September 1, 2020
The Questioneers are back for a new early chapter book, this one featuring Sofia Valdez, of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez (2019) fame. Sofia and her friends from Miss Greer's second grade class are back for another adventure. This time around, an election to select the new class pet offers lots of what Miss Greer likes to call Learning Experiences. Young civic activist Sofia is put in charge of managing the election, which pits candidates backed by two of her best friends against one another. Meanwhile, her cousin Marisella grapples with a pet problem of her own. Between friends and family, the election pulls Sofia in all directions, and she realizes that overseeing a fair election that runs smoothly proves to be a real challenge. Fortunately, she has sage advice from Abuelo and help from the local library to guide her. The short chapters and ample illustrations make for an accessible and entertaining early chapter book, full of fun and, yes, learning experiences. Extensive backmatter includes information on the importance of a free press, the true historical events behind Abuelo's stories, and more information on how the voting process in the United States works. Sofia and her family have brown skin and are of Mexican heritage; her friends are diverse; and Miss Greer presents White. Marisella uses a wheelchair. Questioneers fans will not be disappointed; new fans will find this outing a timely introduction to the series. (Fiction. 6-9)
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October 30, 2020
GR 1-3-Sofia Valdez (Sofia Valdez, Future Prez, 2019) and the Questioneers are back in the fourth installment of Beaty & Roberts's transitional chapter book series. This time, Miss Greer's second graders are choosing a class pet, and the ever civic-minded Sofia suggests holding an election. She gets more than she bargains for, however, when Miss Greer makes her the election commissioner. As Sofia and her classmates learn about elections, Sofia finds herself caught between two campaigns, and things get even more complicated when Sofia's cousin needs to find a new home for her pet bird. When the ballots are finally counted and the class is one vote short, Sofia has yet another problem to solve. Luckily, with some good advice from her Abuelo and a little help from the library, Sofia finds ways to resolve both situations. The story is thoughtful, well-paced, and entertaining, and features a diverse cast of familiar characters, including Ada Twist, Rosie Revere, and Iggy Peck. Sofia and her family are of Mexican heritage, and her cousin uses a wheelchair, while Ada is Black and Rosie, Iggy, and Miss Greer all present as white. Sofia's relationship with her grandfather is a heartfelt anchor, and Beaty seamlessly integrates information about voting, the electoral process, journalism, and activism into the text; back matter explores these issues further and provides additional context. Short chapters, graph paper design elements, and Roberts's charming illustrations add to the appeal. VERDICT A winning (and timely) addition to the series, sure to delight existing fans and attract new ones as well.-Lauren Strohecker, McKinley Elem. Sch., Elkins Park, PA
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