I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I was also compensated for writing this post, but all opinions remain my own.
Fourth-grader Eleanor is about to learn a valuable childhood lesson about friendship, and just as she did in her previous two books featuring young Eleanor, Julie Sternberg presents this story in an accessible and emotionally-honest manner in Like Carrot Juice on a Cupcake. Perfect for readers who have graduated beyond beginner chapter books but may not yet have the stamina to read longer middle grade novels independently, Sternberg’s books are a delight.
Friendship is a huge part of the lives of nine and ten year olds, especially the bond between best friends. When a new student is introduced to their class, the effect on Eleanor’s friendship with Pearl is immediate. Her best friend Pearl is asked to be the new student Ainsley’s “buddy,” which will require her to help her with schoolwork on the afternoons that she used to spend at Eleanor’s house. As Pearl and Ainsley spend more time together, Eleanor feels left out, and she sees Pearl treating Ainsley like she was her best friend. This poses a new social challenge for Eleanor, and in a moment of embarrassment, she impulsively says something to a group of classmates that she immediately regrets. Unfortunately, she can’t take it back, and she has hurt both Ainsley and Pearl.
I did a mean thing. A very mean thing. To a new girl AND to my best friend. I HATE that I did it. But I did. This is worse than carrot juice on a cupcake or a wasp on my pillow or a dress that’s too tight at the neck. I hope you never do anything that mean. I really do.
Eleanor’s voice carries the perfect amount of innocence and honesty in this realistic representation, and in this third book, Sternberg has again chosen a storyline that children will understand and be able to compare to their own experiences. Eleanor must work through her regret to figure out what she can do to make amends.
I’ve appreciated that Eleanor is portrayed reaching out to the adults in her life when she has a problem in all three books, something that doesn’t always happen in children’s literature but is a good example for young readers. Eleanor also faces a personal challenge in the story at the same time as her friendship woes, as she is starring in the class play, which means performing a solo in spite of her fear of singing in front of others.
Sternberg writes Eleanor’s reactions in simple text that both is accessible to young readers and reads authentically. For more information on Eleanor’s previous two stories, please see my reviews for Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie and Like Bug Juice on a Burger over on 5 Minutes for Books.
Enter to win
We’re excited to be able to offer three books in today’s giveaway. One winner will receive a copy of this lovely book, as well as copies of the previous two in the series, Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie and Like Bug Juice on a Burger. Enter using the widget below. Giveaway open to US residents only, please.
I would share these with my grandson, Carter
My kids would like these books.
I would share with my grandchildren.
I would like to share these with my two grandchildren. They both have a tremendous love for books.
I’d like to win these for my niece. I think she’d enjoy reading them. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
My niece would LOVE this book!
Entered cat in the hat app
My son would like them
My five kids!
I would share them with my son. He’s in first grade and likes finding new things to read.
I would love to share these with my daughter
I’d share them with my son & daughter!
I’d like to share these with my kids
I would like to share these books with my daughter. Thanks for this chance.
I would enjoy reading this book to my daughter. Thank you.
My kids would love them. And my class of Grade 2s!
I think my daughter would really enjoy these books!
I would love to share these with our elementary students !!!
I think my almost nine year old granddaughter, Jayne, would love these books. Even if I don’t win the contest, I plan to purchase the set for her birthday in June.
I’d share them with my students. They would love them!
My son would like this book.
With my little baby boy Jack…he would love these.
i’d love to read these books with my daughter!
I’d love to share these with my daughter. She is 6, she would love them.
These books look fantastic! My 6 year old will love them. Thanks for the head’s up!
Sounds like the perfect read for my first grader.
I would enjoy sharing these wonderful books with my granddaughter. thanks for this lovely giveaway.
My daughter is in 2nd grade and read Like Bug Juice on a Burger….she’d LOVE to read these as well! Thank you so much for the chance to win for my little reader! 😉