What do You think about Amber Brown Is Not A Crayon (2006)?
I think this is a great book how two friends stayed together through good and bad times while they were growing up. Amber Brown and Justin Daniels have been best friends since preschool. They always sit next to each other in school and helped each other with homework. They were so close that they even know what each other were thinking and they always stuck up for each other. Justin is moving and it was hard on Amber. Her parents got a divorce which was hard for her, but Justin was there to help, but now since he is moving she doesn't know what to do. During this time Amber tried to talk to Justin about the move, but he didn't want anything to do with her. They whined up fighting and stop speaking to each other. Amber's mom helped her understand that people go through difficult situations in different ways like pretending that it isn't happening. Amber comes to an understanding that her friendship is strong with Justin and just because he is acting that way doesn't mean that they are not friends still. Just is really sad over the situation, but that is how is handling it. Since Amber acknowledges the situation they make up and enjoy the last few days together.
—Dollytomp
Danziger, P. (1994). Amber Brown is Not a Crayon. New York: Puffin Books.0142406198Third grader, Amber Brown has fun in class on a pretend trip to China with her best friend, Justin. But as Justin and his family prepare to move to another state, Amber begins to worry. Making matters worse, Justin refuses to talk about his approaching departure. She, Amber Brown is also dealing with the underlying tension of her parents’ recent divorce.Amber’s voice feels authentic. Although her character is in the third grade in this book, the story could be shared with a younger reader who is slowly transitioning to longer chapter novels.And if a student loves it, there's a whole series they can enjoy.Activities to do with the book:This is a good series to help transition young readers to chapter books. If a student liked Junie B. Jones (reviewed previously here), this would be a good follow up for slightly older readers since this series has fewer pictures and Amber is a little older. Although, this book would be great for first and second graders. From there, a student could graduate to Ramona Quimby and on.A teacher could base lessons off of the way Amber’s teacher conducts his lessons. A teacher could have pretend trips to other countries to introduce lessons.Favorite Quotes:“In just ten minutes, our entire class is getting on a plane for our flight to China.I, Amber Brown, am one very excited third grader” (p. 5).“When my parents got a divorce, my dad moved far away, to another country, so I never get to see him and he hardly ever calls” (p. 17).“Fractions are not my favorite thing.In fact, they are one of my least favorite things. The only things I hate more are 1) Brussels sprouts, 2) watching kids pick their noses and eat the snot and 3) having people I love leave” (p. 47).For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
—Shel
Realistic FictionThis book is an excellent choice for upper elementary school students because it is written from the perspective of Amber Brown, a third grader who speaks her mind. Students will be able to relate to her experiences and feelings and make connections to their own lives. In this book, Amber's best friend Justin has to move away because of his dad's job. She and Justin are both heartbroken and don't want to leave each other, but neither of them will admit it. Throughout the book, Amber shares her feelings of sadness and fear, mixed in with her quirky sense of humor. The setting of the book is Amber's third grade classroom and her and Justin's homes.I would use this book in my classroom as an independent reading choice. It is appropriate for both girls and boys, and the reading level is appropriate for most 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This book could go along with a class discussion on big changes in life, such as moving away or making new friends. Students could write about a change they've experienced in their lives and how they handled it.I think that kids would love Amber's witty personality and unique outlook on situations. She has a hilarious sense of humor that made me laugh out loud. This book is heartwarming and relatable, and has something to offer a wide variety of readers.
—Eliza Thomas
