Amber Brown is not a crayon
Written By: Paula Danziger
Illustrated by: Tony Ross
Recommended for ages: 7-10
Scholastic $5.50

The Amber brown series is perfect for new independent readers. Each chapter is 7 or 8 pages long with a few illustrations added to complement the simple story line.

In this novel, Amber Brown has to deal with the fact that her best friend, Justin Daniel’s, is moving to Alabama. The two have been bosom buddies and neighbor’s since preschool and their friendship has remained strong until the third grade. The Daniel’s family is forced to move despite Amber and Justin’s best efforts to keep them in their home. They even offer to donate their allowances so that Mr. Daniel’s won’t have to take the job in Alabama. One he says, is an opportunity of a lifetime.

When Justin starts to act like moving is no big deal; Amber takes offense and refuses to speak to him. Unfortunately the spat continues for a few days until they finally make up at his going-away party. Helping to ease Amber’s pain are the plans she and her mother have to visit their friend during the summer.

As with many children’s novels, this one includes a familiar topic: Amber is an only child who has recently experienced the divorce of her parents making Justin’s departure that much more difficult. Two very important people have been taken from her everyday life. Amber is a quirky character who has a funny sense of humor and a real independent side that youngsters will admire.

This is one of many amber brown books in this series. Others include Amber Brown, Green with envy and I, Amber Brown.