Paula Danziger
2005 marked the thirty-first anniversary of Paula's first book, The Cat Ate My Gym Suit. In more than three decades, its popularity hasn't flagged. All of us can relate in some way to the anguish Marcy faces as she enters adolescence. Her worries about her weight, pimples, and frustration with her younger brother are common themes, but Marcy's life is even more complex. Her father is not at all supportive. He browbeats his wife and children and they wither under his verbal abuse. Her mother escapes with pills while consoling the already overweight Marcy with dishes of ice cream. So while kids can relate to Marcy, there is also a sense of relief - Hey, my family isn't as bad as that. The bottom line is that Paula wrote with humor, she always found a funny side to life.
How the first book came about is in some ways tragic. After working as an seventh and eighth grade English teacher for a few years, Paula was injured in two back-to-back car accidents. The accident caused orthopedic problems and brought on dyslexia. During the recuperation process, she began thinking about her career and decided to get a master's degree in reading. Paula also decided to pursue a career as a writer. After all, with her luck, she would probably be hit by a truck next. Her first book was published after three years of hard work and four years after the accidents.
When kids asked Paula what other path she would have chosen, she often remarked that her dream was to be a stand-up comedian. Well, she may not always have been standing up when she addressed kids, but she did keep them entertained with her off beat humor. Not only was she a hit in the US, but for a number of years Paula appeared monthly on Britain's popular BBC-TV children's program "Live and Kicking." Keeping in touch with her audience helped Paula keep her books on target. An indefatigable traveler, she logged more than 30,000 miles a year speaking to kids around the world. Her books have been translated into ten languages and have won numerous awards.
Twelve of Paula's books were purchased by Penguin Putnam's PaperStar imprint and have been reprinted with bright eye-catching covers. Paula won the hearts of an earlier generation, many of whom now have kids of their own. They can now introduce their kids to their favorites. Paula's books (such as those about Matthew Martin) appeal to kids as young as eight particularly boys. (My eight-year-old nephew gobbled up Make Like a Tree and Leave and Everybody Else's Parents Said Yes within days of each other and asked if I had any more.) That is a real testament to her writing skills and proof that she continues to appeal to today's kids. Sadly Paula passed away in 2004, but her legacy including the popular Amber Brown series lives on. The following are our reviews of many of her books. To learn even more about this gifted writer visit Paula Danziger at Scholastic Publishers.
Marilyn Courtot, Editor, Children's Literature
Reviews
The Cat Ate My Gymsuit
Paula Danziger
Marcy Lewis suffers from low self-esteem and it really isn't surprising. She lives in a truly dysfunctional family. Her father is unhappy at work and seems to find relies by belittling everyone in the family. Her brother is tied to his teddy bear, Marcy over eats, and her mother takes tranquilizers. When a new teacher, Ms Finney, arrives at school, things start to change. However, her freethinking and teaching methods result in suspension. Marcy and the other kids work to get her reinstated. It is a time when Marcy starts to come into her own and even has a date. Her mother suddenly decides to stand up to her husband and while the conclusion is satisfying, the quick change in Marcy's mother's behavior seems a bit unrealistic. In some ways the book is a painful read, because it seems so autobiographic, but the humor helps and kids will gain insights into family dynamics and come to admire Marcy. 1998 (orig. 1974), Ages 8 to 12, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-698-11684-4
There's A Bat in Bunk Five
Paula Danziger
Marcy the heroine of The Cat Ate My Gym Suit has been asked by her former teacher, Ms Finney to come and be a counselor at a creative-arts camp. It is a wonderful opportunity to be on her own and fourteen-year-old Marcy wants to try. It isn't easy being a counselor, nor is it easy growing up, having your first real interest in a boy. Marcy and the girls learn a bit about each other and there is plenty of humor to ease the angst in this coming-of-age story. 1998 (orig. 1980), Ages 10 up, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-698-11689-5
Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice?
