Richard can’t wait to show off his flat-ground Ollies at a friend’s birthday party at the skate park, but a note home from his teacher threatens to ruin his plans. He really meant to finish his assignment on howler monkeys, but he just got . . . distracted. If only he could focus on his schoolwork, he wouldn’t get into this kind of trouble! Can Richard manage to put off getting the note signed (and facing the consequences) until after the party, or will the deception make things even worse?
Nikki and Dejafans and their male peers are sure to recognize themselves and their classmates in this humorous school story.
Richard can’t wait to show off his skills at a friend’s skateboard birthday party, but a note home from his teacher threatens to ruin his plans. This charming second book in a new series about third grade boys by Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winner Karen English offers spot-on storytelling, relatable characters and situations, and plenty of action.
"A welcome series addition that emphasizes familiarity instead of difference and treats its message with an affectionately light hand."
—Kirkus
"Lots of kids will recognize themselves in this book...and teachers and librarians will be happy to have a series to recommend that stars a realistic, likable boy of color."
—Horn Book Magazine
"This is a consistently fun read, complete with endearing characters, charming spot illustrations, and satisfying resolutions. Furthermore, it is a much needed story in which African American boys can see themselves visually and textually reflected in a positive light, completely free of the usual tropes of multicultural literature."
—Booklist
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