Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 11/01/2014 Gr 2–4—Though he's the smallest kid in his class, EllRay Jakes is huge when it comes to heart: this is one protagonist that readers of all stripes will gravitate toward. In this funny yet poignant holiday tale, the African American boy fears that his principal is encouraging him to emcee the school's winter concert merely as a nod to diversity. Warner perceptively addresses heavy issues such as race and culture as well as EllRay's more typical anxieties relating to friendship, family, and stage fright. Another gentle but satisfying outing with EllRay. - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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