Nikki and Deja

December 10, 2007
In her first chapter book, English (Francie
) perceptively explores the undercurrent of insecurity and rivalry that threaten two African-American girls’ friendship. When Antonia moves into the neighborhood and tries to boss two best friends around, Deja elects to start a drill club and pointedly not invite the new girl. But when Nikki messes up at drill club tryouts, she anticipates rejection and hooks up with Antonia, who proposes an exclusionary club of their own. The plot is secondary to the authentically rendered backdrops of sidewalk games, the third-grade classroom and Saturday morning TV-watching. Better still are the author’s careful tabs on the daily fluctuations in the girls’ emotional lives: “She hadn’t meant to say that.... And since she can’t put the words back into her mouth, she’s glad she’s in front of her house because then she gets to stomp up her stairs and slam the door behind her.” More probing than many chapter books, this title delivers the satisfaction of a full-length novel. Final art not seen by PW
. Ages 6-10.

January 1, 2009
Gr 1-4-In this successor to "Nikki & Deja" (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor Miss Ida, who serves turnips and has a black-and-white TV. At school, Deja learns that her "nemesis," as Miss Ida calls Antonia, intends to hold an extravagant "Just Because" bash that will coincide with Deja's more modest plans. Deja worries that their classmates will choose to go to Antonia's party. Thankfully, her friend Nikki provides constant support, and Auntie Dee's return results in clarity and perspective. The narrative is a bit contrived, although it is realistic that there is no resolution of Deja's longing for her father. Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist's authentic emotions as English acknowledges the challenges and complexities of classroom life."Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2009
Grades 2-4 Deja cant wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that this time my daddy might come for my birthday. When Dejas classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to herownparty, Dejas high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Dejas week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
Deja's birthday excitement turns to dismay when snooty classmate Antonia decides to throw a party (complete with trampoline and roller rink) on the same day. Happily, a well-timed downpour rescues the situation. English displays a true understanding of kids' emotions and behavior. The book is welcome for its contemporary urban setting and authentically portrayed African American characters, shown in digital black-and-white illustrations.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)