My son just finished first grade and we've been trying to read through all the Junie B., First Grader books, before he starts second grade. We recently finished One-Man Band. In this case my son read it on his own, and then I read it afterwards. Sometimes I read the book to him, but this time he just wanted to read it all, by himself.

Junie B. is a rambunctious little girl who is in first grade. This story begins with her being very excited about playing in the kickball tournament on Friday, but she hurt her toe kicking something. Then in class she drops something on her toe and it gets hurt even worse. Now she won't be able to play kickball. Another boy has an injury too and they are going to do a halftime show together since they can't play in the game. The boy wants to sing, but what will Junie B. do? When Friday arrives will she be brave enough to perform?

I liked this book. Junie B. isn't especially bad or annoying like she has been in some of the previous books. She definitely seems to have matured some over the course of the books (this is book 22 of the series that started with her in kindergarten), though she still likes to stick her tongue out at the girl she doesn't like in class.

As far as being part of a series, I felt this book stood well enough on its own. You don't need to have read the other books to understand enjoy this one, but it definitely wouldn't hurt. Author Barbara Park and illustrator Denise Brunkus continue to work well together.

Junie B. can be inventive and creative and she isn't too shy to be a little pushy, when needed. There is some typical class peer pressure and she responds realistically. The book is written in the first person and even her grammar and word usage is improving as well (thanks for her first grade dictionary).

We've been enjoying the Junie B. books and this one was no exception. My son made sure we put the next book on hold at the library right away and we're both looking forward to it.

Recommended: Yes