Paula Danziger
Danziger is right on target with this piece of realistic fiction dealing with the problems of today's teenagers trying to be accepted by their peers. She also takes a look at how teenagers relate to their parents. As always, humor helps and after your teens read this book, they should take comfort knowing that their own problems are just like those of other teens. 1998 (orig. 1979), PaperStar, Ages 12 to 14, $3.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Thomas
ISBN: 0-698-11688-7
ISBN: 0-385-28112-9
The Divorce Express
Paula Danziger
This paperback reprint of Danziger's 1982 young adult novel still rings true today. With teen-centered humor and real understanding, the author tackles a tough subject that many kids can relate to: divorce. Phoebe Brooks has shuttled between her divorced parents' homes for some time now. "Joint custody" wasn't so bad when both her mother and father lived in the city. But ever since her father moved to a house in the country, Phoebe has had to ride the "Divorce Express." That's what she calls the bus that takes her away from her New York City apartment-and her boyfriend-every Sunday night, so she can spend the week in Woodstock. The Divorce Express is no joy ride: It means Phoebe must go to ninth grade in a new school and try to make new friends. It's a hectic life that leaves this human yo-yo with little time to feel she belongs in either place. Just when Phoebe thinks she has a handle on it, her mother makes a decision that may change everything all over again. The plot breezes along, but the story's strength lies in its expert telling. Danziger has a good ear for teenagers' conversation and concerns. Her characters' dialogue shows the bravado that often hides underlying adolescent fears. 1998 (orig. 1982), PaperStar/Penguin Putnam Books, Ages 12 up, $3.99. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree
ISBN: 0-385-28217-6
ISBN: 0-698-11685-2
Earth to Matthew
Paula Danziger
Eleven-year-old Matthew Martin has a quick wit and plenty of quick retorts in class. In this book, Matthew becomes a little tongue-tied trying to figure out what to say to Jil!, his new girlfriend. The title not only refers to Matthew's tendency to "space-out," but also to the class project on recycling, which leads to changes in everyone's life. As a reward for good performance on the project, the class participates in an overnight "Camp-In" at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. During the trip, Matthew must balance hanging out with his friends and paying attention to Jil!. An additional plot line involves Matthew's angst-ridden adolescent sister whose behavior sends the entire family to counseling. Not the best of the Matthew Martin series, but definitely fun. 1998 (orig. 1991), PaperStar/Putnam & Grosset, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-385-30378-5
ISBN: 0-698-11692-5
Everyone Else's Parents Said Yes
Paula Danziger
Is there a parent who hasn't heard that phrase in the title? Matthew Martin is obsessed with his upcoming birthday. He wants his party to be perfect, and in spite of his mother's heath food obsession, his party is going to have plenty of junk food. However, life gets more complicated at home with his older sister fretting about her upcoming date for the school dance. And things don't seem to be going smoothly at school. He has a falling out with his best friend, and all the tricks he has played on the girls at school are coming back to haunt him. It is a funny and fast paced story. Matthew is a kid that everyone knows and it is a relief that all ends happily. 1998 (orig. 1989), Paperstar, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-698-11687-9
Make Like a Tree and Leave
Paula Danziger
Matthew Martin and his friends are working on their project for school by creating a mummy using Brian as the model. Things go awry and Brian has to be cut out of his plaster suit. Matthew is a kid who always seems to be in trouble and can be counted on to play jokes on other kids especially the girls in his class. When, the kids organize to save a local area that has been a haven for sledding, ice-skating and other fun, Matthew worries that his friends and others won't take him seriously. It is a contemporary tale that moves along at a clip with parents and kids working in complementary ways. 1998 (orig. 1990, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-698-11686-0
Not for a Billion Gazillion Dollars
Paula Danziger
Matthew Martin desperately wants a new computer program, but the price tag gives his parents pause. Most of his ideas for earning the money are hare-brained, but when he teams up with his friends they hit upon a winning solution. Matthew has his first girlfriend, which adds some poignancy to the tale as well. Full of puns and gross-out humor, the book is a quick, fun read. 1998 (orig. 1992), PaperStar/Putnam & Grosset, Ages 8 to 12, $4.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-385-30819-1
