Focused and funny, this is one of the best chapter books about Amber Brown. Danziger gets the details that concern today's kids as well as the issues that always make them vulnerable. Amber Brown is in fourth grade now; her parents are divorced, and her mother is dating Max. Amber Brown likes Max, but part of her wishes that her father would come back. Then Max proposes. How much will things change? The story here is taut, the conflict dramatized without preachiness. Readers will understand Amber Brown's panic (If he's living in the house, there'll be no real privacy. I won't be able to walk around in my nightgown), and they'll recognize the world they know: the joy of being grossed out by snot games with your best friend, even while you are facing what a family is and how it changes. As always, Tony Ross' occasional line drawings capture the scene with affectionate comedy. (Reviewed November 15, 1996)

Now in her fifth book, Amber Brown is just getting used to the many changes in her life since her parents divorced, her best friend Justin moved away, and her mother started dating Max. Her mother then throws a wrench into everything by announcing that Max has proposed marriage. Amber's verbal puns are sometimes a bit too clever and self-conscious, but the breezy writing style suits the quick story.

Amber is upset when her mother's boyfriend proposes marriage and her best friend moves to another town. On top of everything, it's time for school pictures and Amber always hates hers. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)

Gr 3-5--In previous books in this popular series, Amber has seen her parents divorce and her father and best friend, Justin Daniels, move far away. Now she is firmly established in the fourth grade with a new best friend and a growing fondness for her mom's boyfriend, Max. Just for a while, Amber would like nothing more to change so that she can concentrate on the business of growing up. Then Max throws them all into a tizzy by asking her mother to marry him. Suddenly, they make an unplanned trip to Alabama to see the Daniels family so that Amber's mom can think things through. There, Justin helps Amber realize that change is a part of living. Through all the chaos, irrepressible Amber, buoyed by her loving relationship with her mother as well as her lively imagination and wonderful sense of humor, develops a growing understanding of herself and the people around her. Danziger's characterizations ring true. Her light handling of a difficult subject faced by so many youngsters will once again find a ready audience. In addition, readers ready to venture beyond beginning chapter books will find the undemanding format welcoming. The simple sentence structure, large print, and pen-and-ink sketches make it possible for them to relax and enjoy as Amber gradually realizes that no matter what changes occur she will remain Forever Amber Brown.--Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, ME