From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-This beginning chapter book finds Grace and her friends at the start of summer vacation ready for new adventures, and that's just what they get. From circus performers to ghostbusters, from astronauts to detectives, the child and her "gang of four" always find something exciting to play. What makes this episodic tale work particularly well are the plot twists in each chapter. For instance, when the girl and her pals decide to investigate the "haunted house" in the neighborhood, they meet a timid old woman whose wartime escape from Europe years before has left her frightened of leaving her home. There are misadventures, too-as when Grace decides to spy on her mother's boyfriend and gets caught. Still, all's well that ends well, and as the summer draws to a close, Grace and company get to perform on a real stage. Hoffman's text reads easily and is filled with humor and the wide-eyed innocence of young children at play. The plot is believable, and the characters are well drawn-although Grace's grandmother and mother seem to have the patience of a whole school of saints. One full-page pencil drawing illustrates each chapter. This is sure to be a hit with fans of Amazing Grace (1991) and Boundless Grace (1995, both Dial), both picture books, and will be a fast-paced choice for reluctant readers.
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
The star of the popular picture book
Amazing Grace (1991) is center stage again in this lively chapter book about Grace on her summer vacation. She has lots of friends this time, but they are only bit players. Grace is the leader as the kids play circus and visit a real circus, play "ghostbusters" and discover a mysterious neighbor, play doctor and cope with a real emergency. All the imaginative play leads to the climactic chapter, in which they get walk-ons in a real theatrical production. Of course, Grace steps into a big role.
Boundless Grace (1995), about Grace's visit to her rich dad in Africa, was a disappointing story, but this one is back to the excitement of dressing up and being part of a show. There's also more this time about Ma and Nana, whose love and support help Grace to push beyond herself. Caroline Binch's pictures (one full-page illustration per chapter) were not seen in galley, but fans of the first book will recognize the smiling girl in the jacket painting.
Hazel Rochman
