July 1, 2015
Gr 2-4-When the principal decides that an end-of-year talent show is in order, EllRay Jakes and his classmates do what they can to get out of performing. EllRay ends up being selected for his "illusions" and develops a better relationship with his professor dad as he prepares for the big show. Corey Allen portrays the students at Oak Glen Primary with just the right amount of humor laced with a tiny bit of the sarcasm that third-graders are developing. Over the course of the tale, one can also hear EllRay's confidence growing through Allen's phrasing and word emphasis. In addition, both Miss Sanchez, his teacher, and his principal come across as both competent and caring people. VERDICT A great addition that shows an average kid being good at something he never thought was possible.-Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL
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