Mom’s Monday
Clara Lee and The Apple Pie Dream
by Jenny Han and Julia Kuo
Hardcover, 160 pages
Published January 4th 2011
by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN 0316070386
3.5 stars
Clara Lee likes her best friends, her grandpa, kimchi, candy necklaces (her signature look!), and the idea of winning the Little Miss Apple Pie contest.
Clara Lee doesn’t like her mom’s fish soup, bad dreams (but Grandpa says they mean good luck!), speaking in public, or when her little sister is being annoying.
One day, after a bad dream, Clara Lee is thrilled to have a whole day of luck (Like!). But then, bad luck starts to follow (Dislike!). When will Clara Lee’s luck change again? Will it change in time for the Little Miss Apple Pie contest?
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream is a cute, fun read for 2nd and 3rd graders with whimsical pencil sketches, a dazzling cover complete with glitter letters, and a story of self-confidence. Clara Lee is an every day girl who has bad dreams. Grandfather says her dreams will bring her good luck. And they do! A candy necklace, ginger snaps, plus her favorite seat on the bus. But when life takes a terrible turn including an unwanted Valentine and teasing from her friends she has to find the courage in her heart to follow her apple pie dream. The themesin Clara Lee and The Apple Pie Dream include what it means to be American, cultural diversity, and facing your fears. I would recommend it to elementary schoolers who like Ivy Bean or Judy Moody. A great pick for early readers!
Learn more about the book at http://dearjennyhan.com/
