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Searching... Sheridan Public Library | J Spinelli | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
From the author of "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch" comes this tale of irrepressible Lizzie Logan, who bursts into Heather's life the day Heather moves to Mole Street. Lizzy is bossy, maybe even dangerous, too, but who else would take Heather fishing, share her dog, and even invent her own parade?
Author Notes
Eileen Spinelli was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 16, 1942. After high school, she worked as a waitress at a local diner, a secretary, and answered phones at an airplane factory. She eventually became the author of children's books. Her picture books include Thanksgiving at the Tappletons, Do You have a Hat, While You are Away, When Mama Comes Home Tonight, Wanda's Monster, Here Comes the Year, A Big Boy Now, and Hug a Bug. She is also the author of several short novels including Lizzie Logan Wears Purple Sunglasses, Lizzie Logan Gets Married, and Lizzie Logan, Second Banana. She received the Christopher Award for Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5Heather isn't sure that she wants to be friends with Lizzie. On the one hand, Lizzie pretends to be a smoker; tells her that there is a man-eating spider plant in her house; and gets jealous when she wants to spend time with Sara, her friend from her old neighborhood. Then again, Lizzie has wonderful ideas, like fishing in a puddle and planning a Fourth of July parade. And when Heather needs her, she comes through, arranging a funeral for her pet cricket. Nicely paced, with large type and occasional black-and-white cartoon illustrations, this book will appeal to reluctant readers. Spinelli's sympathy for these girls lifts the characterization above the level that's usually found in easy chapter books. In describing her feelings for the father who deserted her, Lizzie says, ``I imagine the truth. He's just some guy who doesn't care.'' Any child who has been friends with a Lizzie will understand and appreciate this story.Connie Parker, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Lizzie makes her first appearance in this chronicle of an on-again, off-again friendship between two very different girls. Since her adventures with colored eyewear, she has headlined in two sequels: Lizzie Logan Gets Married and Lizzie Logan, Second Banana. Ages 7-10. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
When Heather moves to a new neighborhood, she is befriended by outspoken Lizzie, who pretends to smoke, scares Heather with stories of man-eating spider plants, and has great ideas for things they can do together. Heather eventually learns that even Lizzie has her vulnerable side. Especially strong characterizations and unforced humor place this early chapter book above the norm. From HORN BOOK 1995, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
It's not always easy to be best friends, especially when the friend is two years older and has an eccentric imaginationthat's the premise of this very funny book. Heather meets Lizzie, 10, on the day her family moves into a new house. Lizzie investigates the new family, bringing a store- bought pie and a warning to check it for mold. The next warning is about the spider plants that killed the old lady who used to live in their house. It's not a comfortable beginning, but it is a clear indication of an interesting summer ahead. Greenberg's sketchy b&w illustrations catch the upbeat tone of the book; there is an annoying discrepancy in the last picture, between art (girls in shorts, no sign of a hat) and text (one pulls glasses out of her skirt, the other is wearing a hat). This is not a realistic book, but Spinelli's first novel buoyantly addresses the ``problem'' of a great imagination in someone who is sensitive (though not necessarily to others' feelings). With its easy-to-read format and entertaining story, this looks like a hit. (Fiction. 7-10)
Booklist Review
Gr. 2-4. With a mix of farce and gentleness, Spinelli tells a funny friendship story. Lizzie Logan, 10, acts so mean and bossy it's hard for eight-year-old Heather to be friends, especially when Lizzie scares Heather with stories about killer spider plants and insults her and leads her into all kinds of scrapes. The other kids warn Heather that Lizzie's weird and that she has a messed-up family. But Heather discovers that Lizzie isn't as tough as she pretends to be. For example, Lizzie says she smokes, but it's all pretend: she doesn't light the butts she collects. Some of the episodes go on too long, but the exaggerated cartoon drawings pick up the zaniness of the characters, and it all adds up to an affectionate view of the way kids bicker and bond and change. For part of the summer, Heather and Lizzie hang out: "Eating. Giggling. Talking. Arguing. Wearing our best-friend sunglasses. Even after dark." But then they fight again . . . and make up. --Hazel Rochman