The Talented Clementine

The Talented Clementine by Sara Pennypacker

Reviewed by Suzanne Dlugolonski, YA Librarian

Clementine was truly one of last year’s most enjoyable books.  In 2007’s The Talented Clementine, author Sara Pennypacker brings back her quirky heroine for some more hilarious (mis)adventures.

In this pleasing sequel, Clementine has a big problem.  The 3^rd and 4^th graders are putting on a talent show as a school fund raiser.  Everyone is excited about “Talent-Palooza, Night of the Stars!” … except Clementine.  She doesn’t have a special talent.  Making it worse is that bossy Margaret who lives upstairs has so many talents she has to keep an alphabetized list to remember them all (accordion, baton twirling, clarinet, dramatic acting, English-style horse riding, fencing…).  With time running out, Clementine scrambles to learn a talent-and gets a cool pair of lime green sneakers along the way.  Will she be ready when the curtain goes up?

Once again, Marla Frazee’s wonderful illustrations bring Clementine life.  We still don’t find out Clementine’s brother’s name, but readers will start to wonder if Clementine might just have a teeny tiny crush on Margaret’s brother Mitchell (although Clemetine is very clear that he most certainly NOT her boyfriend).  Mom, dad, and Principal Rice are also back to help Clementine along the way.

The Talented Clementine received a Starred Review from School Library Journal. It is a great beginning chapter book, recommended for grades 2 - 4, and the clever Clementine will remind parents of Beverly Cleary’s Ramona.  The Lewiston Public Library owns one copy of the book; additional copies may be requested through NIOGA.