Horn Book Review
Ashamed of her stuttering, second-grader Mary Marony hesitates to dine with her favorite children's author until her compassionate speech therapist and the sympathetic author bolster Mary's confidence. Unaffected drama and humor in a contemporary classroom setting, a plucky female protagonist, and spirited black-and-white line drawings make the brief chapter book a sterling choice for easy readers. From HORN BOOK 1993, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 2-3. In this beginning chapter book, second-grader Mary Marony is looking forward to a school visit by her favorite author, Jan Berry, but comes up against the bane of her existence--her stuttering--when she has trouble speaking, not only in front of Ms. Berry, but also in front of the whole school. Mary is ready to forgo her special lunch with the author because of embarrassment, but thanks to the intervention of her speech teacher and the kindness of Ms. Berry, Mary's day goes from disastrous to delightful. Whether many schools would have a speech therapist at the ready to offer help and comfort is questionable, but, fortunately, this is not just bibliotherapy. Mary makes a credible heroine, and along with useful insights into handling the shame that comes with problems such as stuttering, there are plenty of everyday happenings with which kids will identify. Sims' pencil illustrations add the right light touch. ~--Ilene Cooper
