Amelia's Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments
(Amelia's Notebook)

Gr 3-5 -When Amelia goes on a three-day field trip with her class, the possibilities for embarrassment loom large in her mind. Dressing in front of others and wearing the -wrong - kind of pajamas and slippers ( -The combination you pick says a lot about who you are! -) are just some of her concerns; never mind the presence of her older sister who is participating as a teaching aide ( -I almost choked on my macaroni! Cleo working with my class? That's my worst nightmare! -). The format -hand-written journal entries on lined paper under topics such as -Amelia's Embarrassing Moments Hall of Fame - and -The Pajama Game - -allow the girl's perceptive voice to be heard, and since this is her story, she is the only developed character. Childlike cartoon drawings and many comedic captions extend the humor. Fortunately, Cleo encourages some group sharing of embarrassing moments and the ensuing revelations enable Amelia to realize that not only can she survive her humiliations, but that she also doesn't need to take responsibility for her sister's behavior. A multiethnic cast of characters helps promote the realization that all children suffer from similar concerns and doubts. Another winner in an already popular series. -Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma Library, CA

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.