Alexis O'Neill

The Recess Queen is a superb realistic fiction choice for young readers. The illustrations in the book are vibrant and exciting for both children and adult readers, especially the way emotion is portrayed in Mean Jean's face and the classmates' facial expressions throughout the story. It is very easy to depict the emotions and overall tone of the characters because of this, which makes it ideal for listeners to relate and make connections throughout the story. Mean Jean was the "recess queen" who always seemed to get her way because of her bully like tenancies. She got in other kids' faces, pushed them, yelled at them, and made everyone afraid of her so she could get what she wanted, when she wanted. No one wanted to get in her way. The turning point of the story was when a new girl named Katie Sue, arrived in Mean Jean's class. Katie Sue demonstrated she was not afraid of Mean Jean by talking back to her, confronting her, and playing with all the things Katie Sue wanted to play with. That really challenged Mean Jean, because nobody dared confronting her the way Katie Sue did. Mean Jean was very surprised and taken back at Katie Sue because now, not only did she refuse to give in to her ways, but she also stated that she wanted Mean Jean to play with her. Mean jean was so happy that someone wanted to play with her, so she ended up playing with Katie Sue and was no longer a bully with kids at recess. She story had a very good overall message of the power of inclusion and assertiveness.… (més)

Estela goes with her father and her brother to the Swap Meet, hoping to earn the ten dollars she needs to pay for folk-dancing lessons by selling a colorful music box that plays Cielito Lindo. After they have set up their stand, her father introduces her to the art of bargaining. Estela handles the customers’ offers well, but no one wants to pay anywhere near the price she’s asking. When a sudden gust of March wind blows away, all the paper flowers of the friendly woman in a neighboring stand, Estela impulsively gives her the music box that no one has purchased. “Suddenly she knew what she had to do, even if it meant she wouldn’t earn any money today.” In a surprise ending that careful readers may anticipate, Estela is surprised to receive something wonderful in return. “ ‘Since we are at a Swap Meet,’ the woman said, ‘it is only fair that we swap.’ ” Sanchez’s (Speak English for Us, Marisol!, not reviewed, etc.) colorful pastels effectively focus attention on the main characters and objects by delineating them clearly, while softening the outlines of the others. Seven Spanish names and expressions are included in a glossary and pronunciation guide on the half-title page, where, unfortunately, they may be overlooked. This well-crafted tale featuring a Mexican-American father and children will be wonderful for reading aloud to individuals or to groups. (Picture book. 6-10)

-Kirkus Review… (més)