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Grace
Starring Grace
Grace again takes center stage in her very own chapter book. School's out forsummer, and each day brings a new adventure for Grace and her friends.
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First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 28, 2012
Grace is the adventuresome character, which many would love to possess; whether child or adult. And therein lays the attraction for readers and teachers, who have discovered the world of Grace as brought to life by author Mary Hoffman.
Starring Grace is a collection of eight fictional stories, describing the adventures of Grace and her four friends (Kester, Aimee, Raj and Maria) during the summer holidays.
This story would be most enjoyed by children aged between 8 and 10 years old. In this day and age, a story like Starring Grace reminds the readers of the benefits of discovery and imaginative play outside of the modern confines that play can only take place with some type of computerised toy.
Prior to this exercise, though I had heard of Grace’s exploits before through various English sessions in schools; reading the book in its entirety first-hand provided a level of excitement and made want to read on to find out how each particular adventure would culminate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would readily recommend it to others in a literacy group to encourage discussions and role play.
Mary Hoffman’s style of writing is appealing to both adult and child. Each chapter is a progression of the adventures of Grace and her friends. Though there are not many pictures in the book, this does not restrict the vividness of the story for the readers. The author does not shy away from presenting the reader with dealing with some of the dynamics of today’s social norms – such as single parent families and new family relationships.
Starring Grace is a collection of eight fictional stories, describing the adventures of Grace and her four friends (Kester, Aimee, Raj and Maria) during the summer holidays.
This story would be most enjoyed by children aged between 8 and 10 years old. In this day and age, a story like Starring Grace reminds the readers of the benefits of discovery and imaginative play outside of the modern confines that play can only take place with some type of computerised toy.
Prior to this exercise, though I had heard of Grace’s exploits before through various English sessions in schools; reading the book in its entirety first-hand provided a level of excitement and made want to read on to find out how each particular adventure would culminate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would readily recommend it to others in a literacy group to encourage discussions and role play.
Mary Hoffman’s style of writing is appealing to both adult and child. Each chapter is a progression of the adventures of Grace and her friends. Though there are not many pictures in the book, this does not restrict the vividness of the story for the readers. The author does not shy away from presenting the reader with dealing with some of the dynamics of today’s social norms – such as single parent families and new family relationships.
February 20, 2025
This is a children’s chapter book. I get books for my grandgirls and don’t like to give them until I’ve read them. Since I have biracial girls, I like to get them books featuring Black girls.
This one is a favorite. The protagonist’s and her friends are full of imagination and I can tell that my girls are gonna love it.
There are other books I love but this is amazing.
This one is a favorite. The protagonist’s and her friends are full of imagination and I can tell that my girls are gonna love it.
There are other books I love but this is amazing.
February 26, 2024
Starring Grace, a young readers chapter book starring Amazing Grace. It's episodic with each adventure contained to a chapter. Some adventures revolve around the neighbor, Mrs. Myerson, who is afraid of the world. Grace's Nana hints that the neighbor is a Holocaust survivor. Nana explains how her whole family was killed and she was imprisoned for a long time. Then the story reveals Gerda grew up in 1920s Germany which leads me to conclude she was indeed a Holocaust survivor.
Grace and friends play outside all summer. They have incredible imaginations that take them places and they can do anything. No TV or video games in sight! The description was a bit misleading because the only real theater comes at the very end and it's just rushed! Grace and friends get small parts in a community production of Annie.
I really like the imaginative play and how the kids realize if they PLAY Secret Garden, they have to do the actual work. I love the bond between the females in this family but also how Grace loves and misses her dad who lives with his family in The Gambia in Africa. Grace and her family are illustrated with darker shading to indicate their African heritage. (Nana was born in Trinidad). Her friends have names that indicate diverse heritage as well. It's not a part of the story, it just is and I like that.
