Surviving fourth grade isn’t going to be easy for Shirley—but the thought of repeating it with her younger sister is too much to bear
Shirley Basini is dreading fourth grade—if she doesn’t do well this year, she’ll be held back. Having dyslexia is tough, but having a brilliant older brother makes it even worse. When Shirley’s parents adopt a young girl from Vietnam, she’s excited to have someone whom, for once, she can teach some things.
But her new sister is actually quite adept at English and winds up in the advanced third-grade class. Shirley can’t face the prospect of repeating fourth grade—this time with her adopted sister, who might even perform better than she does. Shirley has only one talent that might prove she’s not dumb—but does she have the will to let it shine?
This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Ann M. Martin, including rare images from the author’s collection.
From Publishers Weekly
Shirley Basini is dreading fourth gradeshe is dyslexic and if she doesn't do well this year, she will have to stay back. Worse yet, her new teacher is strict and doesn't let her horse around. When Shirley's adopted sister Jacki arrives from Vietnam, Shirley is thrilled to help her learn English and teach her about America. But when Jacki is suddenly put in the advanced third grade class, Shirley feels jealous and threatened; she stops making an effort at school. An unexpected challenge to Jacki and Shirley's friendship, along with extra help from the school resource room, propel Shirley further ahead in her schoolwork than either she or her parents expected. Martin, the author of the recent Ten Kids, No Pets as well as Bummer Summer and other titles , tells Shirley's story in a straightforward, believable manner and creates an independent heroine who triumphs over her disability. Ages 8-12. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5 This book truly defines mediocrity. The story is about fourth-grade Shirley Basini, who suffers from dyslexia, has a brilliant older brother, is a disappointment to her parents, and suddenly acquires an adopted Vietnamese sister who, in addition to being smart, is only slightly younger. Readers do come to know and understand Shirley somewhat, but the other characters are as realistic as paper dolls. They remain completely in the background except when they come into direct contact with Shirley. The family is totally insensitive to their adoptive daughter, simply telling her what her new name will be, never asking her real name or anything about her culture. Shirley's dyslexia is treated superficially, the teacher simply stating that if she'd pay attention and try harder, she could do much better. Martin has filled the book with potentially vital, exciting, touching, and funny situations, but the story fails to deliver. Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia, Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Description:
Surviving fourth grade isn’t going to be easy for Shirley—but the thought of repeating it with her younger sister is too much to bear
Shirley Basini is dreading fourth grade—if she doesn’t do well this year, she’ll be held back. Having dyslexia is tough, but having a brilliant older brother makes it even worse. When Shirley’s parents adopt a young girl from Vietnam, she’s excited to have someone whom, for once, she can teach some things.
But her new sister is actually quite adept at English and winds up in the advanced third-grade class. Shirley can’t face the prospect of repeating fourth grade—this time with her adopted sister, who might even perform better than she does. Shirley has only one talent that might prove she’s not dumb—but does she have the will to let it shine?
This ebook features an illustrated personal history of Ann M. Martin, including rare images from the author’s collection.
From Publishers Weekly
Shirley Basini is dreading fourth gradeshe is dyslexic and if she doesn't do well this year, she will have to stay back. Worse yet, her new teacher is strict and doesn't let her horse around. When Shirley's adopted sister Jacki arrives from Vietnam, Shirley is thrilled to help her learn English and teach her about America. But when Jacki is suddenly put in the advanced third grade class, Shirley feels jealous and threatened; she stops making an effort at school. An unexpected challenge to Jacki and Shirley's friendship, along with extra help from the school resource room, propel Shirley further ahead in her schoolwork than either she or her parents expected. Martin, the author of the recent Ten Kids, No Pets as well as Bummer Summer and other titles , tells Shirley's story in a straightforward, believable manner and creates an independent heroine who triumphs over her disability. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5 This book truly defines mediocrity. The story is about fourth-grade Shirley Basini, who suffers from dyslexia, has a brilliant older brother, is a disappointment to her parents, and suddenly acquires an adopted Vietnamese sister who, in addition to being smart, is only slightly younger. Readers do come to know and understand Shirley somewhat, but the other characters are as realistic as paper dolls. They remain completely in the background except when they come into direct contact with Shirley. The family is totally insensitive to their adoptive daughter, simply telling her what her new name will be, never asking her real name or anything about her culture. Shirley's dyslexia is treated superficially, the teacher simply stating that if she'd pay attention and try harder, she could do much better. Martin has filled the book with potentially vital, exciting, touching, and funny situations, but the story fails to deliver. Nancy P. Reeder, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia,
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.