  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 05/15/2015 A young freckle-faced artist is angry with her used-to-be best friend, James, a bespectacled African American boy. It appears James told Aiden something about her, and Aiden told Hunter, and Hunter passed on the remark, and so on, until the comment made its way back to the main character. A humorous double-page spread, reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s Telephone, shows children’s expressive face-to-face relaying of James’ comment. The girl, shocked and saddened by her friend’s cruel words, gives him the cold shoulder, while James, puzzled by her aloofness, tries throughout the school day to discover its reason. Delightful pen-and-watercolor illustrations on crisp white backgrounds reveal the girl’s artistic inclinations as she tells her sorry story. Anger is demonstrated by splotches of paint on the pages, applause is revealed by colorful handprints, and, at times, other children are simply drawn outlines as the girl and James take center stage in their conflict. A charming tale of misunderstanding and reconciliation. - Copyright 2015 Booklist. Bulletin for the Center... - 09/01/2015 As a result of a multi-kid rumor chain, the young narrator’s feelings are hurt, and she isn’t speaking to her best friend, James. She works herself into a defensive lather, noting all the ways she knows she isn’t perfect (“I am not the best speller or the best at math”); she then describes how James has reached out, trying to figure out what is bothering her (“I’m not sure he knows we are in a fight”), and how she continues to ignore him. At the school art show, he says he’s been telling everyone that he thinks her painting is perfect, and the protagonist realizes the miscommunication that has occurred. This useful and thoughtfully presented story about rumors and the fragility of faith in one’s friend deftly handles the emotional range of the situation, from initial anger and sadness to the security and joy the girl feels at having her best friend back in her life. The first-person narration lends immediacy to the emotions that will resonate with listeners, and the differing personalities of the twosome make for an interesting friendship dynamic (she is shy and quiet whereas he is a bit of a class clown). Myers’ watercolor and pen illustrations effectively capture the contrast between the friends: the girl is slight, with withdrawn body language that reflects her sadness, whereas James is a bespectacled dark-skinned boy given to big smiles and big gestures. Teachers will want to have this one readily on hand for class discussion about the problems of rumors-and of believing them. HM - Copyright 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. School Library Journal - 10/01/2015 K-Gr 3—Telephone is a game that many children have enjoyed for generations—that is, when the game is intentional. But what about when something gets passed from person to person and it isn't fun for everyone involved? In Rosenberg's charming picture book, a girl is upset by what she perceives to be a derogatory comment coming from her best friend. James has never treated her unkindly before, which makes the comment even more surprising. Through some persistence, some patience, and even some luck, she finally unveils "what James said" and realizes how she misinterpreted it. This simple story will resonate with young readers who are learning to navigate the tricky waters of friendship. Myers's illustrations are created with "cheap ballpoint pen and watercolor." Don't let the description dissuade—they are simply delightful. Sprinkled with additional childlike embellishments, the realistic artwork shows great emotion and detail that will engage the intended audience. A clever read that can be shared with a group and is perfect for independent reading. VERDICT Witty, relatable, and a great purchase for children in any setting.—Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID - Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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