Around the World in 8 1/2 Days

November 1, 2006
Gr 3-4-Judy Moodys individuality is threatened when she meets fellow third-grader Amy Namey. Not only do they have first and last names that rhyme, but they also idolize pioneering women and have quirky collections. Just when the two strong personalities seem destined to collide, they hit it off. Much to the chagrin of Amys best friends, Rocky and Frank, the girls join the My-Name-Is-a-Poem Club and become inseparable. When the entire third grade starts an assignment that will take them Around the World in Eight Days, Judys fascination with her new friend sparks a project-threatening feud with which many readers will identify. This book gives a humorous and familiar peek at the world through the eyes of a precocious third grader. It is filled with original, yet true-to-life characters who will make readers wish for a friend like Amy. The silly rhymes and wordplay are the perfect humor for young readers. Pen-and-ink cartoons add to the fun. An entertaining journey that will have easy-chapter-book readers lining up for the trip."Heather Dieffenbach, Lexington Public Library, KY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 1, 2006
Gr. 2-4. When Judy Moody meets Amy Namey, she bridles at the girl's similarities to her own proudly unique persona. They soon become great friends, however, but in her enthusiasm for Amy, Judy slights her old pals Rocky and Frank. In one amusing scene, Judy's little brother acts as a conversational go-between, relaying comments between his sister and Rocky, who's not (technically) speaking to Judy. Like others in the series, this book features a reader-friendly format, on-target humor, and convincing depictions of third-graders in action at school and at home. Illustrations not seen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)