Kelsey Green, Reading Queen (Franklin School Friends #1)

Gr 2-4—Third-grader Kelsey Green reads constantly-even during math class. When the principal calls for a reading contest, Kelsey's obsession with books increases and her competitive spirit kicks in-but not in positive ways. First, she becomes suspicious that another student is lying about how many books he's read because she can't bear to think about coming in second. Next, she takes on tutoring a student struggling with his reading skills. Her motivation is to push him to read in order to further their class goal: to read the most books and be the winners of the pizza party. After some missteps and struggles, however, Kelsey comes to realize that she loves reading for reading's sake-not just to win a contest. She further realizes that if she can help someone improve his skills, that is reward enough. This is the first of a promising series. As she did in Fractions = Trouble! (2011), 7 x 9 = Trouble (2002, both Farrar), and other titles, Mills incorporates realistic school situations with everyday challenges with which kids can identify. Kelsey's reading list makes a great bibliography and a way to engage readers. Occasional full-page drawings enhance the story. Sure to be enjoyed by fans of Clementine, Ivy and Bean, and Judy Moody.—Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

When the principal of Kelsey's school announces a month-long reading contest, Kelsey is positive she will lead her third-grade class to victory. Kelsey loves books like her best friends, Annika and Izzy, love math and running, and nothing is going to stop her class from winning—or stop Kelsey from reading the most books. Except, maybe, for Simon, who reads as voraciously as Kelsey, or Kelsey's parents, who insist she miss reading time to attend her siblings' various functions ("Her mother called it 'being a family' "). Certain that Simon is cheating, Kelsey enlists Annika and Izzy to help spy on him. Single-minded and a tad selfish, Kelsey isn't always the most pleasant of third-graders—but she's 100% realistic. And although Kelsey's excitement about the reading contest skews her priorities, she redeems herself (and shares her love of books) when she helps out a classmate who struggles with reading. Shepperson's (The Memory Bank) lively pencil illustrations capture the upbeat mood of this excellent first book in the Franklin School Friends series. Author's agent: Stephen Fraser, Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. Ages 7-10. (June)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.