Sunday, July 19, 2015

Big News! by Ida Siegal -- ADVISABLE

Siegal, Ida Big News! (Emma is on the Air #1), illustrated by Karla Peña. Scholastic Books, 2015. $16.99. Content: G.

Emma, a Dominican American second-grader, is determined to be famous. When she sees a beautiful news reporter on TV, she knows just how to achieve her goal. Conveniently enough, she soon has an opportunity to begin her first investigation when another student finds a worm in his hamburger at lunch. Where did the worm come from? How did it end up in his burger? And whose fault is all this, anyway?

While this story has some unrealistic parts, it's still a whole lot of fun. The mystery should keep kids involved and guessing at the outcome, and Emma's rise to (very localized) fame is enjoyable and inspirational. It's especially nice to see Emma pick a goal, then work hard to achieve it over time. Many students will likely identify with her diverse background as well.

EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

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