ISBN: 0-698-11693-3
The Pistachio Prescription
Paula Danziger
Cassie is having a high school freshman year that she'll never forget. Running for class president, getting her first boyfriend, and have her parents fighting all the time at home combine to make this a memorable year in her life. She learns more about herself and begins to have a better relationship with her glamorous high school senior sister. There is lots of humor, such as when Cassie over tweezes her eyebrows and has to wear sunglasses to school, and yet there also are poignant moments as when the Stephen's children try to reunite their parents. This story was previously released in hardback and cassette versions. This new paperback version is perfect for middle school student's backpacks and jeans' back pockets. 1999 (orig. 1978), Putnam, Ages 10 to 14, $3.99. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson
ISBN: 0-698-11690-9
Remember Me to Harold Square
Paula Danziger
Paula Danziger's light and funny book makes this a good choice for summer reading. It will appeal to pre-teens wondering what boys and New York City are really like. Kendra, age fourteen and her pesky little brother, Oscar have a surprise summer guest, a fifteen-year-old boy from Wisconsin. Frank turns out to be a nice guy with girl problems of his own. The three are sent to explore Manhattan under the guise of a scavenger hunt. They see the sites, try new foods and become good friends. 1999 (orig. 1987), Penguin Putnam, Ages 10 to 14, $3.99. Reviewer: Wendy Pollock-Gilson
ISBN: 0-698-11694-1
ISBN: 0-440-20153-5
Thames Doesn't Rhyme with James
Paula Danziger
Fifteen-year-old Kendra travels to London with her family, and the family of her boyfriend Frank for a reprise of last summer's New York scavenger hunt, featured in the first book Remember Me to Harold Square. Invented by her parents for Kendra, her younger brother, O.K. (short for Oscar) and Frank, who stayed with her family while his parents took a trip to Europe to save their failing marriage, the hunt had certain rules. The participants had to stay together, visit all required sites, and answer all clues. The prize was a trip to London with the combined families, to visit Kendra's Aunt Julia and boyfriend Trevor. This time, circumstances force Trevor's two children onto the scene. When the five players start a new hunt, their efforts to stay together and find the answers meet with challenges. Resolution comes when the budding adults in the group propose a solution that pleases parents and participants. Enlivening the plot are visits to such popular sights as the National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden and the Theater Museum. The scavenger hunt format poses questions about London that all young Anglophiles will find fun and challenging. Kendra and Frank's budding romance meet with hilarious parental curtailment, making this a good choice for ten-year-old readers and above. 1999 (orig. 1994), Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers/PaperStar, Ages 10 to 14, $3.99. Reviewer: Martha Shaw
ISBN: 0-698-11788-3
ISBN: 0-399-22526-9
This Place Has No Atmosphere
Paula Danziger
Aurora is a typical fifteen-year-old girl, interested in boys and shopping and hanging out with all her friends in the popular crowd at school. It is 2057 and people live in the Monolith Mall and wear lightbulbs in their hair. Aurora thinks she has problems with a bratty younger sister and parents who don't understand her. When she learns her family is moving to the moon, her whole world seems to be coming to an end. Adjusting to life in small-town Luna City, an experimental community on the moon, is not easy. But the challenges and disappointments of making new friends, doing meaningful community work, and producing the first-ever play on the moon help Aurora to learn what happiness and friendship are really all about. Paula Danziger has sensitively created a vision of the future that is a mix of the familiar, a bit silly, and also thought provoking. 1999 (orig. 1986), PaperStar/ Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, Ages 12 up, $15.00 and $4.99. Reviewer: Jessica Becker
ISBN: 0-385-29489-1
ISBN: 0-698-11695-X
Amber Brown is Not a Crayon
Paula Danziger
Amber and Justin have been best friends for years, but now his Dad has a new job and their house is up for sale. Amber wants to talk about her feeling, but Justin doesn't. He appears not to be upset about the move to a distant state. They have a big fight, but eventually things get resolved. It is a funny and sad story filled with all of the concerns of typical third graders. The black-and-white cartoon-like illustrations, by Ross help to provide a light touch. 1995 (orig. 1994), Putnam, Ages 7 to 9, $13.95 and $2.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-399-22509-9
ISBN: 0-590-45899-X
