"MCKENNA" and "MCKENNA, READY TO FLY," by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Brian Hailes, $12.95 each (f)(ages 8-11)
Meet McKenna Brooks, the new American Girl of the Year. American Girl releases a new doll and two-book series each year that is available for just that year. For 2012, it's McKenna.
The first book is simply called "McKenna" and it is a great read for girls 8 to 12 years old. It's about a fourth-grade girl who has some of the same hobbies and problems that most young girls do.
McKenna loves gymnastics, but struggles in school.
For example, once when she was taking a science test, she couldn't remember the answers and she had just read the test chapter. As she falls behind in her studies, she is told by her parents that she may have to stop doing gymnastics to focus on school and family.
A tutor, Josie, arrives to help. When McKenna sees that this girl, who uses a wheelchair, is very confident and determined, she realizes that her problems aren't so bad after all.
Through visualizing what she is reading, McKenna starts to get better at remembering it.
Then when she is on the balance beam at a competition, a tragedy occurs as she falls off and breaks her ankle. As she is healing, she remembers what her tutor told her, "Believe in yourself, McKenna."
Eventually, McKenna gets a letter allowing her to move up to level four, putting her on track for the competitive team.
The author, Mary Casanova, had reading comprehension problems growing up, even though she loved reading. She now wants to write books "that kids can't put down."
Casanova has a very interesting style of writing that is easy for kids to relate to. The illustrations are few, but are full-page colorful drawings that are quite vivid.
Other American Girl books Casanova has written are "Cecile," "Jess," "Chrissa" and "Chrissa Stands Strong."
Along with "McKenna" and "McKenna, Ready to Fly!" there is an interactive book called "Take The Challenge" that is a companion book full of puzzles, word games and crafts.
A McKenna movie is also being made that will come out on DVD this year. The McKenna doll is one of the best yet and the outfits come with hair styling cards.
This book is good for those who needs advice on how to get through hard things.
Kate De Groote is 10 years old and runs the blog SuperKidReviews.wordpress.com with her 8-year-old sister, Ellie.