SISTERS by Raina Telgemeier

Raina, her sister, brother and their mom drive from California to Colorado and back for a family reunion. Includes flashbacks to previous moments in Raina's life like Raina's desire for a little sister, and what it's like when she gets her wish.

I received an electronic Advanced Reader Copy of this from the publisher. The art was not in color in my version. This is a family story all about siblings, parents and children, extended family, and growing up. My students have been clamoring for this since May - and they won't be disappointed. I know I am going to need multiple copies to keep them satisfied!

4 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level at the time of this writing

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

EARLY READER: Tony Baloney Buddy Trouble by Pam Munoz Ryan

Tony and his stuffed buddy, Dandelion, are excited about going to school for Books and Buddies, but a messy glitter mishap at home means Tony and his big sister can't go. For revenge, Big Sister puts Dandelion into the diaper bag for their younger siblings playgroup. When Dandelion comes home, he's pink and stinky. Can Dandelion be saved? Will Tony and Big Sister ever make up?

This was a cute story with very real problems for kids - their loyalty to their stuffed critters and sibling rivalries. It's formatted in chapters which has an appeal for some of my new readers at school (they feel so grown up, reading a book with chapters). I bought this book in a preview pack from Scholastic for our upcoming spring book fair - I can't find the book on either of the big online booksellers I usually use. I think my students will enjoy this new story about Tony and his family.

PICTURE BOOK: Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall

Another sweet sibling tale. Flora is fed up with her little brother - and Mom is fed up with both of them. So she sends them outside to play. When the kids are blown away by the wind, Flora chooses to keep her brother safe and with her even though he can sometimes be a pain. I felt like this story was a pretty accurate reflection of life with a sibling (at least, how it looks with other folks - I am an only child) - while Flora is annoyed by her brother, she doesn't want to lose him. Fun story for fall or for talking about family.

4 out of 5 stars
AR Reading Level of 3.4

PICTURE BOOK: Little by Little by Amber Stewart

A sweet story of an otter learning to swim with some encouragement from his big sister. A nice, peaceful read with a good lesson on perseverance and taking small steps in order to achieve a big goal.

3.5 out of 5 stars
AR Reading Level of 3.0

MONDAY: The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies

Summary
Evan's younger sister, Jessie, has been moved up at school, so now she is in the same grade he is. Jessie is school smart, but not people smart, so Evan feels a responsibility to help her and protect her. At the same time, Jessie's success at school sometimes leaves Evan feeling dumb and resentful. Jessie doesn't understand why Evan keeps pushing her away. A series of misunderstandings leads them into a lemonade stand war that could tear the siblings apart just when they need each other.

Review
Great story. Lots of places for families or teachers to talk about communication, misunderstandings, feelings, etc. The author does a great job of showing Evan's conflicted feelings and Jessie's confusion. Mom is juggling her own stress, and the kids are trying to make due on their own. 

4 out of 5 stars

Recommended for: kids between 7 and 12, teachers/librarians who want to talk with students about conflict/communication/family, family reading
[AR level: 4.1]

Cautions: none


**Come back tomorrow to read about the sequel, The Lemonade Crime.**