Talent Show Mix-Up

September 1, 2016

K-Gr 2-Beginning readers will enjoy this volume by the author of the best-selling series "My Weird School." Mr. Cooper happily announces that the class will be holding a talent show, and everyone is excited, of course, except for A.J. The school-hating narrator's disdain for the talent show stems from a deep insecurity that he does not have a talent. As the big day approaches, A.J.'s gift for clueless observations and cheeky wit accidentally catapults him to talent show success. The book is filled with the classic illustrations and animated expressions that readers have come to expect from the series, and there is a good text-to-image ratio that will work well for emerging readers. There are elements of sarcasm that may go over the heads of young children, as well as instances of teasing. VERDICT New readers who are eager to tackle the same books as their older siblings will particularly appreciate this title. It will make a solid addition to children's collections and serve as an introduction to the well-known chapter book series.-Maria Alegre, The Dalton School, New York City

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