Clementine and the Family Meeting by Sara Pennypacker

I remember reading the first Clementine book a few years ago and laughing out loud. The series has quickly become a favorite and her fans and new readers will love this addition. Clementine's mom is pregnant, her friend Margaret is obsessed with make-up and the rat being used in her science experiment is missing.  Just how much is a third grade girl supposed to handle?
     Not only does Clementine have an understanding teacher, her parents are amazing.  They know what to say and how to say it and twice I found myself tearing up.  Written so young readers will not only want to read this book they will fall in love with Clementine and her family.  Recommended for those who enjoy Ivy &  Bean, Judy Moody and Kylie Jean and for readers graduating from easy chapter books.  Do you think we will ever find out Clementine's little brother's real name?  Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Disney-Hyperion courtesy of Netgalley.

Pearl Verses the World by Sally Murphy

In short poems Sally Murphy has told the story of Pearl, her mom and granny.  We learn that Granny is very sick and no longer knows who Pearl is.  We learn that her dad left long ago.  We learn that Pearl's teacher assigns poems that rhyme.  But neither Pearl nor her poems rhyme.  It is a very sad event that brings to light to everyone that Pearl is indeed a wonderful poet.

The relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter is a very special relationship.  Through poems we can see what Granny and Pearl meant to each other, their shared love of children's literature and poetry.
The illustrations by Heather Potter are lovely and show the emotions Pearl feels throughout the book.  This is a wonderful book and can be paired in a poetry unit with Love That Dog by Sharon Creech to introduce poetry to young children.  Recommended for grades 2-5.  Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Candlewick Press via Netgalley.  Pearl Verses the World is now available and every library should own it.