Book eleven in the Just Grace series continues the illustrated adventures of the beloved third-grader Just Grace, who has been praised by the Horn Book for having a voice that is “consistently funny, frank, and believable.” The familiar school, friendship, and family situations in these books resonate with Grace’s audience and keep them “speed[ing] through this latest and look[ing] forward eagerly to the next.”
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Grace continues to charm
By Bookphile
My daughter and I have read every book in the Just Grace series, and even though she's getting a little too old for them, she keeps coming back for more. I understand why, because each book in the series continues to charm. Some minor spoilers to follow.As with the other books, this one is constructed in a specific way: Grace has a problem that she has to overcome and a fear that she must conquer. In this book's case, the problem she has to overcome is a lie she tells that grows into a story that's much bigger than she could have imagined. I liked this exploration of unintended consequences, and how what started out as a small thing can blow up into a much larger issue. What's additionally nice about the problem in this case is the unexpected aid Grace receives from a friend. I liked this show of solidarity and the idea that there are some people in our lives who accept our foibles and forgive us for them. Grace comes to the realization that this friendship has more facets than she'd understood. Though the problem is humorous to read about, it's not funny to Grace, and her anxiety feels very real. it's satisfying when the problem is resolved and when Grace has her moment of catharsis.As for the fear to be conquered, Grace is a little terrified at the thought of sleeping outside in a tent, where there are bugs. It doesn't help when Mimi and Robert offer Grace a choice tidbit about a beetle of unusually large size. I was very touched by the way Grace's dad steps in to help her out with this problem. Grace's dad has been a regular character in the series, but this was a nice chance to see the relationship between the two of them, and it's always nice to read a loving, realistic portrayal of the parent/child relationship in books for younger readers. I also like the message that sometimes you just bite the bullet and try the thing that frightens you. Grace's outcome is ultimately good, but even if it hadn't been, I like that the book is showing kids that it's okay to take calculated risks in life.Funny and lighthearted, this book is never preachy or heavy-handed with its messages, which is a hallmark of the series. Harper has a good grasp on what it's like to see things from a young person's perspective, and Grace's hopes, fears, and issues are always treated with respectful seriousness.These are lovely books from a talented author, and I look forward to the next installment!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
Another Winner
By Karen Joan
JUST GRACE AND THE SUPER SLEEPOVER is an excellent addition to the Just Grace series. I really can't say anything bad about this series. My wee one has been reading these since the beginning of 1st grade and still loves them now that she is 1/2 way through 3rd grade. She started reading this series on a recommendation from her wonderful school librarian. My little one was a very early, precocious reader, and Just Grace was challenging enough while still containing age-appropriate material. Now, my daughter reads these books just for fun...and fun she certainly has!JUST GRACE AND THE SUPER SLEEPOVER is written with the same formula as the rest of the Just Grace series: Grace has a problem or a fear to conquer, and she does, with light-hearted fun, mischief, humor, and great charm. There is a moral lesson to the story, imparted with gentleness and aplomb. In JUST GRACE AND THE SUPER SLEEPOVER, Grace is invited to her first slumber party. Not only is it her first slumber party, but it is a backyard camp out. Even though Grace tells everyone how excited she is for the slumber party, she is secretly afraid and ends up spinning a web of lies. But, with the help of her family and good friends, Grace overcomes her fears and learns the importance of telling truth.The Just Grace books are written in an almost stream-of-consciousness style. When my daughter reads them out loud to me, they sound exactly like what is going on inside her head. I can picture her thinking the same thinks that Grace does, word for word. Charise Mericle Harper definitely gets the rhythm and tone of an elementary school girl just right.My daughter and I will continue to read the delightful Just Grace series for as long as she enjoys them. JUST GRACE AND THE SUPER SLEEPOVER is MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Grace comes up with an unlikely story that gets away from her - hilarious & heartwarming!
By Gaby at Starting Fresh blog
Just Grace and the Super Sleepover is the latest in third grader Grace's adventures. Things are still going well between Grace and her best friend Mimi. They're in the same class, walk to and from school together, and are both invited to their first sleepover party.While Mimi is extremely excited to spend the night in a tent and stay up much of the night, Grace is apprehensive. It's hard for Grace to admit her fears and she finds herself hiding more and more things from her friends. There are quite a few funny passages as Grace debates with herself the extent to which hiding her feelings should be considered lying. As Grace avoids speaking her mind, she comes up with an unlikely story - which spreads and gets away from her.Friendship, quick thinking, and belated honesty help to make everything come right in the end. Along the way, we learn about the continents, geography, bugs, and about learning to speak up, even if you don't think your friends, teachers and family are going to like what you have to say. The book is told from Grace's point of view with her characteristic funny, honest, and likable voice. Highly recommended!
