Laura Freeman – illustratör

Deja is dismayed to learn that her teacher has had an accident and a substitute will be taking her place. Under the new sub''s care, nothing is the same in Room Ten. A few of the class troublemakers plot to take advantage of the clueless teacher, and soon other students join in. Should Nikki and Deja go along with the rest of the kids in tormenting him? Should they help him out by tattling on their classmates? Or is there another way to handle the situation?

    Here is another charming entry in a chapter book series about African American girls praised for its accessibility, authenticity, and humor.

The second book about Nikki and Deja, two African American third-grade girls who are best friends.

Deja''s birthday is coming up, and she''s been talking about it for weeks. But just before the big day, Auntie Dee gets called away on a business trip and Deja must stay with an elderly neighbor . . . who cooks turnips for dinner and doesn''t even have a color TV! Worse, the machinations of spoiled Antonia, Deja''s new nemesis, threaten to ruin Deja''s birthday party plans. Like the first book, this story captures with subtlety and humor all the small betrayals and triumphs of young girls'' relationships. Readers will get a wider view of the girls'' diverse urban neighborhood, and will recognize themselves and their classmates in the colorful, deftly drawn school scenes. A more serious theme is also introduced (with a light touch) in a subplot concerning Deja''s absent father.

When the students in Nikki and Deja’s class find out that their school is going to hold its first-ever election for student body president, some kids are more excited than others. But none is as excited as Deja, who figures she’s a shoo-in for the third grade nomination. Deja decides that Nikki will be her campaign manager, of course, and puts her to work right away. But will Deja’s tendency to rush into things and boss people around alienate her best friend when she needs her most, and spoil her chances of becoming president of Carver Elementary?

This is a charming new entry in a chapter book series praised for its humor and authentic characters.

Ms. Shelby is getting married! As the girls in Nikki and Deja’s class compete over who can plan the best imaginary wedding for their teacher, Nikki excitedly throws herself into preparations for the real thing. But Deja is not so enthusiastic. Her Auntie Dee has been temporarily laid off from her job, and Deja is worried. What will happen now that she can no longer afford a new dress and special hairdo? Will Nikki leave her best friend behind while she shops and primps? Will Deja be able to get over her jealousy and enjoy the celebration anyway?

This is a charming entry in a chapter book series praised for its accessibility, authenticity, and humor.

It''s tough being the new kid at Carver Elementary. Gavin had lots of friends at his old school, but the kids here don''t even know that he''s pretty good at skateboarding, or how awesome he is at soccer. And when his classmate Richard comes over and the boys end up in trouble, not only does Gavin risk losing his one new friend, he has to take care of his great aunt Myrtle''s horrible little dog as punishment.    To make matters worse, Gavin seems to have attracted the attention of the school bully. Will he be able to avoid getting pounded at the skate park? And how is he ever going to prove he''s cool with a yappy little Pomeranian wearing a pink bow at his side?