FICTION

My Weird School: Talent Show Mix-Up

by Dan GUTMAN
illus. by Jim Paillot. 32p. HarperCollins. Sept. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062367402.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—Beginning readers will enjoy this volume by the author of the best-selling series "My Weird School." Mr. Cooper happily announces that the class will be holding a talent show, and everyone is excited, of course, except for A.J. The school-hating narrator's disdain for the talent show stems from a deep insecurity that he does not have a talent. As the big day approaches, A.J.'s gift for clueless observations and cheeky wit accidentally catapults him to talent show success. The book is filled with the classic illustrations and animated expressions that readers have come to expect from the series, and there is a good text-to-image ratio that will work well for emerging readers. There are elements of sarcasm that may go over the heads of young children, as well as instances of teasing.
VERDICT New readers who are eager to tackle the same books as their older siblings will particularly appreciate this title. It will make a solid addition to children's collections and serve as an introduction to the well-known chapter book series.
Reviewed by Maria Alegre, The Dalton School, New York City
Class clown A.J. and teacher's pet Andrea make their easy-reader debuts, complete with their usual wordplay, goofiness, and love-hate relationship. Andrea accidentally gets on the wrong side of a museum educator (Museum); A.J. worries that he lacks a school-appropriate talent (Talent Show). Illustrated with Paillot's caricatures (in full color), the slight stories will lure developing readers not quite ready for the chapter books. Review covers the following I Can Read Book titles: My Weird School Goes to the Museum and My Weird School Talent Show Mix-Up.
 , Sep 01, 2016

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