Amber Brown Is Feeling Blue
Paula Danziger
Illustrations by Tony Ross
Danziger provides another look into the not so ordinary life of Amber Brown. This time she is particularly excited about seeing her father again after his long absence in Europe. We get to see the many facets of Amber's life as a student, friend and daughter of divorced parents. Her nervousness in having to decide with which parent she should spend her Thanksgiving break is heart rending. Children in real life situations can surely relate to her dilemma. Amber meets the new girl in her class with another colorful name, Kelly Green, and finds that they can be friends and share some good times together. If you've enjoyed the other books in this series, you're sure to enjoy spending a bit more time with this delightful young girl. 1998, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 7 to 12, $14.99 and $13.95. Reviewer: Barbara Youngblood
ISBN: 0-399-23179-X
ISBN: 0-399-23219-2
Amber Brown Goes Fourth
Paula Danziger
Illustrated by Tony Ross
It is tough, Amber's best friend Justin has moved away and she will be starting fourth grade on her own-with no best friend. Life is full of changes, and now her Mom is dating Max and it looks pretty serious. Amber and Brandi find out that they enjoy each other's company and decided to be friends, maybe even best friends. Amber is not ready to meet Max, but she knows that he is making her Mom happy and the story ends on that note. The fast paced, breezy text is very much on target with today's families. Young girls in the third and fourth grade will understand and sympathize with Amber Brown. 1996 (orig. 1995), Scholastic, Ages 7 to 9, $2.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-590-93425-2
Amber Brown Wants Extra Credit
Paula Danziger
Illustrated by Tony Ross
Spunky fourth grader Amber Brown is back and has her hands full. Her teacher wants her homework done and on time. Her Mom wants her to meet her new boyfriend, Max. Amber is not interested in meeting Max, and it is hard to concentrate on your homework when your Mom is dating. Danziger's characteristic wit and uncanny sense of the emotions of a fourth grader make this newest installment in the "Amber Brown" series a delight. Zestful illustrations make the buoyant Amber Brown virtually leap off the pages. 1996, Putnam, Ages 8 up, $13.95. Reviewer: Judith Gravitz
ISBN: 0-399-22900-0
Forever Amber Brown
Paula Danziger
Illustrated by Tony Ross
Picking up where the last story ended, Amber's Mom is in a dilemma. Max has proposed and she isn't sure that she is ready to pack up and move. Amber isn't too sure either. They head off to Alabama to see Justin and his family, so they can talk things over. Will Justin and Amber still get along, will Mom marry Max. It isn't decided until the very end. Young girls in the third and fourth grade will understand, laugh with and sympathize with Amber Brown. 1996, Putnam, Ages 7 to 9, $13.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-399-22932-9
Amber Brown Sees Red
Paula Danziger
Illustrated by Tony Ross
Amber Brown is a typical, likable fourth grader going through some difficult times. She has to deal with her divorced parents' constant bickering on the telephone, her mother's impending marriage, growth spurts, and even a bad haircut. Now her father, who's been living in Paris, calls to say he's coming back and wants shared custody of Amber. Poor Amber feels as if everything in her life is constantly changing. Fortunately, Amber is also able to find humor in her life with the help of her good friend Brandi's constant news bulletins and a very funny invasion of skunks in her school. Amber realizes that even though things may not always go as she'd like them to, and that she may not have a perfect life, she can still be a winner. Amber Brown's perky personality and honest outlook on life will win the hearts of all pre-teen kids. The book is simply written in first-person narrative, which makes her character easy to emphasize with. 1997, Putnam, Ages 8 to 11, $13.95. Reviewer: Lisa Phillips
ISBN: 0-399-22901-9
I, Amber Brown
Paula Danziger
Illustrated by Tony Ross
Amber Brown's father has moved back from Europe to be closer to her and Amber is struggling to make the readjustment. Her parents always seem to be arguing over her and she is never sure who she wants to spend more time with these days. Amber wants to fit in with her friends and get her ears pierced even though her mother has forbidden her until she is twelve, a whole year away. She goes behind her mother's back and tells her dad that it is okay to pierce them. Of course, this causes a big fight between her family when her mom finds out. Her family struggles to work out a compromise for their new situation by promising to communicate more with each other. This is a recommended book for readers who are living in divorced family settings. They will identify with the struggling feelings Amber experiences throughout the book. It is the newest novel in the series of books written about the character Amber Brown. 1999, G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin, Ages 8 to 13, $14.99. Reviewer: Melissa A. Caudill
