Talent show mix-up

With this upbeat I Can Read! book, the überpopular My Weird School series makes a leap from the chapter-book shelves to the beginning-reader section. A. J. worries when his teacher announces a class talent show for the next day. That evening, he lists his "talents" (dirt-bike tricks, peewee football, video games, nose picking) and concludes that not one is school-appropriate. In the show, he nervously stands before the class and begins a confessional ramble about being untalented. Bemused when his classmates and teacher start laughing, he continues his deadpan spiel until they're in hysterics. In the end, his teacher compliments him on his talent: stand-up comedy. Zany humor is Gutman's strong suit, and Paillot's colorful digital illustrations amplify the fun. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.

K-Gr 2—Beginning readers will enjoy this volume by the author of the best-selling series "My Weird School." Mr. Cooper happily announces that the class will be holding a talent show, and everyone is excited, of course, except for A.J. The school-hating narrator's disdain for the talent show stems from a deep insecurity that he does not have a talent. As the big day approaches, A.J.'s gift for clueless observations and cheeky wit accidentally catapults him to talent show success. The book is filled with the classic illustrations and animated expressions that readers have come to expect from the series, and there is a good text-to-image ratio that will work well for emerging readers. There are elements of sarcasm that may go over the heads of young children, as well as instances of teasing. VERDICT New readers who are eager to tackle the same books as their older siblings will particularly appreciate this title. It will make a solid addition to children's collections and serve as an introduction to the well-known chapter book series.—Maria Alegre, The Dalton School, New York City. Copyright 2016 School Library Journal.

Fearing he does not have a talent that he can display during his weird and wacky class's upcoming talent show, young A.J. tries to discover what he is good at with the help of his classmates. Simultaneous.

A new series of Level Two I Can Read titles based on Dan Gutman’s My Weird School series, which has sold more than 12 million books!Mr. Cooper’s class is having a talent show. But A.J. has a problem—he doesn’t have a talent! What will he do when the big day comes? Join A.J. and the gang from Ella Mentry School as they show young readers why they attend the weirdest—and most fun!—school around.My Weird School: Talent Show Mix-Up is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

A new series of Level Two I Can Read titles based on Dan Gutman's My Weird School series, which has sold more than 12 million books!Mr. Cooper's class is having a talent show. But A.J. has a problem'he doesn't have a talent! What will he do when the big day comes? Join A.J. and the gang from Ella Mentry School as they show young readers why they attend the weirdest'and most fun!'school around.My Weird School: Talent Show Mix-Up is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.