About the Author

Charise Mericle Harper has written and illustrated the Just Grace books all by herself. Sometimes she wishes she could have help, but so far she has not been able to teach her cat how to draw or spell. One of her favorite snacks is peanuts mixed with almonds and raisins. She lives in Mamaroneck, NY with her lovely family.
www.chariseharper.com

Reviews

Gr 2-4-Grace's third-grade class is researching foods of the world, a topic suggested by the principal after he overhears Owen, the class troublemaker, ridiculing another student's lunch. That night, Grace's neighbor gives her a bag of delicious roast-chicken-flavored potato chips from France, so she decides to study unusual potato chips of the world. Harper once again gets the emotions just right. The child is jealous when her dad seems more interested in her best friend's project than in hers. She gains a greater respect for troublemaking Owen when she misbehaves, and instead of tattling on her, he takes the blame. As in the previous books, Grace's narration meanders somewhat, and the text is broken up into short sections with small, cartoon sketches, diagrams, and lists. As an added highlight, this title includes instructions on how to make a zine (after Grace receives one as a gift). This easy chapter book is sure to be popular with fans of the series, but it also stands alone.-Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

New characters, such as the hyperactive "Owen 1," keep the story fresh, but readers will most enjoy Grace's angst-ridden first-person narrative, delivered with her usual comic touch. Cartoon illustrations (and directions for creating a zine) enliven the text and help to showcase Grace's artistic talent. A sixth adventure is planned.--Booklist --