Gr 2-5-From "Nikki and Deja" creators (Clarion), the latest entry in their new series focuses on third-grader Richard's desire to show off his skateboarding skills at his friend's birthday, and his inability to keep out of trouble at school. English's on-target storytelling and Freeman's black-and-white spot illustrations make this an accessible work for newly independent readers. The diverse cast of likable and relatable characters will resonate with kids. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Richard (best friend of protagonist Gavin in Dog Days, rev. 1/14) just can't seem to get out of his own way. He knows that his report on howler monkeys was due last Friday, but he hoped his fake-sick-day absence from school would throw Ms. Shelby-Ortiz off her game. No such luck, and after blowing off his assignment -- again -- he finds himself staying in for recess. Skateboarder Richard spends so much time mastering a flat-ground Ollie that other things fall by the wayside; avoidance and procrastination prevent him from doing as well as his teacher and family expect, and it can be frustrating for the reader to watch him spend more time on avoiding tasks than simply getting them done. However, Richard is a good-natured guy, and readers will cheer when he finally tackles the report. Richard's parents are exasperated but supportive and unwavering in their expectations for their son. His teacher is a good balance of no-nonsense and cheerleader for a boy who wants to slide along doing the bare minimum. Best buddy Gavin encourages Richard without compromising his own high academic standards. Lots of kids will recognize themselves in this book (including the occasional black-and-white illustrations), and teachers and librarians will be happy to have a series to recommend that stars a realistic, likable boy of color. robin l. smith(c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Skateboarding is so much more fun than homework, but Richard is soon to realize that the consequences of prioritizing the former over the latter are serious: not being able to attend Greg's party. This, combined with a single-minded parent-teacher alliance and inclement weather, provides the circumstances for Richard to slowly learn his lesson: that it would have been easier to have written the report on howler monkeys in the first place. Fans of Dog Days (2013) will love this delightful addition to the series, as it is full of mischief (pouring soda on a sleeping brother), life lessons (research projects can be fun), and affirmation (skateboarding is really cool). This is a consistently fun read, complete with endearing characters, charming spot illustrations, and satisfying resolutions. Furthermore, it is a much needed story in which African American boys can see themselves visually and textually reflected in a positive light, completely free of the usual tropes of multicultural literature.--Chaudhri, Amina Copyright 2014 Booklist

Richard dreams of landing the perfect flat-ground Ollie, but before he can attempt the daring skateboard feat, he must recover from an earlier trick that he played on his parents by concealing a teacher's note informing his parents of lackluster effort. Ms. Shelby-Ortiz knows that Richard can do better, but Richard just doesn't want to think about it, so he leaves her note buried in his backpack. Eventually, of course, the truth comes out, and there are consequences, chief among them missing the birthday party where he plans to show off his trick. English's longtime collaborator Freeman (the companion Nikki Deja series) contributes illustrations throughout, often representing critical moments in the story. One memorably depicts Richard struggling with the spelling of q-u-o-t-i-e-n-t in a crucial spelling test in which perfection stands between him and the skate park. While it's clear from the illustrations that Richard and his family are African-American, the text is largely free of cultural signifiers. The story reads much more like an all-American tale of a growing family amid middle-class suburban life than it does of a black middle-class family raising four black boys in the suburbsan approach that broadens the spectrum of books aimed at young urban boys of color. Readers won't find clear racial depictions, but they'll still giggle at the familial mischief. A welcome series addition that emphasizes familiarity instead of difference and treats its message with an affectionately light hand. (Fiction. 6-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.