ALA Booklist

Popular character Amber Brown returns in a new A Is for Amber easy reader from the late Danziger. Second grade begins wonderfully: Amber's parents don't fight that morning; she wins the race in gym class; she gets to wear a crown for having the most pockets. But Amber isn't perfect, and her flaw soon becomes apparent: her messy desk. Ms. Light has instituted a clean-desk rule, and Amber wants a clean-desk treat more than anything. Unfortunately, she finds that cleaning up is easier said than done. Full-color spot artwork on every page depicts an endearingly messy Amber, belying her seeming perfection. As a charming Everykid, Amber has great appeal, and her successful struggle with desk neatness will resonate with children coping with their own shortcomings as they tackle new experiences.

Horn Book

In the fifth book of the series, Amber's teacher makes a new rule: "keep our desks clean." Children who tidy their work spaces are secretly rewarded by the desk fairy. Amber struggles to control the clutter in her desk and eventually mends her ways. The short sentences, approachable page layout, and humor of the story make it well suited to the intended audience.

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

Second Grade Rules, Amber Brown by Paula Danziger, illus. by Tony Ross, shows evidence of the """"characteristic love of puns and her kid-targeted sense of humor"""" that PW praised in earlier installments about the spunky gal. Here, Amber struggles to keep her desk neat in hopes of being rewarded by a visit from Deskarina, the """"desk fairy."""" .

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Amber loves second grade-until her teacher announces a new rule that all students must keep their desks clean. Now Amber knows she's in big trouble. Then Ms. Light explains that Deskarina, the desk fairy (cousin to the tooth fairy), will give out a Clean Desk Award to deserving children. Amber wants one. As she watches her classmates receive their awards, she continues trying until the day she finally figures out that she can stuff garbage in the trash can instead of her desk. Suddenly it's easier to find things and, to her surprise, she wins the coveted prize. Danziger is at her best as she guides readers through Amber's personal struggle to attain her goal. Her depiction of the girl and her friends rings true while the colorful illustrations reflect the humor, determination, and ultimate success of this unforgettable character. Not only is this an appealing beginning chapter book for Amber fans but it works as a read-aloud as well.-Kristina Aaronson, Henniker Community School, NH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.