The first Paula Danziger book I read was THE CAT ATE MY GYM SUIT. It quickly became one of my favorites. When I finally became a teacher it was the first book I shared with students. Copies of other Danziger classics like Can you Sue Your Parents for Malpractice? and This Place Has No Atmosphere also found a home on my classroom bookshelf.
The Amber Brown series leaned more toward younger chapter book readers, but many students would cling to their copies from earlier grades. Amber Brown was that special. Twelve books in the series confirmed her popularity.
Out now is a new graphic novel format for the first book, AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON. It’s the touching story of losing a best friend when Amber must come to grips when her pal Justin and his family plan on moving to another state. This illustrated version is colorful and boldly show the emotions of each character. It also stays true to the original plot.
While not a book I would normally review given it is for chapter book readers up to about age 10, I couldn’t resist as I have never featured a Paula Danzinger book.
There’s no better way to get kids reading than with Amber Brown. She will also push them forward to the other more middle grade titles in the Danziger collection. Although Paula passed away many years ago, her love of writing will be forever infused to young audiences for generations to come.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: May 21, 2024 PAGE COUNT: 112
About Paula Danziger:
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular Amber Brown books as well as Remember Me To Harold Square, The Divorce Express, and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice?
Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent’s Choice Awards, International Reading Association – Children’s Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children’s Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards.
Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids’ hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.
In Paula’s memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children’s Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
About Victoria Ying:
Raised in California, Victoria Ying is an author and illustrator of beloved children’s books. She realized that she had a true eye for detail when she fell in loves with comic books when she was a teenager. This interest in comics led her to a successful career in animation. Her credits include Tangled, Wreck it Ralph, Frozen, Paperman, Big Hero 6, and Moana.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
Always in the Middle... 
An Apple TV Plus series about Amber has apparently come and gone. I was a huge fan of Danziger’s in middle school, and loved her snarky voice. It’s hard to believe she’s been gone twenty years!