her students. Except for a genuinely reluctant iguana named Ian, who is dragged crying from the door of his house by his mother, the kindergarteners appear not only self-reliant but eager. Slate's text has a comforting, familiar rhythm ("Brenda Heath brushes her teeth/ Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker"), while Wolff's richly colored, busy illustrations display a keen and sympathetic eye for children's dress and behavior. The book concludes with a winning set of class portraits, each of Miss Bindergarten's pupils (except poor Ian) grinning into the "camera," the picture of self-assurance. Ages 3-6. (Sept.)

08/01/1998 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-K--As Miss Bindergarten, a black-and-white dog in teacher's clothing, prepares herself and the classroom for her new students, the children are also preparing for their first day at school. In alphabetical order, each of the 26 kindergartners is introduced through cleverly rhymed text with intermittent scenes of the classroom being transformed by the creative instructor. Watercolor and gouache illustrations are bright, expressive, and filled with humorous details. On the final page individual pictures of the class are displayed from Adam the alligator, Quentin the quokka, and Vicki the vole to Zach the zebra. A super animal-alphabet book with a clever twist.--Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NE

The Kissing Hand with Sticker
by Audrey Penn
Published 1993 by Child & Family Press

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780878685851

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REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 01/24/1994

In her foreword to Penn's sugary tale about Chester, a young raccoon who would rather stay at home than go to school, Jean Kennedy Smith notes that the story is ``for any child who confronts a difficult situation, and for the child within each of us who sometimes needs reassurance.' Its obvious message is delivered by Mrs. Raccoon, who tells her son that ``I know a wonderful secret that will make your nights at school seem as warm and cozy as your days at home.' She then kisses his palm, and Chester feels the kiss ``rush from his hand, up his arm, and into his heart.' Whenever he gets lonely, she advises, he is to press his hand to his cheek and ``that very kiss will jump to your face and fill you with toasty warm thoughts.' As it may for youngsters in comparable situations, this ``secret' works for Chester, who in turn kisses his mother's palm so that she, too, will be reassured. Sprinkled with hearts and flowers, Harper and Leak's paintings of the raccoons and their woodland habitat are pleasant if sentimental. Ages 3-8. (Mar.)

08/01/1994 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-K-When Chester Raccoon is reluctant to start school, his mother addresses his fears, then kisses his hand so he will have her love with him while they are apart. After this exchange, he gives her a ``Kissing Hand' as well and scampers off happily to school. This bit of bibliotherapy comes with CHILD WELFARE LEAGUE emblazoned on the cover, a letter from the chairperson of this group, a page of stickers on the flyleaf, and an order form attached to the back cover. Now, all this marketing wouldn't be so bad if the book were better. Unfortunately, the didactic story is reminiscent of some of the sweet and soppy selections from the '50s, and the artwork is just a cut above greeting-card quality. There are so many better ``starting school' offerings that this one is not even in the running.-JoAnn Rees, Sunnyvale Public Library, CA

First Day, Hooray!
by Nancy Poydar
Published 1999 by Holiday House

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780823414376

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Jacket Notes:

The anticipation, apprehensions, and excitement of the first day of school.

08/01/1999 REVIEW: School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-A satisfying exploration of the anxiety and joy experienced before and during the first day of school. The focus is not just on young Ivy Green but on the bus driver, janitor, teacher, and principal of her school. On the day before school starts, each one is shown getting ready-buying shoes, going over the bus route, polishing floors, or making name tags. The book artfully moves on to night-before jitters and pre-bed activities, followed by a segment of nerve-induced dreams. Mr. Masters, the principal, has a "pajamas-on dream," while Ivy moves from a "no-lunch dream" to a "which-door dream." Then, with the crack of dawn, the sun beams down on a day in which everything is as it should be. The clever text flows naturally from child to adult experiences, from morning to night, and from excited energy to reflection. As such, it is wonderfully balanced, made even more successful by the complementary illustrations, which are soft and friendly. The animated cartoon characters are brought to life while the town, with houses built almost on top of each other, is clearly a close-knit community. One challenge to this book is that ideas are often oblique rather than obvious, and children will need to use visual and textual clues to figure out the events and characters. How refreshing!-Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI

D.W.'s Guide to Preschool
by Marc Tolon Brown
Published 2003 by Little Brown and Company

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780316120692

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Jacket Notes:

D.W., Arthur's fun and sassy little sister, stars in this humorous guide to a child's very first day of school. From naps to snacks to playtime, D.W. covers it all in this helpful and hilarious guidebook to a very important rite of passage. Full color.

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 07/28/2003

For youngest schoolgoers, D.W.'s Guide to Preschool by Marc Brown should help pave the way. Arthur's spunky younger sister has no trepidation about bidding farewell to her mother first thing in the morning ("The parents come back when we're finished. It's no big deal"), and she lays out a typical day so that preschoolers know what to expect. Cheery watercolors of human and animal classmates depict songs and games during circle time, snack break and playground activities.

12/01/2003 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Arthur's talkative, spirited, and sometimes bossy little sister invites young listeners to join her for a day at her preschool. With smiles and assurances, she gives instructions about saying good-bye to parents and hello to the other students and even to the class pet. Her chatty tone is comforting and reassuring, as she talks about snack time, bathroom breaks, boo-boos, free play, and circle time. The story ends with the children being picked up, reassuring youngsters that their parents will come back for them. Brown's signature pen-and-ink watercolors perfectly capture the characters' activities and emotions. Preschoolers will love D.W.'s matter-of-fact advice and will want to listen to this story again and again. A great book for sharing at home or during storytime to calm first-day jitters.-Tracy Bell, Durham Public Schools, NC

Owen
by Kevin Henkes
Published 1993 by Greenwillow Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780688114497

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Jacket Notes:

Owen is attached to his fuzzy yellow blanket--and he won't give it up. But when school starts, Owen's mother knows just what to do. Full color. 1994 Caldecott Honor Book.

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 09/20/1993

A worthy addition to Henkes's ( Chester's Way ; Julius, the Baby of the World ) impressive, engaging oeuvre, this animated tale takes up the case of a wee mouse's devotion to a no-longer-fuzzy blanket named Fuzzy. Imbued with Henkes's characteristically understated humor, spry text and brightly hued watercolor-and-ink pictures chronicle how Owen's next-door neighbor, Mrs. Tweezers, suggests to Owen's parents a series of ploys to separate their son--who is soon to start school--from Fuzzy. The ingenious mouse foils each attempt, until his resourceful mother stumbles upon ``an absolutely wonderful, positively perfect, especially terrific idea.' With some snipping and sewing, she transforms the beloved blanket into a batch of very portable handkerchiefs, a stratagem that not only keeps Owen happy but manages to silence the meddling Mrs. Tweezers. Even youngsters unattached to a Fuzzy-like object will feel a kinship with the winningly wily Owen--and parents of the attached may find a useful solution to an age-old dilemma. Ages 3-up. (Sept.)

Froggy Goes to School
by Jonathan London
Published 1996 by Viking Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780670867264

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Jacket Notes:

It's the first day of school and Froggy is more than a little nervous. When he tries to pour the milk on his breakfast bowl of flies, the carton flies out of his hands. Will he ever pull himself together in time to make it to the classroom? Froggy's many fans will welcome his return in the latest "tongue-tangling, giggle-getting, rousing read aloud".--School Library Journal. Full color.

