Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis

Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree
by Lauren Tarshis
Penguin, 2007

GENRE: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, School Stories

HONORS: A School Library Journal Best of the Year Book, A Publishers Weekly Best of the Year Book, A SCBWI Golden Kite Award Honor Winner, An E.B. White Award Finalist, Finalist for five state children’s choice awards

REVIEW: The quirky daughter of a mathematician, Emma-Jean Lazarus prides herself on her logic and rationale. One day, Emma-Jean finds herself in an unlikely conversation with Colleen Pomerantz who confides in her about a mean-girl who is stealing her best friend. Emma-Jean tries to use logic to solve the problems of her peers, but humans may prove to be far more complicated than she could ever expect.

OPINION: This book was unlike any I’d read, by portraying the young main character as a highly logical and rational. Since it doesn’t depict your average middle school student, I’m not sure that this book would have mainstream appeal but it definitely has a place for those who may not relate to the “average.” I found Emma-Jean to be clever and unique as a character and loved the antics she got herself into in the name of logic.

IDEAS: This book would fit will in a “Back to School” display of books that largely take place in a school setting. The book is also already being used by many schools and libraries as part of bullying programs.

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

Firegirl
by Tony Abbott
Little, Brown, 2006

GENRE: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, School Stories, Coming of Age

HONORS: 2006 Golden Kite Award Winner

REVIEW: The teacher of Tom’s seventh grade class at St. Catherine’s announces that a new student will be joining their class, but that Jessica Feeney is no ordinary girl. She was badly burned in a fire, and will attend the school while she is being treated at a local hospital. Needless to say, life will never be the same for Tom and his peers but despite the fear and uncertainty her appearance invokes in his classmates, Tom slowly develops a friendship with the new girl that will change his life forever.

OPINION: While I can’t say I entirely enjoyed this book, I appreciate the purpose it serves. It rather masterfully tackles some powerful issues like body image and the acceptance of others without prejudice in a way that is easily digestible by readers of all ages.

IDEAS: This book is meant to make readers think, so ideally it would be great to have a discussion about the issues, themes and ideas presented in the book such as body image, tolerance and acceptance, but that may be better suited for a classroom. In a library, I might include this book in a display about acceptance or tolerance, or a more general display about of tween realistic fiction.