Kameeka is determined to win the title of Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Street by out-hoopin' her rival, Jamara. The only problem is that she has to help Mama prepare for Miz Adeline's birthday party. Miz Adeline is like Kameeka's "very own granmama," and her birthday preparation cannot be skimped upon. But Kameeka's mind is not on the job, and when she ruins the birthday cake and is sent out on a last-minute errand, all responsibility is swished aside in favor of the big contest. Will Kameeka be named Hula-Hoopin' Queen? Will Miz Adeline be angry because there is no cake? This enjoyable intergenerational story has a sassy surprise at the end that is neither saccharine nor contrived and entirely in the good-natured spirit of the girls' rivalry. The text snaps with a cadence that seems effortless and lends itself well to reading aloud. Brantley-Newton's colorful palette reflects the lively inner-city neighborhood in which Kameeka lives, where kids play on the sidewalk and neighbors look out for one another. With its emphasis on camaraderie and celebrating, this is a perfect title for sharing.

In this refreshingly original story, Kameeka is determined to win the title of "Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Street." However, on the day of the contest, she's supposed to help prepare a birthday party for her elderly neighbor, Miz Adeline. The appealing cartoon-style illustrations highlight a strong sense of community in Kameeka's Harlem neighborhood, showing a wide range of distinctive characters and places.

In a snappy story about a tight-knit urban community, Kameeka has been honing her Hula-Hooping skills in hopes of beating her neighborhood rival, Jamara, the reigning "Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Street." But Kameeka's mother reminds her that she needs to help make a birthday cake for their neighbor, Miz Adeline-just when Kameeka is supposed to be showing off her moves to Jamara. One failed cake later, Kameeka heads out (hoop in hand) to grab sugar for another attempt and runs into Jamara Hula-Hooping on the street. All of a sudden, it's easy to forget about baking that second cake: "my fingers start snappin' and my feet start tappin'. My hips start swingin', and I just know I'm gonna beat Jamara today." Kameeka is contrite when she realizes that, because of her, Miz Adeline won't have a birthday cake, but an innovative alternative-and the discovery that Miz Adeline is no slouch with a Hula Hoop herself-result in a successful celebration. First-time picture book author Godin's empathic prose and Brantley-Newton's emotionally telegraphic art capture the lively and nurturing Harlem neighborhood and the thrill of competition, whether age nine or 90. Ages 6-10. Illustrator's agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (June)

K-Gr 3 Kameeka's goal is clear from the opening paragraph: she plans to beat the neighborhood competition and become the Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Streettoday. Unfortunately, Mama has other plans. There is cleaning to do and baking in preparation for Miz Adeline's birthday party later in the afternoon. The still hopeful bundle of energy polishes until she can see "clear to New Jersey" through the sparkling windows, but her inability to sustain focus results in a ruined cake. The child's opportunity to remedy the situation with a trip to the store for more sugar does not end well either; the taunts from the reigning queen prove irresistible. Luckily the revered party guest has the hoopin' itch tooas does her childhood competitor, so there are dueling pairs as the party spills out into the street. In a flash of inspiration, Kameeka turns a chocolate doughnut into a birthday-worthy dessert for her beloved neighbor. Brantley-Newton's breezy, effervescent figures, undulating against a '70s decor, are a spirited match for Godin's text delivered with pitch-perfect attitude. The hand drawn, digitally colored compositions include collage elements to depict brick exteriors, torn posters, and homages to famous paintings, a decision that adds depth and verisimilitude to the urban scenes. These feisty characters, find loving ways to honor and forgive one another—while having a blast—will give pleasure across generations. Warning: this itch is contagious!— Wendy Lukehart, District of Columbia Public Library