08/01/1998 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1--In this fourth book for "Froggy" lovers, children are sure to relate to that "pit in the stomach" feeling that often comes with the first day of school. Froggy's biggest nightmare comes true--he shows up for school in his underwear. Luckily, that scenario is just a bad dream, and the big day proceeds without a hitch. This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation. Remkiewicz's large, vivid cartoon illustrations show Froggy's amusing, priceless facial expressions as well as those of his family and assorted animal classmates. A charming story to calm those pre-school jitters.--Kathy Mitchell, Gadsden Co. Public Library, Quincy, FL

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
by Nancy Carlson
Published 1999 by Viking Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780670883783

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Jacket Notes:

It's the first day of kindergarten, and Henry is raring to go. First he gets dressed and eats a good breakfast. Then he and mom are off to school. Henry knows he's going to have a busy day: there will be stories to hear, letters and numbers to learn, songs to sing, and friends to make. But when Henry gets to school, it looks scary and for a moment he's not sure he's ready for kindergarten. What Henry soon discovers, though, is that he's been ready all along, and that the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun kindergarten is going to be! Full color.

07/01/1999 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-K-When Henry wakes up on the first day of school and announces that he is ready for kindergarten, his mom gently reminds him of the things he needs to do to prepare: get washed, brush teeth, get dressed, eat a nutritious breakfast, and pack supplies. On the walk to school, mother and son discuss what Henry might expect during the course of his day. Since he has already done some of these activities at home, he is confident he'll do well. When he arrives and sees the new faces and surroundings, however, his confidence vanishes and he declares, "I want to go home." It is only after he makes a friend and finds some familiar objects that he decides to give kindergarten a conditional try. Carlson employs her familiar art style to depict Henry's mouse family and his fellow animal kindergartners in large, brightly colored cartoons placed about the text. When Henry imagines himself working at home or school, the illustrations have a rounded, thought-balloon outline. The classroom is a cheery, welcoming place, and the story will reassure youngsters who are both eager for and apprehensive about their first school experience. Pair this title with Joseph Slate's Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Dutton, 1996), which looks at preparations from the teacher's perspective.-Marianne Saccardi, Norwalk Community-Technical College, CT

What Did You Do Today?: The First Day of School
by Toby Forward
Published 2004 by Clarion Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780618495863

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Jacket Notes:

There's a lot to do on the first day of school: meet new friends, practice writing, eat lunch, and run around. But it's not only children who do these things--parents do, too. This charming story follows the day of a young boy and his working mother. Full color.

10/01/2004 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1 -Told from a child's point of view, this story is sure to quell those first-day-of-school jitters. Though mother and son are apart for the day, they are never far from one another's thoughts. Spreads feature the child's activities on the left page and his mother's comparable work routine on the right. From enjoying a morning snack to listening to stories, eating lunch, and getting ready to go home at day's end, their movements are similar. Every now and then a thought bubble of the loved one's smiling face appears. Each page contains at least one central watercolor framed on a pastel-colored background and surrounded by items featured in the picture. For example, "I sat down and tried hard to do my very best writing" reveals the child (pencil in mouth) concentrating at perfecting his letters while his mother (pencil in mouth) is shown "writing" on a computer. Each of these illustrations is surrounded by the alphabet; the boy's letters are printed and the mother's are typed in a computer font. The charming artwork shows the happy camaraderie in both the multicultural classroom and workplace. This day-in-the-life tale is a delightful introduction to the school experience and dispels the mystery of what a working parent does all day.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI

I Am Not Going to School Today!
by Jan Ormerod
Published 2003 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780689839139

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Jacket Notes:

With great affection and humor, author Harris and illustrator Ormerod, creators of the award-winning picture book "Goodbye Mousie, " tell the captivating story of a child who decides that skipping the very first day of school is a very good idea. Full color.

