Kelsey Kline or Kelsey Green? The birth of a READING QUEEN...

Why hello, hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….and THANK YOU for making it a part of your reading day.

*hugs all*

Today, we’re getting a blast from my reading past as I attempt to clean off the shelves of “books-I’ve-read-but-need-to-review” before year’s end, so get ready for some “oldies” (not really, just earlier-s) but goodies (indeed).  The title I’ve selected for today actually presents a bit of a quandary for you see, changes were made after the ARCs were released.  Now, I know that’s not THAT unusual, but usually they are fairly minor, mostly spelling or grammar type issues.  This time around, we’ve got changes starting at the title, continuing with the lead character’s name…and as far as the story, it’s anybody’s guess.  So today I am introducing you to the idea of a story…the basic concept…and inviting you to explore the here-and-now version on your own.  Sound good?  Let’s go!  Readers and read-ettes, get ready to join a fairly competitive group of third graders working together for the win.  Today’s book of choice is…

ARC title: 

Third-Grade Reading Queen

FINAL title:

Franklin School Friends, Book 1:

 Kelsey Green, Reading Queen

By

Claudia Mills

Pictures by

Rob Shepperson

Meet Ms. Kelsey Kline (now Ms. Kelsey Green, but for our purposes, Kline it is), third grade Reading Queen in the making…that is if she can keep her books read count above Simon’s.  Is he REALLY reading all of those books?  It wouldn’t be impossible, but if art imitates life, it’s highly suspicious…and that’s only the BEGINNING of Kelsey’s troubles.  How so?  Well, you see, there’s a competition at school and not only do the TOP readers get recognition, the class with the highest read count wins a pizza party ( *yum* ) and some of her classmates may not be pulling their weight.  While some are by choice, others are by circumstance.  Can Kelsey affect the outcome of this race to be their reading best without becoming an overbearing force no one wants to call friend?  Well….she’s certainly going to TRY at least, but no promises shall be made in advance except that she intends to win that “crown”.

Kelsey was a great gal.  Easy to relate to both for the actual age group she is as well as those looking at her world from the other end of the age range.  Her love of reading (and to be the best) are commendable, though her methods may not always be completely sound.  I have to say, I felt bad for Simon when she was on her mini-recon mission to expose his actual reading habits or lack thereof…poor guy.  Just glad he realizes it’s NOT a crime to be a fella and still a readers.  More power to you kiddo.  *high five*  Now, the time she takes with Cody, even if she didn’t start out with the best intentions, warms your heart.  To put it simply, he wasn’t the best of students nor the nicest of classmates, but sometimes friendly competition can bring to light areas of weakness we can work together to solidify into a strength.  Case in point, nuff said.  *nods*

In conclusion, a great book for Middle Grade readers and beyond celebrating the joys of reading for bookworms as well as those less likely to stick with the recommended reading plan on a daily basis.  It’ll make you smile.  It’ll make you cringe.  It’ll make you high five the little ones in your life carrying on the torch for the written word, and welcome those just joining the crew with open arms.  If you’re a reader, share the treasure you’ve found and give someone else a gift that will last a lifetime.

ARC courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog of wonders, be sure to stop by their official site, or catch them tweeting on Twitter.  To discover more of the world’s from the eyes of the author and illustrator, stop by their respective sites and feel free to explore. 

Until next time…happy reading!