Kirkus Reviews

Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filled with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a "just because" sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia's party. This straightforward plot explores Deja's reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki's close friendship? Maybe she didn't sabotage Deja's party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman's occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books—let's hope these two can start a trend. (Fiction. 6-10)

School Library Journal (Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

Gr 1-4 In this successor to Nikki & Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor Miss Ida, who serves turnips and has a black-and-white TV. At school, Deja learns that her "nemesis," as Miss Ida calls Antonia, intends to hold an extravagant "Just Because" bash that will coincide with Deja's more modest plans. Deja worries that their classmates will choose to go to Antonia's party. Thankfully, her friend Nikki provides constant support, and Auntie Dee's return results in clarity and perspective. The narrative is a bit contrived, although it is realistic that there is no resolution of Deja's longing for her father. Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist's authentic emotions as English acknowledges the challenges and complexities of classroom life. Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2009)

Deja's birthday excitement turns to dismay when snooty classmate Antonia decides to throw a party (complete with trampoline and roller rink) on the same day. Happily, a well-timed downpour rescues the situation. English displays a true understanding of kids' emotions and behavior. The book is welcome for its contemporary urban setting and authentically portrayed African American characters, shown in digital black-and-white illustrations.

ALA Booklist (Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2009)

Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that "this time my daddy might come for my birthday." When Deja's classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja's high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls.