You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox, Amber Brown

Third grader, Amber Brown, has experienced one very trying year. First, her parents informed her that not only were they getting a divorce, but that her father was moving to France to take on a new job. Then, to add even more drama to the mix, her best friend since preschool, Justin Daniels, up and left New Jersey to accompany his family in Arizona where his father had taken on a new job. Now, while Amber is happy to be embarking on the unknown world of fourth grade, she's upset to be leaving her beloved teacher, Mr. Cohen, behind. Mr. Cohen has made learning fun, and his frequent trips to foreign countries with his class will sorely be missed - especially by Amber. Luckily, this year Amber has something to look forward to during her summer vacation. First, she will be flying to London to spend two weeks with her Aunt Pam in England - a place where people drive on the wrong side of the road. Then, she'll be flying to Paris, France, where she'll be spending time with her father, whom she hasn't seen in what seems like forever. However, Amber's plans instantly change when she gets to London and realizes that she has come down with a case of chicken pox. Amber is horrified. With chicken pox, she can't possibly see the sights that London has to offer, or visit her father in France. Amber just knows that her summer is completely ruined, and can't believe her luck. That is, until she discovers that having the chicken pox isn't as bad as she originally thought - especially when you're surrounded by people you love. In AMBER BROWN IS NOT A CRAYON, Paula Danziger tackled the issue of having your best friend move away. In YOU CAN'T EAT YOUR CHICKEN POX AMBER BROWN, Danziger tackles another issue - even more serious than the last - divorce - yet manages to keep it light-hearted, and easy-to-understand for young readers. Amber Brown, as always, is her usual chatty self, with her perky disposition, and a penchant for finding the humorous side in any situation. While the majority of the tale takes place in a London flat, it is in this location where Amber truly comes face-to-face with the many monsters that are haunting her - from a sudden illness to her parents lingering divorce. The introduction of Amber's Aunt Pam, along with her father are a nice inclusion to the tale. However, they certainly do not take the place of Amber's best friend, Justin, or her mother. The storyline in this particular book is slightly more touching, and a little more heart-wrenching, but Danziger is able to pull it off, and showcase Amber's feisty, upbeat personality - even in the face of sorrow. A slightly somber addition to the world of Amber Brown. Erika Sorocco Freelance Reviewer

I just finished this story. It is about Amber Brown at school. Her best friend Justin Daniels just moved away. When she came home her parents get divorced. Guess what! Her dad moves to France. She could not believe what happened to her life. Her life was wrecked into pieces! She was heart broken. Then a couple of months later she goes to France. She was so happy to see her dad. France was so cool. But she gets the chicken pox! I thought the book was great! It lots of parts I liked. I don't have a favorite part, though!- By Amanda H. Age 7

This book is one of the best books in the world. It's a funny story because when she feed the birds with her aunt in London, another little girl was getting something "yucky" wiped out of her hair if you know what I mean. I recomend this book for you to read.

It is really funny beacause she got stuck in an elevator and a lot of people tried to get her out. It is also disgusting because she sends a chicken pox to her best friend. Try to get this book. -- Tod

This is a book about a girl who just finshed third grade and went to London with her aunt Pam. She was supposed to go to visit her father in Paris but she got the Chicken Pox. Just like me usually not getting what she wants. I thought this was a good book because it's a funny story