Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Danziger's irrepressible heroine feels torn between her future stepdad (who is there when she needs him) and her absentee father (who now wants custody). Two bookmarks of Amber in distress come with each copy. Ages 7-10. (Feb.)
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4While a sequel is often weaker than the original, this book is stronger than its predecessors. After her parents' divorce and a variety of other changes, Amber Brown wishes something, if only her growing body, could stay the same. But nothing does. She has a new best friend, Brandi, with whom she becomes stranded on a school bus because their school has been invaded by a skunk family. Max, her mother's fianc, rescues them and takes them for a fun day at the mall. While Amber is still reluctant to see him as a future stepfather, she does reflect on how he is there when she needs him, unlike her father, who has been living in France. Things change again when he decides to return to New Jersey and seek joint custody of his daughter. Her parents begin fighting long distance, upsetting Amber until she "sees red." Ross's black-and-white cartoons help convey the character's feelings. Real emotion is mixed with comic relief, creating colorful characters in a lively story that will attract new fans and old ones alike.Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA
