Amber Brown is Not a Crayon

by Paula Danziger

Amber Brown, 3rd grade, has a problem.  Her best friend since pre-school, Justin, is moving away.  What will she do now?  To make it worse, Justin is really excited.  It doesn't even sound like he is going to miss her!  8 year old Amber learns about heartache, communication, and change as she adjusts to the idea of Justin leaving.

Audience

This is written for late 2nd grade.  I think kids from 1st grade to about 6th could relate to the emotions, though it's definitely geared to the 2-4 grade range

What I Love About This Book

1) Amber Brown's voice sounds like an authentic 3rd grader to me, and I'm teaching 3rd grade right now.

2) The idea of friends moving and parents divorcing is something children deal with every day.  I'm glad to see literature in the lower grades dealing with real issues in an age-appropriate way.

3) I love when teachers are portrayed as wise and loving.  The teacher was a minor character, but I liked him.

Cautions
Amber's parents are divorced, and while the book doesn't deal with that extensively, she will mention what has changed since the divorce.

Series

Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon
You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown
Amber Brown Goes Fourth
Amber Brown Wants Extra Credit
Forever Amber Brown
Amber Brown Sees Red
Amber Brown Is Feeling Blue
I, Amber Brown
Amber Brown Is Green With Envy