Class Act

Jada Jones #2

by Kelly Starling Lyons, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)

Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy rooting for Jada Jones as she runs for student council in this easy-to-read chapter book.

As a candidate for class representative, Jada is ready to give the campaign her all. But when rumors start to fly about her secret fear of public speaking, she isn't sure who she can trust. And the pressure to make promises she can't keep only adds to her growing list of problems. Is winning even worth it when friendships are on the line?

This easy-to-read story—with plenty of pictures and a charming, relatable cast of characters—is a sure winner. The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.

Genres: Chapter Books, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Friendship, School, Childrens

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2017

About the author

Kelly Starling Lyons is an award-winning author whose 17 titles for children span easy readers, picture books, chapter books, fiction, nonfiction, and series. For more than a decade, Lyons has been creating inspiring books that center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all children the storyteller they hold inside. Her acclaimed titles include Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, Tiara's Hat Parade and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Her new easy reader series with illustrator Nina Mata, Ty's Travels, debuts September 1. The first book, All Aboard, earned a starred Kirkus review.

Lyons counts Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Best of the Year and state award lists, Junior Library Guild selections, a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor among the accolades her books have received. Two of her books, Hope's Gift and Going Down Home with Daddy, have represented the states of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, at the National Book Festival's Parade of the States.

Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team dedicated to raising awareness of Black children's book creators, a Raleigh-Durham co-ambassador for The Authors Guild, and a teaching artist who visits schools, libraries, conferences and festivals nationwide. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children where she facilitates a book club for boys that salutes literary treasures from Black authors and illustrators of today and the past. Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great installment in the Jada Jones series. I've been going through some chapter book series lately to see what I'd consider reading with my daughter in a couple of years at bedtime. This is definitely one of them. Not only because of the representation, but also because the stories are engaging and usually teach the readers something about working with others. This specific installment focuses on the class election that happens in Jada's class. She's initially excited to run; however, things go south when people find out that she has a fear of public speaking. First, I loved the rules assigned to the election process. One of my favorites was that Jada and the other candidate were not allowed to make promises they couldn't keep. While I think this is something that may go over the heads of young readers, I'm sure that adult readers will appreciate that little moment of shade. Jada quickly learns through the election process the strength of her own voice and the importance of doing the right thing even when those around her don't believe the same. I listened to these on audio, but from what I've heard the artwork is great as well.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I love how Jada worked through her fear of public speaking for the class representative position. It took her family, teacher and friends to help her. The author wrote Jada as a positive role model for children.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute story about Jada running for Class Representative. She and her friend Miles are both nominated by classmates and they start by being really friendly to each other, but of course things get muddy as the campaign continues. Everyone admits their part in the wrongdoings and theres a lot of introspection within Jada. I loved how everyone reflected on their behavior and saw their part. Thats probably not very realistic for 4th graders, but it was still nice to see. Jada also had to overcome her fear of talking in front of crowds and she was able to look at it very logically and do what she needed to do. Loved it!

[Emily Montjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Jada Jones series! Perfect transitional chapter book series. I can’t wait for more from Jada!

[Phelicia E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and illustrations! Looking forward to book 3 :)

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jada Jones – Class Act by Kelly Starling Lyons, 88 pages. Penguin Random House (Penguin Workshop), 2017 $0 (no price listed).

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jada Jones is excited that she and her classmate, Miles, have been nominated to run for student council at their school. But now she must figure out a way to run an honest and respectful campaign against her friend and come up with the courage to give a speech in front of the whole fourth grade class. Maybe running for student council isn’t such a great idea after all.

The second in a series, this book brings back the likable character, Jada Jones, as she navigates what it means to be a leader. The author weaves in lessons about honesty, integrity and facing your greatest fears. The characters are likeable and realistic and will appeal to the intended elementary student audience. The large type and uncomplicated vocabulary will help give young readers confidence in their ability to read a chapter book. Overall it is a good choice for an elementary school or classroom library.

Reviewer: LMA, Bookin’ my way through life
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Carol R Gehringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyons creates a likeable character in Jada Jones. She hits just the right note of spunk without being sassy to adults, and just the right note of vulnerability without being weak. Jada is an African-American 4th grader who appeals to young readers. She has her struggles but her stories promote good values such as believe in yourself, say no to drama, and try to fix your mistakes. Most of all, her stories show that to have a friend, one must be a friend.

Lyons’ books are delightfully illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton in these easy-to-read chapter books. Readers in 1st-3rd grade will enjoy meeting Jada and her friends!

[Loraena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting this series to be good because I’d never heard of it, but it is. The friendship themes in both the first and second are superb. This particular book has a really great climax that involves confession, accepting responsibility, and making things right. My 7 year old needs stories like this and she loved it. And the fact that the protagonist is a girl of color is just the icing on the cake.

[Bonnie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter (6 yrs old) initially chose it among others based on its cover design. The story is well-written and contains many great messages such as perseverance, honesty, and being a good friend. I think my daughter liked the book because it highlighted peer dynamics within a school setting, and found the main character - Jada - to be likable and relatable. She wants to read more books in the series now!

[Deana Metzke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd Jada Jones book I've read, and it was as good as the first. I think the student interactions with each other are realistic, and the reader keeps turning the pages because they want to know who is going to win the election to be their class representative. I think this series is perfect for those readers who are just transitioning into chapter books.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jada wants to run for student council class representative to help make her school better and to make sure her class has a voice. In order to run, however, she has to make a speech in front of the whole fourth grade! She has a history of problems with speaking in public.
This book has good character development and reinforces positive friendship qualities.

[Akoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

We enjoyed this second book in the series so much it's going to be hard waiting for book 3 to come out next year.
Doing politics should be about helping and caring for people, not harboring ugly feelings, being mean and causing pain and sadness to others (including people we care about).

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrific transitional chapter book series.
Themes - friendship, being brave, standing up for others
Jada and a friend in her class are both running for student council. The campaign shows the best and the worst about school campaigns.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the local connection in this series. It mentions a local Wake County branch. This is short but captures all the key ideas of what kids need to do to make and keep friends at school. Jada is a strong young girl that any parent would love their kids to read about.

[Scott Fillner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great series! Perfect for transitional readers and any readers who are looking for a character who is relatable.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish Jada was in my daughter's class!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this transitional chapter book series. It has great characters, relatable storylines, and a whole lot of heart with a wonderful message.

[Julia Crainshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modern, realistic, positive messages, diverse characters, great for 1st - 2nd grade. Themes: friendship, grit/growth mindset, school.

[Minnie Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jada, was a nice sweet, shy girl in school. The book had good pictures.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better.

[Shone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #2 in a series of books for 4th and 5th graders, each chapter deals with a different subject, voting, winning, etc, with extortionary illustrations.

[Aashinya Narang · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story jada had a performance and she was scared for it.

[Ciara]

Student Book Club

[Marjy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love our autographed copy of Jada Jones Class Act! The book provides leadership, friendship, and communication tips for young readers. Thanks to the author for writing a relatable book for kids.

[Amia Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter loves this series of books.

[Ayanna Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second in the Jada Jones series, another cute lesson on believing in yourself and others, as well as working together.

[Chaisley Lamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter Magnolia loved it as a nightly read aloud!

[Deb Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a class act! A superb story with awesome illustrations!

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an easy-to-read chapter book, for readers who have moved past early reader books. The font is large and there are a few pages with pictures.

Jada Jones, an elementary school student, is running for student council in this sequel to the Rock Star book. The friendship theme is again strongly present. Could be used to discuss what makes a good friend.

[Jessica Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story with a fantastic character!