I, Amber Brown

Paula Danziger

Book 8 of Amber Brown

Language: English

Publisher: Puffin Books

Published: Oct 24, 1999

Description:

Amber Brown loves the holidays. The shopping, the wrapping, the unwrapping. She isn't having any troubles with gifts, but life is another story. She's so happy when her dad has moved back to New Jersey, but her mom isn't. It means the beginning of shared custody, and that means more fighting. Amber feels as if half of her belongs to her mom and half belongs to her dad, and that doesn't feel good at all.Then her mom says she can't get her ears pierced, but her dad doesn't know that. Amber makes a decision. Something has to belong to her, so why shouldn't it be her ears?Full of the fun, humor, and punny dialogue Paul Danziger's famous for, this is a winning entry in the ever popular series. **

From Library Journal

Grade 2-4-That feisty, observant child is back. She now refers to herself as "I, Amber Brown" because she feels as though she's losing her identity because of all the recent changes in her life. Her mother and soon-to-be-stepfather, Max, are celebrating Hanukkah along with Christmas this year and anticipating their new life together. Her father has moved back to town from Paris and is getting an apartment nearby with a room for Amber. Seeking control over her life and her body, she tricks him into taking her to get her ears pierced. After the deed is done (Dad didn't know that Mom had forbidden it), her parents must work out a plan for dealing with other everyday issues that are bound to come up with joint custody. In the end, they are able to let Amber know that she is her own person, and that they both love her and are willing to try to do a better job together. The enormously popular heroine once again brings insightful verbalization to what life is like for kids today. Ross's black-and-white drawings are scattered throughout the short chapters. Readers who haven't read the earlier stories will enjoy this one, and then look for Amber's other escapades.
Sharon R. Pearce, Geronimo Public School, OK
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular Amber Brown books as well as Remember Me To Harold Square , The Divorce Express , and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice? Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent's Choice Awards, International Reading Association - Children's Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards. Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids' hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.

In Paula's memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children’s Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048.
Tony Ross lives in London, England.