Good things come in small packages. That's certainly true of this venture into the realm of middle-grade fiction. The last thing Wade Thompson wants to do is leave his Woodlawn buddies to attend a school for gifted students in a different neighborhood. It doesn't help much to discover that Dink, a girl from his old school (She's not only a girl, she's a nerd), will be going, too, although he knows deep down that having another new black kid in class is better than being the only new black kid. Prejudiced comments from stuck-up Allison Keeler (I never knew anyone from Woodlawn Park before. Are you sure you're in the right room?) make him even more determined to stay grouchy and aloof, despite the fact that there are actually some people and some things about the school he really likes. Then Valentines Day comes along, and Wade finds himself in a situation that forces him to rethink his attitude. Cohen makes every word count and convincingly shows how even nice kids can be cruel and thoughtless. Her novel hits home as an insightful look at a disappointed kid who discovers how to stop being his own worst enemy. (Reviewed Sept. 1, 1991)

When fourth-grader Wade is transferred to a special school for the gifted, the lonely boy develops an ingenious and hilarious plot to send himself numerous valentines signed by celebrities on Valentine's Day. This sympathetic, funny, and understanding portrait is accompanied by expressive black-and-white drawings.

Reluctantly bused to a program for gifted children, Wade is one of two black kids in his fourth grade; the other is Dink, girl and known nerd. <p> Reluctantly bused to a program for gifted children, Wade is one of two black kids in his fourth grade; the other is Dink, girl and known nerd. Neither is made particularly welcome by the more privileged children in their new class, most of whom already know each other; even the teacher lacks warmth, and is oblivious to the social and economic pressures exerted by traditional Halloween or Valentine's celebrations. Though Wade is soon respected as a math whiz, he's so busy building defenses that he rejects all tentative proffers of friendship; he does sit with Dink at lunch to avoid being alone. Since Valentine's Day promises to be especially painful--he's sure that only the person who draws his name will give him a card--he decides to send masses of them to himself. Fortunately, Dink's patient courtesy and help make him reconsider; when the day comes, he generously distributes his valentines to family, class, and the pediatric ward where his aunt works--plus 50 to a delighted Dink. Neither preaching nor sugar coating, Cohen tells her story with practiced ease. Her characterizations may be not deep, but they're realistic and individual; wondering whether Ward will really carry through with his misguided attempt to save face holds interest to the end. Good additional fare. (Fiction. 7-10)*justify no*</p> "

Gr 2-4-- Math wiz Wade Thompson, an inner-city black boy, is selected for the district's gifted and talented fourth-grade class held in a wealthier, mostly white neighborhood. Only one other student, Darlene (Dink) Worth, from his old school is accepted into the program. Wade and Dink are social outcasts among the stuck-up snobs'' of their new school, and indeed the teasing and tactless comments they endure from a few of their classmates hint at both racism and socioeconomic elitism. Why the teacher allows this to continue from September to February or why the rest of the class takes so long to respond is unclear. Wade finds himself spending a lot of time with Dink, whom he first describes as alady nerd,'' but later comes to accept as a good friend. In the end, the two are accepted into the group. The plot and focus of this slight novel are weak, and the characters are lacking in depth. Cohen does not deal with the theme of racism or the emotional and social problems of academically gifted students in any substantial way. --Eunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL