Horn Book (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Good-hearted Boogie Bass is in a third-grade sign language camp with friends, including his bestie Nolan, whom Boogie reveres, along with Nixie and Vera from the previous series entries. With one hearing and one Deaf teacher, Boogie and the other campers learn the basics of American Sign Language; briefly study its history; and even get a demonstration of ASL ABC stories from Deaf students at another school. Boogie is a well-rounded character; he is kind and conscientious and learns to not be so tough on himself ("Maybe the point of learning a new language wasn't to be perfect"), not to compare himself to others (especially Nolan), and to accept his own strengths. A lot of time at camp is spent on iconic signs (ones that look like what they represent), which can be typical for children first learning. But the book also captures the non-manual markers necessary for ASL -- including facial expressions, at which Boogie excels -- and a back-matter note provides more details about the language's complex grammar. Julie Danielson

Kirkus Reviews

Third grader Boogie Bass isn't good at anything until he starts a sign language program, where he finally gets a chance to shine.During a four-week after-school program, Boogie and his friends begin learning American Sign Language and prepare to put on a show for students from a school for the Deaf as a final project. Also, Boogie needs to fix his baby brother's stuffed dog, which he accidentally allowed their real dog to chew. This subplot does not intersect significantly with the sign language plot except as a means to make Boogie feel bad about himself. Unfortunately, his lack of confidence does not make him an approachable character; instead, Boogie comes off as a sad sack, that dark cloud of a friend who can't let a conversation pass without mentioning their shortcomings, though readers might blame this on his hypercritical mother. The author has clearly been exposed to Deaf culture and makes a valiant effort to educate readers. In fact, the text has the preachy tone of an elementary reader. While none of the information folded into the story is factually incorrect, the Deaf characters ultimately exist as props to support the hearing characters' growth. Their language is praised for its usefulness to hearing people. Boogie is White; his best friend, Nolan, is Indian American; and his two other friends are Vera, who's Black, and Nixie, who's White.Clears the low bar for children's books about ASL and Deafness. (additional information) (Fiction. 7-9)

School Library Journal (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 2-5 In book four of the series, Boogie Bass, who has light skin and red hair, is having a hard time. He can't seem to do anything right: he lets his dog destroy his little brother Bing's favorite stuffed animal, and he almost hurts Bing playing indoor luge on the stairway. It's no wonder that he feels awkward beginning after-school camp with his best friend Nolan, who always does everything right. This camp is American Sign Language camp and Boogie hopes the first sign he learns is, "I'm sorry." After struggling through signing the alphabet, Boogie feels even more uncomfortable. But a visit to a school for the Deaf puts Boogie in a situation where he truly shines and starts making friends. The four After-School Superstars return in this wholesome look at how kids can overcome their own fears and insecurities by being true to themselves. Boogie's outgoing personality is a real gift and his devotion to his family, as the oldest of four rambunctious brothers, is evident throughout. Once he gains confidence, Boogie feels less awkward and embraces his buoyant personality as a positive characteristic that makes him who he is. Charming black-and-white illustrations add to the appeal of the text. Included is background information on American Sign Language, as well as an illustration of the ASL Alphabet Chart. VERDICT A welcome entry in the series that would be an excellent addition to the school library or an SEL unit. Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools, OH