ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Audrey Locke was initially excited for second grade and the big changes that would go with it, but it turns out that many of those changes aren't so fun. There are grades and tests now, and her friend Diego isn't interested in being buddies anymore. When Audrey is assigned to be the Welcome Ambassador for the class' new student, she is determined to do the best job she can en when it means not being Room 19's only Audrey anymore. Audrey Waters' arrival brings a sparkle of hope to Audrey L. that they could possibly be friends, but it also stirs up less-desirable emotions, like anxiety, jealousy, and self-doubt. Lots of readers will identify with Audrey L.'s mixed-up feelings and chuckle over minor mishaps that unfold through short, illustrated chapters. A shared love of cupcakes, alicorns (flying unicorns!), and the color purple helps see the girls through a bumpy start, and friendship happily prevails. An instant companion for Ivy & Bean and Clementine, this sweet series-starter holds plenty of promise.

Kirkus Reviews

A second grader navigates the ups and downs of a new friendship.So far, second grade isn't living up to Audrey Locke's high expectations. When the odd number of kids pair up, she's the extra one. Longing to be best at something, Audrey-class Welcome Ambassador-seizes her opportunity when Ms. Fincastle announces they'll be joined by a new student whose favorite snack is chocolate-covered crickets. Although Audrey drops the welcome cake she's made, the new girl, Audrey Waters, is gracious about the mishap, and friendship blossoms. Besides their names, the girls share a liking for winged unicorns and purple nail polish. But as Audrey W excels at music, spelling, and more, Audrey L begins to feel jealous, especially after the class votes for Audrey W's choice to name the classroom's hermit crab. With Audrey W best at so much, Audrey L's determined to prove herself best at baking. Then their baking-focused weekend play date goes awry, and Audrey L lets out all her worries and anger. Mann's droll illustrations capture the full range of her changing emotions and convey character diversity: Ms. Fincastle and several students have darker skin than both brown-haired Audrey L (presumed White) and black-haired Audrey W (who has olive skin on the full-color cover). The sophisticated vocabulary and syntax might be a stretch for young readers. If mature, accomplished Audrey W is fairly thinly developed in this first series outing, Audrey L's struggles to establish herself within the chaotic social hierarchies of elementary school are endearingly authentic.Funny and engaging. (Fiction. 6-9)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

A rapport develops between two second graders in search of belonging in this crisply written chapter book debut, a series starter by Higgins (Circle Under Berry). Audrey Locke thought second grade would be -twice as fun as first,- but all the newness soon proves overwhelming, and she questions whether she can be best at anything. Complicating matters, her old pal Diego seems to have moved on to a different friend group. When a transfer student shows up with the same name, newly dubbed Audrey -L- is made Welcome Ambassador to Audrey -W.- Predictably, her efforts are not without mishap and embarrassment, and yet a -best friends-ish- camaraderie forms between the duo, who are clearly linked by their bigheartedness and sense of humor, not to mention a love of the color purple and alicorns (unicorns with wings). A minor crisis involving a hermit crab and a major meltdown by Audrey L add some easily resolved tension. Straightforward plotting emphasizes Audrey L-s emotional journey and the classroom dynamics, while sketchlike b&w illustrations by Mann (The Camping Trip) break up the chapters. The Audreys make a winsome pair, and Higgins-s empathic approach to storytelling promises more gentle hijinks as they navigate school and friendship. Ages 6-9. Author-s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. Illustrator-s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Oct.)

School Library Journal (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 2-4 Audrey Locke loved first grade and was looking forward to second grade. Unfortunately, things haven't been as great as she hoped. Her friend Diego is hanging out with other kids. New things turn out to be important such as spelling, who has the best shoes, and whose art gets placed the highest on the filing cabinet. When Audrey L. becomes the Welcome Ambassador for new student Audrey W., she wonders if maybe they could becomefriend-ish. They have a lot in common besides their namesboth love the color purple and playing the glockenspiel. But Audrey L. is unsure about their friendship. Audrey L. struggles to accept it when Audrey W.'s name for their new class hermit crab is chosen, and Audrey W. seems to be the best at everythingeven baking, which is one of her favorite and best things! And when her little brother paints Ms. Pinchcastle (the hermit crab) with nail polish, and Audrey W.'s cupcake is chosen as the best, Audrey L. has had it. Can she find a way to make amends with Audrey W., or will her hopes for a best friend be dashed? This delightful tale of friendship struggles and the uncertainties of school shines with humor and spirit. Mann's black-and-white line illustrations help break up the text and nicely complement the two Audrey's adventures. VERDICT A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like "Ivy + Bean," and "Judy Moody" are popular. Heidi Grange, Summit Elem. Sch., Smithfield, UT