Amber Brown Sees Red

Danziger, P. (1977). Amber Brown sees red. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.
Grades 2 through 4

Luck seems to be on Amber’s side. She did not study for the Math test, but a family of skunks makes the school too smelly, and classes have to be cancelled. Anxiety sets in when she wonders who will come to pick her up. Her mother is at an all-day seminar, and her father is in Paris. Max, her future stepfather, steps in. Amber, Brandi, her best friend, and Max have a great day at the mall. Amber’s fun-filled day ends when her father calls to announce his return to New Jersey and his intention to request shared custody. The phone call brings to surface the tensions between Amber’s parents. Amber feels conflicted about liking Max and angry show more with her parents for all the screaming and fighting. As she deals with changes outside and within her, she learns to accept life in its imperfections and finds the strength to cope with new situations.

Amber Brown Sees Red is the sixth installment in the series that follows Amber through her growing pains. The book explores situations many children have to face—divorce and its aftershocks, custody battles, resentful parents, and stepparents. Young readers see their own feelings and experiences in Amber’s; as she realizes that neither she nor anyone else is perfect, she helps readers accept theirs and others’ faults and work toward making things better. The plot is simple and easy to follow, and the main characters are well developed and realistic. The first-person account makes it easy for readers to relate to the main character. The supporting characters, however, are little more than caricatures. Created to provide comic relief to the heavy issues explored in the book, they undermine the depth of the story and can sometimes become irritating such as Brandi’s catch phrase. The illustrations support readers as they transition from picture books to “real” books and help convey Amber’s emotions. show less

Not exactly the heir to Ramona Quimby, as sometimes Amber has real dark feelings inside, and sometimes she shares them. I don't clearly remember every story so I'm copying this review to each book.

the girl in this story rocks!!!!! the story rules!!!!! it is a very good story.

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