Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream

November 15, 2010
The candid Korean-American narrator of Han's (Shug) warm novel is preoccupied with luck. After her Korean grandfather interprets her scary dream as good luck, eight-year-old Clara Lee has a charmed day. She snags the best seat on the bus, scales the rope in gym class, and finds a candy necklace in her desk. But Clara Lee's luck expires the following day, when she has an upsetting encounter with a rival for the title of Little Miss Apple Pie at the town's annual fall festival (her competitor boasts that her family is "as American as apple pie") and contemplates dropping her bid for the title. Clara Lee's ruminations meander, though believably so, and her rapport with her grandfather anchors the story (he explains that her dual heritage doesn't "make you less than anybody else. It makes you more"). The funniest interludes are her credible interactions with her younger sister; Clara Lee's memorable descriptions, such as the "limp green bean kind of hug" she gives her grandfather when she's feeling down, will endear her to readers. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.

February 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-Clara Lee has a terrible nightmare in which her grandfather dies. It terrifies her until her grandfather explains that in Korea, when someone dreams about death, it means a new beginning and good luck. Great things begin to happen to her. She can climb the rope in P.E., her friend gives her gingersnaps, and someone has hidden a candy necklace in her desk. All of the good fortune makes her feel confident enough to give a speech to win Little Miss Apple Pie and the Apple Blossom Festival. Because of her Korean heritage, however, some children make her feel as though she is not American enough to win the title. In the end, though, Clara Lee proves that she is "American as apple pie." She deals with some bullying, her friend Max who wants to be her boyfriend, and her annoying little sister. Young readers will enjoy Clara Lee's hopeful demeanor and funny experiences. They will also learn about Korean culture. Clara Lee thinks, speaks, and acts just like the third grader she is in this charming early chapter book. Black-and-white drawings, some full page and some spot art, feature the child, her dilemmas, and her successes. Fans of Clementine will enjoy this endearing character and will eagerly await a follow-up story.-Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 15, 2010

Dreaming of being the Apple Pie Princess in her town's Apple Blossom Festival, Korean-American third grader Clara Lee defies a classmate who claims to be more deserving and bravely makes a speech in front of the whole school to win the honor. This appealing family-and-school story focuses as much on Clara Lee's relationships with her little sister, Emmeline, and her "dream genius" grandfather as it does on her friends and the competition. Han, who has previously written about teens (The Summer I Turned Pretty, 2009) and preteens (Shug, 2006), captures an 8-year-old's perspective perfectly. The first-person narrative includes imaginative play, family squabbles, the school-bus experience and a touching speech about the special joys of small-town life. Her grandfather assures her: "One hundred percent American. One hundred percent Korean. Doesn't make you less than anybody else. It makes you more." The message shines through but doesn't overwhelm this engaging chapter book that will be welcomed by middle-grade fans of Clementine. Final art not seen. (Fiction. 7-10)

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December 1, 2010
Grades 2-4 In the tradition of Judy Moody and Clementine comes Clara Lee. Clara is a typical third-grader who neatly combines her Korean and American sides. Her warm, supportive family includes a grandfather who is always there for her, especially when she decides to pursue her dream of being Little Miss Apple Pie, riding in the float in her towns apple festival. In a plot that will resonate with kids, Clara is scared when she dreams her grandfather dies, but Grandfather tells her that in Korean tradition that means good luck is coming. And sure enough, Claras luck does take a turn for the better, with a newfound ability in gym class, a surprise present in her desk, and the courage (almost) to write the speech that could be her ticket to the apple festival. But luck has a habit of changing too, and when things arent going quite as well, Clara wonders if she should give up her dream. A realistic group of characters, both adults and children, and true-to-life situations will make this illustrated chapter book a favorite.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)