School Library Journal Starred Review (Sun Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2013)

Gr 2-4 In school, when your surname begins with "Z," it means being last at everything. Last to be called on. Last to go to lunch. Last to leave at the end of the day. But Lola Zuckerman's desire to go to the head of her class is the focus of this winning, environmentally themed book. Competing to win the coveted "green" vest by coming up with the best recycling project, the second grader anxiously watches as her classmates nab all the best ideas. The vest was previously won by her older brother, so Lola really feels the pressure. She is also competing against her former best friend, Amanda. The characters are fully developed, each with their own delightful quirks. For example, her teacher, Mrs. Denedebetti, loving refers to her students in candy terms such as "Jujubes" and "Gummy Bears." However, when they cause a food fight in the cafeteria, they're just "class." Children will root for Lola as she tries to mend fences, save the planet, and come out on top. The lessons of recycling are creatively explored, showing readers big and small ways to help our planet. Those who have enjoyed "Clementine" will welcome this contemporary tale as it tackles family, competition, friendship, and the environment. The pencil drawings are energetic, and the list of Lola's classmates gives a real sense of what the child is up against. A great choice for early chapter-book readers.— Sada Mozer, Los Angeles Public Library

Kirkus Reviews

Second-grader Lola Zuckerman suffers from the indignity of having a last name at the end of the alphabet. Lola is always called last as her teacher, Mrs. D., always uses the alphabet as her guide, which leaves Lola scrambling as all the good ideas are taken by the time she gets to speak. Mrs. D.'s class is Going Green. They vote on a project to try together--Lola's worm-composting idea or her former best friend's proposal of a trash-free lunch. Eventually, the girls make amends, and the class changes its wasteful ways. Unbelievable plotlines undermine this slight, realistic school story: The teacher always calls on her students in alphabetical order? She refers to her class as jelly beans, lollipops and butterscotch babies? Second graders incite a food fight that adults are unable to stop? The first-person narration gives readers an intimate view of Lola's fiery resentment of her older brother and the children in her class. Most readers will tire of the malapropisms Lola repeatedly commits, including ball-face lie for bald-face lie, fishsticks for fiddlesticks, won on won for one on one and Mick Mansion for McMansion (these last two homophonic examples feel especially contrived). Hoppe's pen-and-ink drawings (most unseen) add needed life to the story, showing Lola in constant motion. Alas, Lola feels more like a Clementine or Ramona wannabe than a real original. (Fiction. 7-10)

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

Outspoken second grader Lola Zuckerman is tired of being last in her classroom, where alphabetical order rules the day. She's also tired of former best friend Amanda, who used to live next door but has upgraded homes and friends. School isn't all bad, though: there is the environmentally focused "Going Green" contest that Lola is eager to win. Of course, the students' ideas are shared in alphabetical order, but Lola manages to come out on top. Winning doesn't bring Lola the glory she'd hoped for, however, since her brother outshines her by getting an award on the same day. Along the way, Lola comes to recognize her own role in her falling-out with Amanda, navigates family problems, and learns to control some of her more impulsive tendencies. Debut author Pakkala handles sibling rivalry and the pain of losing a friendship with intuition and a light touch, while Hoppe's feisty b&w spot illustrations subtly enhance Lola's overall enthusiasm. Deadpan humor and a charming heroine carry this breezy read, first in a planned series. Ages 7-10. Author's agent: Tina Wexler, ICM. Illustrator's agent: Rebecca Sherman, Writers House. (Sept.)