Llama in the Library

From School Library Journal Grade 3-6Sometimes even a favorite author can get things wrong. Fans of Hurwitz, and particularly of the book A Llama in the Family (Morrow, 1994), will want to think twice before choosing this title. The book covers incidents that occur during Adam Fines fifth-grade year, starting with a sex-education lesson and ending with a chance to discuss llamas with the state governor. Along the way, he and two friends hunt ghosts, chase ladybugs, and learn about bicycle safety. Adam also finds himself interested in a girl, and gains another sibling. The story is episodic with multiple, unconnected plot elements that are never fully explored or developed. Characters remain two-dimensional for the most part, depending on the readers previous knowledge of them, and some of their more delightful attributes (noted in the first book) are missing here. Even the llamas are only peripheral to the story.Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. From