Stepping Off

Reviews

Praise for The Boy Who Failed Show and Tell:

"Sonnenblick's trademark blend of wit and sensitivity mines even the darker elements for humor and imbues this memoir with a sense of hope and optimism." -- The Horn Book

"A solid purchase for upper elementary school and middle school collections." -- School Library Journal

"The pursuit of self-preservation of a fourth-grade boy is perfectly portrayed, and Jordan emerges victorious with his year ending on a most satisfying and hopeful note." -- Association of Jewish Libraries

Praise for The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade:

* "A rewarding novel, lit with flashes of irrepressible humor." -- Booklist, starred review

"Sonnenblick creates in Maverick an endearing protagonist to root for. Despite daunting obstacles, this terrific boy retains a strong sense of self, a sense of humor, and a big heart that impels him to do what's right." -- Kirkus Reviews

"[A] winning formula... a child in crisis, lots of humorous situations and one-liners, and moments of genuine warmth and emotion." -- The Horn Book

Praise for Falling Over Sideways:

* "Sonnenblick has a knack for smart, droll, first-person narration... The book's beginning sounds so much like other, sunnier novels that readers, like Claire, will feel a jolt when the first crisis comes. But they'll stay with her every step of the way." -- Booklist, starred review

* "With humor, grace, and an ear for middle school nuance, Sonnenblick navigates the tricky waters of eighth grade and manages to convey the heartbreak of a major tragedy alongside the more mundane, but no less horrifying, problems... Authentic, funny, dramatic, fantastic." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "It's a powerful and profound look at a family coping with unexpected change." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie:

"A brave book... Jordan Sonnenblick carries it off with such charm and elan, you forget for a moment your heart is breaking." -- Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes

* "Sonnenblick shows that even in the midst of tragedy, life goes on, love can flower, and the one thing you can always change is yourself." -- Booklist, starred review

"The reader falls in love with the brothers, laughing and crying by turns and rooting for both of them until it almost hurts." -- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for After Ever After:

* "As hilarious as it is tragic, and as honest as it is hopeful, don't confuse this book with inspirational reading. It's irresistible reading." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Sonnenblick's intimate first-person tale of survival is a solid stand-alone novel that will leave an emotional, uplifting imprint on readers." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Told with Sonnenblick's trademark self-deprecating humor, this stand-alone tween narrative slots neatly into the space between the author's YA and J titles, sensitively dealing with issues of family, friendship and death in a way that will appeal to middle-grade students. Recommended for fans and new readers alike." -- Kirkus Reviews