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 05/26/2003

The duo behind Goodbye Mousie aptly handles the emotion of first-day-of-school jitters in this empathetic tale. After carefully packing his backpack the night before, a boy with wide, brown eyes (who narrates and remains nameless throughout) declares the next morning that he's not going to school because, "on the very first day of school, you don't know anything... all the kids' names, or which cubby is your cubby... or what kind of juice they have." The ultimate excuse concerns his stuffed monkey companion: "If I go to school, Hank won't have anyone to play with!" Ormerod's watercolor washes, outlined in black pencil, anchor the fast-moving dialogue with true-to-life details. (One scene shows Dad coaxing his son out from under the breakfast table; another depicts a late-for-work, yet smiling Mommy calmly holding out her son's jacket while suggesting Hank accompany the reluctant boy.) As the schoolday unfolds, the boy gets answers to all of his questions (he learns the kids' names, his teacher shows him his cubby and serves orange juice, etc.). The compositions keep the focus on the boy's blossoming confidence and do a splendid job of relating a subtle side-story of a budding friendship with another stuffed animal-clutching boy. The two children silently introduce their animals at circle time and play together in several successive spot illustrations of cheerful, bouncy pupils. This story insightfully relates a youngster's trepidation about the unknown, while its happy ending sends a comforting message to anxious schoolgoers. Ages 4-8. (July)

07/01/2003 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-As in Goodbye Mousie (McElderry, 2001), a book about the loss of a pet, Harris and Ormerod successfully combine simplicity with sensitivity to take on another emotionally stressful situation-facing the first day of school. After packing his knapsack and choosing his clothes for the next morning, a young boy feels ready for just about anything. However, once the lights are out, he clutches Hank, his stuffed monkey, and begins to worry. Before breakfast, he declares that he intends to stay home, "Because on the very first day of school, you don't know anything!" His parents patiently address his concerns, which include not being familiar with the routine and a reluctance to leave Hank behind, and Mom comes up with the idea of taking the monkey along. Once the child is settled in Mr. Chase's classroom, all of his questions are answered and his fears are put to rest. Told from the youngster's point of view, this story is filled with details that will strike a chord with children. The vivid illustrations done in black pencil line and watercolor washes feature simple yet elegantly drawn characters. The bright colors of their clothing contrast neatly with the white backgrounds. The artwork extends the text, as the pictures show the narrator meeting another equally tentative child who is holding on just as tightly to his teddy bear; by day's end, the two are fast friends. A reassuring anecdote for those beginning-of-the-year jitters.-Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal

Chrysanthemum (Rpkg)
by Kevin Henkes
Published 1991 by Greenwillow Books

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780688096991

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Jacket Notes:

Chrysanthemum loved her name . . . until she went to school. "I'm named after my grandmother", said Victoria. "You're named after a flower". Chrysanthemum wilted. Nothing got any better--until the students met their music teacher, Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. Full color.

09/01/1991 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2-- She was a perfect baby, and her doting parents chose a name to match, Chrysanthemum. She is proud of her musical name until kindergarten, when she finds herself in a world of strange new names such as Sue, Bill, Max, Sam, and Joe--in short ( really short) a world of ordinary monikers. That wouldn't be so bad if the others--like Victoria--hadn't made a mean-spirited game of tormenting her, sending her home in tears to be comforted with cuddles and Parcheesi. Wisely, Chrysanthemum's concerned and loving parents try not to interfere, but what can't be put right by them is dealt with by lucky chance. The class learns that their popular music teacher not only has a whopper of a name herself--Delphinium--but also plans to name her expected baby by the prettiest name she has heard, Chrysanthemum. The charming mouse with her delicate little face seems just right for her name. The range of expression and emotion Henkes conveys in his pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are ``absolutely perfect.' The impressionistic floral backdrops and patterning reinforce the story's lighthearted, yet tender theme. This sensitive story will strike a chord with young children, particularly those who also have difficult or unfamiliar names. --Joan McGrath, Education Centre Library, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Off to School, Baby Duck!
by Amy Hest
Published 1997 by Candlewick Press (MA)

