If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko

sparkling characterization and touches of humor. Whiletreats issues of race, class and marital discord fearlessly, it's also one of the funniest they'll read this year.'- The Washington Post Book World, 'Choldenko convincingly covers the middle school scene.

has a spiky wit, an empathetic eye for kids' foibles and fears, an ear for their distinctive voices and an impressive range. (an) under-the-microscope examination of the often cruel, always dramatic dynamics of junior high.'- Publishers Weekly 'Choldenko. While treats issues of race, class and marital discord fearlessly, it's also one of the funniest they'll read this year.'- The Washington Post Book World, 'The issues raised are spot-on for this age group. ', 'The issues raised are spot-on for this age group. That catchy title is a metaphor for the uprooting that takes place when Kirsten and Walk learn they have a whole lot more in common than their 'brilliance.' At the same time, it signals this book's real appeal for pre-teens: While it treats issues of race, class and marital discord fearlessly, it's also one of the funniest they'll read this year.

If a Tree Falls unfolds in the less exotic setting of a fancy private school, but it treads more explosive ground as it switches between the viewpoints of two seventh-graders there - Kirsten, who is white, and Walk, who is black. Choldenko also has a spiky wit, an empathetic eye for kids' foibles and fears, an ear for their distinctive voices and an impressive range.

(an) under-the-microscope examination of the often cruel, always dramatic dynamics of junior high.e, Choldenko''s talent for characters and conversation brings the two voices instantly to life in alternating points of view.This will appeal to a wide range of middle-school readers and would make a great book-club or classroom discussion., 'Choldenko has a flair for titles: Notes From a Liar and Her Dog, Al Capone Does My Shirts, now this. tumultuous twists that ultimately convince Kirsten that, indeed, she does matter.e, eoeThe issues raised are spot-on for this age group.

EoeCholdenko convincingly covers the middle school scene.

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko