Signed edition

Independent Reading Level: Grade level:‎ 3 - 4 ( )

"Danitra Brown, Class Clown" is a story told through a collection of rhyming poems. The poems are about shy Zuri and her outgoing, one of a kind friend Danitra. Zuri is nervous about the start of a new school year, but she knows that everything will be alright as long as she has Danitra by her side. This books looks at the challenges of school and the importance of friendship. Danitra and Zuri are characters that children would look up to and admire. It is a perfect book to read aloud because of its language and rhyme scheme. The illustrations are beautiful. I think that second, third, and fourth graders, in particular, would enjoy this book. ( )

This book of poems is about Zuri and Danitra as they start the new school year together with a new teacher. The friendship of Zuri and Danitra in this book is touching and Danitra is a unique character who marches to the beat of her own drum and is a great friend to Zuri. The poems tell the story of their school year together and how Zuri deals with her sick mom and trying to pass math class. The story is a great representation of friendship and loving yourself just how you are. It was such a heartwarming read and Danitra reminds me a lot of Junie B. Jones with her unique style and funny characteristics. ( )

Through rhyming, Zuri explains the jitters of starting a new school year. However, she is not alone, as her outgoing friend, Danitra, is always by her side to get her through the school year. This is an excellent book for children to read, as this novel contains many of the emotions children feel when summer comes to an end and the new school year begins. While the unknown can be scary, it helps us gain the knowledge we need to grow. ( )