Grace and friends play outside all summer. They have incredible imaginations that take them places and they can do anything. No TV or video games in sight! The description was a bit misleading because the only real theater comes at the very end and it's just rushed! Grace and friends get small parts in a community production of Annie.
I really like the imaginative play and how the kids realize if they PLAY Secret Garden, they have to do the actual work. I love the bond between the females in this family but also how Grace loves and misses her dad who lives with his family in The Gambia in Africa. Grace and her family are illustrated with darker shading to indicate their African heritage. (Nana was born in Trinidad). Her friends have names that indicate diverse heritage as well. It's not a part of the story, it just is and I like that.
September 11, 2021
3.5/5 An enjoyable introductory chapter book for readers aged 8-11. It's summer holiday time for Grace and her friends who use their imaginations to go on different adventures together in each chapter of this short book. A great opportunity for lovers of the picture books about Grace (Amazing Grace, Grace & Family, Princess Grace) to continue reading about her adventures with Ma, Nana and PawPaw. With opportunities to explore changing family structures, showing kindness to others and the power of imaginative play this would be an excellent addition to any teachers library.
November 30, 2020
Book of short stories about Grace and her friends and what they did during the summer holidays. Great for anyone who loved the picture books that starred Grace and is now reading to start reading chapter books.
The book could've flowed a little better and i expected the chapters to follow on from the last when i began reading, however each chapter was a new story. Recommended for older children (8-11) due to the vocabulary used throughout the book.
The book could've flowed a little better and i expected the chapters to follow on from the last when i began reading, however each chapter was a new story. Recommended for older children (8-11) due to the vocabulary used throughout the book.
January 14, 2024
I got this book as a giveaway from my local library. It’s not the best book I’ve read, but it’s definitely entertaining for children. I ended handing it down to a young cousin, she seems to like it enough.
January 14, 2020
Save for one or 2 inappropriate words for children, this is a really good collection of Grace stories, we've been reading as many Grace stories as we have been able to find, and we enjoyed them all.
October 20, 2020
Not much suspense or adventure in this book. I also didn't really like how each chapter was a different story. This book might be good for younger readers, 8-10.
June 17, 2022
That was a great children’s book. Very positive.
April 13, 2014
Starring Grace is the third book in Hoffman’s Grace series and her first beginning chapter book. It contains rich language and challenging vocabulary, therefore, is recommended for children ages 8-11.
In this novel, it is summer time and Grace can’t wait for all the fun to begin! Her and her friends Aimee, Raj, and Kester have several adventures involving the circus, a haunted house, a safari, blasting into outer space, a doctor, a detective, a time machine, and finally a new play.
Caroline Binch created one black-and-white pencil drawing for each chapter in the book. Her artwork is expressive and adds depth to the text. The attention to detail and use of realistic facial expressions really bring the image to life.
I absolutely LOVE Hoffman’s first book Amazing Grace and her second book, Boundless Grace, wasn’t too bad either. But I have to admit that I wasn’t as impressed with this one. I felt that while the narrative style was similar to that of her picture books, the book just wasn’t as engaging without Binch’s gorgeous full color illustrations. Also, I felt that it lacked development of the setting, plot and characters. For readers who are new to Grace, it might be kind of difficult to fully understand the book without some sort of prior knowledge or further character development. As a teacher, I would use this book as a recommendation for students who have already read some of the other Grace books. I would have these students compare and contrast this book with one of Hoffman’s picture books.
In this novel, it is summer time and Grace can’t wait for all the fun to begin! Her and her friends Aimee, Raj, and Kester have several adventures involving the circus, a haunted house, a safari, blasting into outer space, a doctor, a detective, a time machine, and finally a new play.
Caroline Binch created one black-and-white pencil drawing for each chapter in the book. Her artwork is expressive and adds depth to the text. The attention to detail and use of realistic facial expressions really bring the image to life.