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780763602444

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09/01/1999 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 1 Baby Duck's new adventure uses the now-familiar format to handle a common childhood fear with uncommon grace and humor. Baby is understandably nervous on the first day of school, even though her mother assures her that she is "big and brave." Her parents and little sister blithely lead the way to school, as she drags behind. Baby's ever-attentive Grampa waits in the schoolyard, ready as always with just the right questions and confidence boosts she needs. As she shows him all the important things in her school bag, her worries begin to melt away. Grampa even double-checks a few things with the teacher, Miss Posy: "Are you mean? Do you sing songs in that schoolhouse? Do you like sandwiches with jam, and yellow pencils?" And so, fears allayed, Baby Duck skips off to school. Hest and Barton treat their subject with understanding, compassion, and gentle humor. The large, bright pictures make this an ideal storytime book, and the detailed expressions make the characters' emotions from Baby's initial hesitation to Grampa's careful listening come to life. No matter how many going-to-school books you already have, don't miss out on this one. Kathleen M. Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg, MD

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School
by Lauren Child
Published 2004 by Candlewick Press (MA)

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780763624033

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Jacket Notes:

Charlie and Lola now star in these paperback editions of their award-winning books, each filled with their own special brand of energy and humor. Full color.

08/01/2004 REVIEW: School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2 -The endearing siblings who first appeared in I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato (Candlewick, 2000) return with equally satisfying results. This time, little sister Lola has decided that while her parents think she is "nearly almost big enough to go to school," she is "absolutely not BIG." Charlie, the narrator, puts forth numerous sound reasons for going to school that Lola counters with her own unique logic: "I say... 'If you know how to write, you can send cards to people you like.' Lola says, 'I like to talk on the telephone. It's more friendly and straightaway.'" Charlie eventually comes up with a reason Lola cannot refute-her invisible friend is starting school and will be lonely without her-and she embarks on her educational career. The children's relationship is refreshingly noncombative, with Charlie as the protective and affectionate big brother who is appreciative of, rather than annoyed by, his sister's quirkiness. Incorporating photos, fabric, and appealingly childlike cartoon renderings of the siblings, the mixed-media illustrations are a visual treat of color and texture. This is a winner either as a read-aloud or for independent perusal.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Junie B., First Grader Boss of Lunch
by Barbara Park
Published 2002 by Random House Books for Young Readers

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780375815171

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Jacket Notes:

Something very wonderful is happening to Junie B. Jones. And it's called--hurray, hurray!--she's getting to be a professional lunch lady! And that means hanging out with Mrs. Gutzman in the cafeteria. And standing behind the counter. And even wearing a real actual hair net! Who knows? Pretty soon she could be the boss of the whole entire lunch operation!

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 04/15/2002

Several popular series and protagonists continue in new titles. The titular heroine joins her favorite cafeteria lady, Mrs. Gutzman, by donning apron, mitts and a hair net, but things go a little haywire behind the lunch counter in Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch by Barbara Park, illus. by Denise Brunkus, the latest installment in the bestselling series. (May)

08/01/2002 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Junie B. is excited because she has a brand-new lunch box. She can't resist sneaking peeks in it during class and is caught by her teacher. The child instigates a discussion about why brought lunches are better than bought lunches and sums it all up by saying, "'Cause brought lunches are made special by our very own mothers!" Later that day at lunch, she sees a cafeteria worker who used to bring milk and cookies to Junie B.'s kindergarten class, and asks why her class doesn't get them this year. The woman explains that first graders get cookies when they buy their lunch. Junie B. convinces Mrs. Gutzman to let her be a helper in the cafeteria where she thinks that she'll be the boss and get to eat as many cookies as she wants. This cleverly written beginning chapter book is as funny as ever and young readers will laugh with the child as she learns that working in a cafeteria isn't just about eating cookies. A few black-and-white drawings in each chapter capture the confident little girl and her many adventures.-Kristin de Lacoste, South Regional Public Library, Pembroke Pines, FL

Ramona the Pest
by Beverly Cleary
Published 1992 by HarperTrophy

Paperback, English. ISBN: 9780380709540

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Jacket Notes:

Ramona Quimby is off to kindergarten, in the republication of Cleary's classic title, featuring new art and cover. The August 1999 release celebrates the first Ramona book in 15 years, "Ramona's World."

The School Story
by Andrew Clements
Published 2001 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780689825941

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Jacket Notes:

Twelve-year-old Natalie gets her friend to be her agent and succeeds in getting her first book published. Even better, it becomes a hit! Illustrations.

REVIEW: Publisher's Weekly 05/28/2001

Clements's (Frindle) absorbing novel centers on Natalie, a 12-year-old aspiring author who, since her father died in an automobile accident, lives alone with her mother, Hannah, a children's book editor for a New York City publisher. As the book opens, Natalie's best friend, Zoe, is reading the novel that Natalie is writing. The impulsive, take-charge Zoe decides it is good enough to be published and hatches a scheme to ensure that it is. The path from manuscript to bound book takes some funny turns, as the girls elicit the aid of their English teacher, who rents office space that serves as the faux headquarters of Natalie's self-appointed agent: Zoe. Clements strikes a poignant note with his plot within a plot, since the youngster's novel tells of a girl whose father stands up for her always even when she is caught cheating in school. Through the use of alternating perspectives, he characterizes the two seventh graders as very different but equally likable parties in a "push-and-pull friendship." Though Natalie's is, indeed, a "school story," it is at heart a tale about the love between a father and daughter. In Zoe's eyes, "the book was like a good-bye poem from Natalie to her father," whom she misses enormously. Hannah, explaining to Natalie how she can recognize the rare gem of a manuscript among the many submissions she receives, says, "The good ones stand out like roses in a snowbank." This is one such standout. Ages 8-12. (June)

06/01/2001 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-When sixth-grader Natalie Nelson learns that school stories are always in demand at the publishing company where her mother is an editor, she instantly thinks, "Hey, who knows more about school than someone who's right there, five days a week, nine months a year?" Natalie, already an aspiring writer, is inspired to write a novel with this setting. She has no further plans until her best friend reads it. Zoe, a go-getter who never takes no for an answer, loves the book and schemes to get it published. The rapidly escalating plan involves pseudonyms for both of them, Zoe acting as Natalie's agent, corralling an English teacher to help, and a publication party with media present before the author's identity is revealed. The girls are believable characters, completely different, yet better friends because of it. Selznick's black-and-white illustrations add humorous details. A comic novel that's a sure winner.-Terrie Dorio, Santa Monica Public Library, CA

Landry News
by Andrew Clements
Published 1999 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Hardcover, English. ISBN: 9780689818172

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Jacket Notes:

A journalist to the core, fourth-grader Cara Landry reports the truth even if it hurts. When she writes an editorial that accuses a teacher of not doing his job, she sets a series of life-changing events in motion.

07/01/1999 REVIEW: School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-A thought-provoking novel from the author of Frindle (S & S, 1996). Mr. Larson has taught for 20 years and he's burned out. His idea of the open-classroom method is to start his fifth graders on a project and then sit back and relax with coffee and a newspaper. So when Cara Landry writes a newspaper with an editorial about the lack of teaching going on in room 145, the former "Teacher of the Year" gets very upset. Realizing that the girl is stating the truth, he starts a unit on journalism and the class enthusiastically begins a newspaper. With Cara as editor, the project blossoms. However, when she allows a very personal and poignant story on divorce to be printed, the principal sees it as an opportunity to get rid of Mr. Larson. The teacher then uses the proceedings as a real-life lesson on the First Amendment. The children rally to his support, as does the faculty, and at a public hearing he is vindicated. With chapter headings reading like headlines, the plot moves quickly. Bits of humor lighten the theme of "Truth with Mercy." The author has created believable characters, from the beleaguered Mr. Larson to the intelligent and thoughtful Cara. Readers will cheer for both of them as they move toward the satisfying conclusion.-Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX