Tuesday, March 10

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret

Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret
(Heidi Heckelbeck #1)
Written by Wanda Coven, illustrated by Priscilla Burris

My rating: ★★★

ISBN: 978-1442435650
Publisher: Little Simon
Date of publication: January 3, 2012
Age: Grades K - 3
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Fantasy

Themes: home schooling/public school, trying something new, secrecy, bullying

Today is Heidi Heckelbeck's first day of school—she's been home schooled previously, and is now joining the second grade class at Brewster Elementary. She's already dreading the change, but the meanie Melanie Maplethorpe sure doesn't make it any easier! Heidi just wants to stay home and be her "real" self. Heidi, you see, has a secret.

This was a great story for several reasons. The whole story centers around the secret, but it doesn't reveal it until the very last page. It's a page turner! Plus, the sudden reveal at the end makes grabbing the next book that much more necessary. And yet, while it is quite the secret, the totally common problems of nervousness about school or dealing with a bully make the book approachable for young readers. The characters are charming, the illustrations help with the story, and I think it's a great book for kids.

Find it at your library or on Amazon

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