; ;

The Talent Show

Dan Gutman prepared a real treat for readers with this juvenile fiction book.  The story moved quickly and was exciting and funny at times, keeping me engaged from start to finish.  The reading level (Accelerated Reader level 5.2, 5 points), content, and main characters are all well-suited  for the target population.  The main characters range from 3rd to 6th grade and are well-developed throughout the story.  This book is set a small town called Cape Bluff in Kansas which tends to be hit regularly with tornadoes.   After the latest tornado, the town held a meeting to discuss the damages.  They decided to hold a talent show fund raiser to help with repairs and boost spirits.  As kids discerned their acts and adults prepared for the show, the plot thickens until the breathless ending.  I look forward to book talking this story with my students.