Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger, illus. by Tony Ross, shows evidence of the "characteristic love of puns and her kid-targeted sense of humor" that PW praised in earlier installments about the spunky gal. Here, Amber struggles to keep her desk neat in hopes of being rewarded by a visit from Deskarina, the "desk fairy." (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

In the fifth book of the series, Amber's teacher makes a new rule: ""keep our desks clean."" Children who tidy their work spaces are secretly rewarded by the desk fairy. Amber struggles to control the clutter in her desk and eventually mends her ways. The short sentences, approachable page layout, and humor of the story make it well suited to the intended audience. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Gr. 1-3. Popular character Amber Brown returns in a new A Is for Amber easy reader from the late Danziger. Second grade begins wonderfully: Amber's parents don't fight that morning; she wins the race in gym class; she gets to wear a crown for having the most pockets. But Amber isn't perfect, and her flaw soon becomes apparent: her messy desk. Ms. Light has instituted a clean-desk rule, and Amber wants a clean-desk treat more than anything. Unfortunately, she finds that cleaning up is easier said than done. Full-color spot artwork on every page depicts an endearingly messy Amber, belying her seeming perfection. As a charming Everykid, Amber has great appeal, and her successful struggle with desk neatness will resonate with children coping with their own shortcomings as they tackle new experiences. --Diane Foote Copyright 2004 Booklist

Gr 1-3-Amber Brown loves second grade, and has no trouble adhering to her teacher Ms. Light's five simple rules. But, when a new rule, "Desks have to be kept clean" is suddenly added to the class list, Amber isn't so sure it's one she can follow it in this title (Putnam, 2004) in Paula Danziger's series for emerging readers. Dana Lubotsky brings this loveable, quirky character to life, giving Amber a voice well suited to the spirited second grader. Upbeat music and appropriate sound effects make this an enjoyable listening experience.-Amy Joslyn, Fairport Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.