Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare

excellent book - the class really enjoyed it. Great to use when teaching descriptive stories.

My brother and I were rivals in a way - not the same as were Trish and Richie, but we were nonetheless. I was so taken back to my childhood! The pictures of Trish and Richie on the endpages are priceless. Polacco continues her tradition of writing and illustrating books (good ones, too, not drivel) based on her family life. I found myself nodding my head in agreement about the daring, the jealousy, and situations she found herself in because of their rivalry. I think I'll get this book for my brother for his birthday this year! (We are full grown with children of our own.) If you are a fan of Polacco's stories or art, you will not be disappointed.

Patricia Polacco's style and warmth comes through again! Her words bring you into the story with ease and you find yourself watching a family situation unfold. Hanging onto every word so you will not miss any of the action, you become part of the story. This story involves her brother, Rotten Richie and a very valuable lesson taught by their mother for both of them when they were younger. It's a normal part of childhood that all siblings encounter but the human element evolves sharing with the reader that no matter what, respect comes through when you are in someone else's shoes. As always, photos from her childhood gives the personal touch readers crave for.

Teaches that everyone has their own strength and weakness. Great for personal narrative teaching. I love that it's a sequel.