Dog Days - Brossura

Nikki and Deja: Wedding Drama "English manages to convey both the trials that best friends sometimes put each other through as well as how easy it can be to get the relationship back on track. A former teacher herself, English fondly depicts these tried-and-true dynamics."--Booklist   Nikki and Deja: Election Madness "New readers can happily meet the girls for the first time here and then go back to fill in the picture, while fans will be glad to see them back in fine form."--Bulletin
Nikki and Deja: The Newsy News Newsletter 
Junior Library Guild Premier Selection
"English writes with wit, feeling, and a spot-on voice that acknowledges the realistic friendship and problems of the protagonists. Freeman's cartoon illustrations enhance the story. These strong African-American characters are refreshing."   --School Library Journal
"A solid addition to a welcome series for new readers, especially for children who want to read realistic stories about kids of color." --Kirkus Reviews

Nikki and Deja: Birthday Blues Junior Library Guild Premier Selection
ABC Best Book for Children
Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Book
 "Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist's authentic emotions as English acknowledges the chellenges and complexities of classroom life." --School Library Journal "Likable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books--let's hope these two can start a trend." --Kirkus Reviews "An accessible story of recognizably real grade-school politicking and enduring friendship that's suitable for reading aloud or alone. Fans of the duo will rejoice at their return." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Nikki and Deja Junior Library Guild Premier SelectionBank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year
Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Book
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books recommended title
"Accessible writing, authentic characters, an easy-to-identify-with plot and Freeman's appealing black-and-white illustrations come together smoothly in this straightforward friendship tale. English nicely fills an underdeveloped area--this is a first-chapter book featuring African-American girls, and race is presented as an attribute of the characters rather than as an issue." --Kirkus Reviews "More probing than many chapter books, this title delivers the satisfaction of a full-length novel." --Publishers Weekly "Children will quickly connect with the distinctive characters and authentically drawn situations and emotions. . . . A strong start to what will hopefully become a series." --ALA Booklist "English, who has been an elementary school teacher, clearly knows her audience and understands the intricacies of their relationship dynamics. . . . Kids negotiating the sometimes treacherous waters of middle-grade friendship will find Nikki and Deja's story both truthful and comforting." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books     

Karen English is a Coretta Scott King Honor Award–winning author and retired elementary school teacher. She lives in Los Angeles, California. 

Laura Freeman has illustrated many books for children. She grew up in New York City and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and two young sons. For more information visit www.lfreemanart.com.