I Got the School Spirit

The vivacious African American protagonist from I Got the Rhythm and I Got the Christmas Spirit returns in this ebullient follow-up, embarking on the first day of school with optimism and oomph. She discovers--and exudes--spirit at every turn, beginning at home ("I slip on the spirit in my shiny new shoes. STOMP, STOMP!" writes Schofield-Morrison) and continuing in the classroom ("We sing the spirit loud and clear. ABC, 123!") and on the playground, where she finds a ball ("I kick the spirit high up in the air. KA-POW!"). At day's end, she encounters a quieter and deeper spirit when she climbs off the school bus and into her mother's open arms: "I feel the spirit in a big ol' hug. SQUISH, SQUEEZE!" The electric hues, constant motion, and winning smiles that fill Morrison's oil paintings enhance the boundless vitality of this sensory celebration of school. Ages 3-6. (July)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--A confident African American girl with two fuzzy ponytails prepares for the first day of school. "I slip on the spirit in my shiny new shoes. STOMP, STOMP!" Eating breakfast, waiting for the bus, comforting a nervous friend, standing straight and tall for attendance, and kicking the ball with super strength at recess are showcased in illustrations of the smiling, wide-eyed, energetic girl. The first-person narrative punctuated by stylized colorful sound words--"zip, zip!" and "Ka-pow!"--adds to the liveliness of the school day, which finishes with the open arms of her mother for a "squish, squeeze!" Realistic oil paintings depict a diverse cast of school classmates and a positive view of the school experience. VERDICT This cheerful and energetic story depicts a girl preparing for and embracing school spirit on her first day and will be a welcome addition for most collections.--Ramarie Beaver, formerly at Plano P.L., TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Vibrant. . . If a school pep rally could walk and talk, this kid would be it. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

The electric hues, constant motion, and winning smiles that fill Morrison's oil paintings enhance the boundless vitality of this sensory celebration of school. - Publishers Weekly

This joyful offering will be a happy addition to any shelf. - Booklist

Christmas spirit is expressed in joyous and reflective onomatopoeic exclamations in this new holiday staple. . . . Soul-stirring and sure to put readers in a festive mood. - Kirkus Reviews on I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Morrison's oil paintings capture the crackling energy of a city preparing for Christmas; the married coauthors' message about cultivating kindness, gratitude, and community the whole year through sings on the page. - Publishers Weekly on I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Schofield-Morrison's onomatopoeia-inflected text and Morrison's kinetic, zoomed-in oil paintings enliven various iterations of experiencing 'the spirit' . . . An energetic and uplifting celebration of the season. - Horn Book Magazine on I GOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

The driving beat of debut author Schofield-Morrison's narrative is likely to have readers bouncing and tapping right along with her . . . An upbeat celebration of the senses, self-expression, and camaraderie. - Publishers Weekly on I GOT THE RHYTHM

The bright palette and vibrant tones of Morrison's loosely painted illustrations echo the energy of the text nicely . . . the book begs readers to sing and move along with this little dancer. - Booklist on I GOT THE RHYTHM

For a storytime that will get bodies rocking, fingers popping, and rhythm flowing. - Library Media Connection on I GOT THE RHYTHM

Ready made for storytime, Schofield-Morrison's text pulses with a beat of its own and practically demands audiences to clap along. . . . The urban setting and varied cast of characters make this title particularly valuable, showcasing diversity as an integral part of everyday life. - School Library Journal on I GOT THE RHYTHM