ISBN: 0-399-23180-3
The Amber Brown Collection
Paula Danziger
Read by Alicia Witt
Three of Danziger's popular Amber Brown stories are contained on two cassettes with a playing time of just over three hours. The tapes include Amber Brown is Not a Crayon, You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown and Amber Brown Goes Fourth. In this first story Amber is disconsolate because her best friend Justine Daniel is moving away. In the second her trip to London and the chance to visit with her dad who now lives in Europe is turned upside down when she comes down with the chicken pox. She is also not truly accepting of her parents divorce and fervently wishes that they would get back together. The third story takes Amber back home where she has to face entering a new grade without a best friend, Justin. Fortunately things work out and she does finally end up with a new friend. The package notes that Alicia Witt is an accomplished actress, but I found her reading of the stories a bit flat and at times the monotony was grating. Since, I really enjoyed the books, it was a disappointment. But listening to readings is quite a matter of taste, so others may find Witt more pleasing. The stories are good and will certainly keep kids especially young girls entertained especially on trips if a tape player is available. 1997, Listening Library, Ages 7 to 10, $15.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8072-7814-9
P.S. Longer Letter Later: A Novel In Letters
Paula Danziger & Ann M. Martin
They say opposites attract, and that was the case with Tara*Starr and her best friend, Elizabeth. When Tara*Starr moves to a new community, they continue their friendship by letter. There are more changes than either anticipates. Not only is Tara*Starr adjusting to the usual changes of a move, but her parents are also beginning to show maturity and responsibility for the first time since she can remember. What's more, after being an only child for twelve years, Tara*Starr is going to have a sibling. Elizabeth's life changes, too, when her father loses his high-paying job and the family must come to terms with the ensuing difficulties. Two of the most popular children's book writers have collaborated on this series of believable letters. They allowed the story line to evolve as they sent the letters to one another. Danziger writes as Tara*Starr, while Martin is Elizabeth. There are many interesting discussion points in this novel: relationships with friends and family, coping with change, handling misunderstandings, and recognizing the individuality of each personality. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo
ISBN: 0-590-21310-5
P. S. Longer Letter Later: A Novel In Letters
Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin
Two popular authors team to write a delightful story of best friends who must continue their friendship via letters when one friend, Tara*Starr, moves away. Danziger is the flamboyant Tara*Starr while Martin is the more stable Elizabeth. During the course of the letters Tara's family settles down while Elizabeth's falls apart. The girls' love and concern for each other pays off as they support the other during this difficult time. The letters offer insight into each girl's personality. The humor and feistiness of each character add to the reader's pleasure. 1998, Scholastic, Ages 9 to 12, $15.95. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman
ISBN: 0-590-21310-5
Snail Mail No More
Paula Danziger and Ann M Martin
Tara Starr and Elizabeth continue their long distance friendship abandoning letter writing for the instant gratification of e-mail. Through their brief messages readers learn of Tara's fear of the loss of her place in the family as she awaits the birth of her new sibling. There is peace in Elizabeth's life since her alcoholic father moved out. Yet that peace is soon shattered by his unexpected and unwanted phone calls and visits. In rapid succession the girls fire off detailed missives that chronicle their worries about boys, fashion, maintaining their friendship and worries about parents. Without a strong narrative to hold it all together the series of e-mails, that often get bogged down in the trite and the mundane, are tedious to read. At times the girls' language is right on target and at other times they seem far wiser than their years. Pubescent girls who like gossipy novels without much action and those who enjoyed P.S. Longer Letter Later will eagerly take to this sequel. 1999, Scholastic, Ages 8 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
ISBN: 0-439-06335-3
Updated 2005
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