Keena Ford and the Field Trip Mix-Up

July 1, 2009
Gr 1-2-Spirited Keena Ford, who lives in Washington, DC, goes on a field trip with her second-grade class to the Capitol. During the outing, Tiffany pulls Keenas scarf off, revealing an accident the child had in a snipping-the-air-with-scissors session. Representative Thomas shows Keena that he has a toupee so shell know shes not the only one with hair trouble. As the class is walking down the steps, Keena is determined to get to the back of the line, the most fun position, and stomps on a foot in her way. It belongs to Representative Thomas. Keena writes an apology to him and learns a few lessons, including an effective approach in dealing with Tiffany. Keena tells her story in journal format, and includes information about the Capitol, senators, and representatives in an entertaining manner. Distinctive illustrations depict a quirky African-American girl and her episodes. A solid series for early chapter-book readers."Debbie S. Hoskins, Grand Rapids Public Library, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
In her second book, precocious second grader Keena Ford runs for student council, lops off her own braid (by mistake), and visits the U.S. Capitol--where she knocks a congressman down a staircase. Through it all, she documents her adventures in her journal. Young readers may find Keena's frequent digressions hard to follow, but Morrison's lively black-and-white drawings highlight Keena's mischief-making with flair.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)