November 1, 2024
Grades 1-4 The heartwarming third book in The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class series focuses on Chinese American Poppy Song. Poppy loves baking with her grandmother, Po Po. Po Po, a retired professional baker, lives with Poppy and her family. At school, Poppy shares the delicious treats she makes with Po Po to the delight of her classmates. With "Valued Visitor Day" approaching, Poppy is excited to invite Po Po and share homemade Dragon's Beard candy with the class. However, Poppy notices that Po Po seems more forgetful and disoriented lately. A scary incident finally forces Poppy's parents to speak about Po Po's mental decline. Glaser broaches mental decline in older adults with sensitivity and tact, and Poppy's observations and fears will resonate with children. Poppy finds warmth and understanding with her classmates, illustrating how kindness can offer comfort. Fajardo's bold black-and-white illustrations add visual interest throughout the book, depicting a racially diverse group of kids that anyone would be lucky to go to school with. Simultaneously publishing with book four in the series, The Legend of Memo Castillo.
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November 2, 2024
Gr 1-4-Glaser introduces readers to Poppy Song, one of the newest students in Mrs. Z's class. Poppy is a third grader who loves baking and her grandma, whom Poppy calls Po Po. For Poppy's turn at Valued Visitor Day, she invites her grandma to school. The kids all know that Poppy and Po Po are wonderful bakers, so Poppy wants to bake something special: Dragon's Beard candy. In the week leading up to the event, Poppy tries to make the candy, deepens friendships, and learns that her beloved Po Po is struggling with Alzheimer's disease. Glaser's series entry is a warm, sweet read perfect for sensitive children seeking solid realistic fiction. Even the announcement of Po Po's Alzheimer's is handled with tenderness and depicts friends and family who are supportive and caring. This series consists of chapter books by notable kid lit authors. Each author brings their unique style to the series, which in turn shapes the distinct personality of the protagonist. Fajardo's illustrations bring consistency to characters and places. The grayscale illustrations convey emotion and mood with cartoonlike facial expressions and tone. VERDICT Buy the book and the series. Kids need access to this diverse classroom of students who face everyday crises with their supportive friends, and this gentle read shows the goodness in the world without being overly sappy.-Cassie Veselovsky
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