I absolutely LOVE Hoffman’s first book Amazing Grace and her second book, Boundless Grace, wasn’t too bad either. But I have to admit that I wasn’t as impressed with this one. I felt that while the narrative style was similar to that of her picture books, the book just wasn’t as engaging without Binch’s gorgeous full color illustrations. Also, I felt that it lacked development of the setting, plot and characters. For readers who are new to Grace, it might be kind of difficult to fully understand the book without some sort of prior knowledge or further character development. As a teacher, I would use this book as a recommendation for students who have already read some of the other Grace books. I would have these students compare and contrast this book with one of Hoffman’s picture books.
May 4, 2013
This early chapter book continues the story of Grace, who starred in earlier picture books (Amazing Grace and Boundless Grace). This book talks about the difference in pretending (making up things that haven't happened) and remembering things that did happen. Grace and her friends are spending the summer in their neighborhood and make up adventures to fill their days. The adventures they create display cooperation and imagination, something children can relate to. The book ends with Grace having a role in Annie, much like the book Starring Grace when she played Peter Pan.
Recommend this book to readers, especially girls, who are ready for a chapter book. This is a perfect bridge for readers who want to move from picture to chapter books and read about the same character.
Recommend this book to readers, especially girls, who are ready for a chapter book. This is a perfect bridge for readers who want to move from picture to chapter books and read about the same character.
July 14, 2016
Grace is my hero. She is a free-spirited, imaginative whirlwind, and she sparks the seed for amazing games for her and her friends over summer vacation. When A production of "Annie" affords Grace the chance to be part of a real show, she thrives.
Grace, of the original Amazing Grace picture books, carries her signature imagination and strong, diverse family in these chapter books. It is, simply, truly quality fiction for children. Mary Hoffman succeeds again.
Suggest to: ANY patrons ages 7-10, readaloud for parents to use
Grace, of the original Amazing Grace picture books, carries her signature imagination and strong, diverse family in these chapter books. It is, simply, truly quality fiction for children. Mary Hoffman succeeds again.
Suggest to: ANY patrons ages 7-10, readaloud for parents to use
April 11, 2013
School's out and what is one to do with themselves. Well Grace can come up with lots of things using her imagination. So she transforms her backyard into the center ring of a circus, a rocket launch pad, a hospital emergency room and lots of other things. And when Grace takes center stage the possibilities are endless.
What a wonderful book about the power of the imagination, and the power one can hold in their mind using their creativity. This book will warm the soul.
Great for girls or boys grades 1st through 3rd.
What a wonderful book about the power of the imagination, and the power one can hold in their mind using their creativity. This book will warm the soul.
Great for girls or boys grades 1st through 3rd.
June 26, 2013
Grace is a free-spirited, imaginative whirlwind, and she sparks the seed for amazing games for her and her friends over summer vacation. When A production of "Annie" affords Grace the chance to be part of a real show, she thrives.
Grace, of the original Amazing Grace picture books, carries her signature imagination and strong, diverse family in these chapter books. It is, simply, truly quality fiction for children. Mary Hoffman succeeds again.
Suggest to: ANY patrons ages 7-10, readaloud for parents to use
Grace, of the original Amazing Grace picture books, carries her signature imagination and strong, diverse family in these chapter books. It is, simply, truly quality fiction for children. Mary Hoffman succeeds again.
Suggest to: ANY patrons ages 7-10, readaloud for parents to use
May 8, 2015
Cute, quick read about what Grace and her friends do to keep themselves entertained. My girls loved Amazing Grace when they were younger so this was fun and the story was more involved for older kids.
Want to read
November 26, 2008My friend liked this book.
June 20, 2012
Cute and sweet. A solid read, and I would recommend it - but it didn't grab me. Liked the MCs imagination and zest for life.
Read
July 5, 2012I had no idea this existed! I adored the picturebooks about Grace as a child, and while this isn't quite as charming, it's pretty great.
December 16, 2017
Boring start, but interesting book!!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews