Few early chapter books feature African American characters, and English, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book author, addresses this dearth with a sweet, realistic friendship story. Next-door neighbors Nikki and Deja are as close as sisters, but the two third-graders have moments of sadness and frustration with each other, especially after Deja starts a drill club at school, and Nikki has trouble keeping up with the dance routines. A new girl, Antonia, adds further tension, but the friends finally work through their hurt feelings and make up. English writes with a basic vocabulary and repetitive, easy-to-grasp sentence rhythms well tuned to the abilities of early-elementary-school readers, and children will quickly connect with the distinctive characters and authentically drawn situations and emotions, especially the tumult of feeling at odds with a best friend. Freeman's full-page, black-and-white artwork adds to the book's appeal with cheerful drawings of the two friends and their everyday episodes. A strong start to what will hopefully become a series of titles about Nikki and Deja.

Nikki and Deja are best friends, next-door neighbors and schoolmates. They do almost everything together, from watching cartoons and sitting on the porch, to going shopping, making cookies and playing at recess. But when a new neighbor moves in down the street, things may be about to change. Antonia has enviable possessions—a canopy bed and a trampoline—and is in their class at school. When the three play jump rope together, Antonia's too bossy, but then a misunderstanding occurs at the flea market and Nikki and Deja struggle over the formation of a drill team. It looks as though the friendship may be over, but in an elementary-school world of clubs, competition and jealousy, it's up to Nikki and Deja to sort things out. Accessible writing, authentic characters, an easy-to-identify-with plot and Freeman's appealing black-and-white illustrations come together smoothly in this straightforward friendship tale. English nicely fills an underdeveloped area—this is a first-chapter book featuring African-American girls, and race is presented as an attribute of the characters rather than as an issue. (Fiction. 7-10)

Gr 1-4 As in Hot Day on Abbott Avenue (Clarion, 2004), English explores the intricacies of childhood friendship, capturing the dialogue and experiences with near-perfect tone. Nikki is a budding writer, and Deja wants to be a decorator; the two third graders are best friends and neighbors. Unfortunately, when a new girl moves to their street, this friendship begins to unravel. Antonia isn't very friendly, so in retaliation, Nikki and Deja form an exclusive drill team club and vow to keep her out. When it comes to light that Nikki has no rhythm, the girls' insecurities come to a head, fueled by Antonia's manipulations. Eventually, Nikki and Deja realize how much they miss each other and make up. Nikki and Deja are still learning how to navigate complex relationships, alternating between codependence, jealousy, and stubbornness. And like most youngsters when faced with new emotional experiences, they don't always behave in the best manner possible. The story balances all this angst with humor: a scene in which the girls discover that their teacher actuallygasp!shops at the same grocery store is priceless. Freeman's black-and-white illustrations depict a multicultural cast. Put this into readers' hands and they'll most likely see the ups and downs of their own friendships reflected. Laura Lutz, Queens Borough Public Library, NY