As a quirky bunch of readers this book was an awesome addition. My kids loved Beatrice and her unique perspectives on life and problem solving. I was curious as to how things with the very traditional family would end up but was happy to see there was more acceptance and embracing of the unique thinking style of Beatrice. So overall it was a win for us. Quirky characters, humorous antics, and positive character are huge for us. So we totally recommend this book. ( )

Very fun read for 2nd-4th graders and the promising and spunky start to a new series. Beatrice is just different. She does her best thinking upside down, wears all black every day (ninja), and plots zany, creative secret missions with her best friend Lenny. Beatrice is the kind of kid that drives teachers crazy, but the right kind of teacher will appreciate her energy and out-of-the-box thinking. She even wins an award at the end of 2nd grade for "Best Upside Down Thinker." She hatches big plans for 3rd grade, but then things start to go wrong. Her best friend spends the summer away in the Philippines and returns with a newfound love of clothes and being cool. Her 3rd grade teacher has heard all about her and will not be tolerating her upside down nonsense. Beatrice must use all of her best upside down thinking to turn things around, which she does with ninja style and a lot of kindness. Great book for young readers.

Thank you to #partner @kidlitexchange for a review copy of this book.

As a teacher, I adore students who are unique and not afraid to be themselves. Beatrice is the fictional representation of these students. Because Beatrice does not fit the mold of the typical student. This can get her into trouble, even when her intention is sincere. Many children can relate to Beatrice and this fun story told by author Shelley Johannes. This transitional chapter book includes illustrations children will adore. A must-have for all elementary school and classroom libraries. ( )

BEATRICE ZINKER, UPSIDE DOWN THINKER by Shelley Johannes is the first book in a new chapter book series exploring friendship and social issues.

Beatrice is a fun-loving child who loves to do everything upside down. However, she’s disappointed when her best friend shows up to school with a new look and a new friend. She must find a way to fix her friendship without losing herself.

Librarians will find this easy-to-read chapter book perfect for readers who enjoy stories of friendship, school, and home. Many children will empathize with a girl who likes to be “upside down” and the book’s frequent, quirky illustrations will keep children reading.

Published by Disney/Hyperion on September 19, 2017. ARC courtesy fo the publisher. ( )

Beatrice does things a little differently. She likes to hang upside down, think upside down, and follow her own path! This was fine in second grade - she even got a certificate for her creative thinking. But now it's third grade. Her best friend, Lenny, has been visiting family in the Philippinnes all summer and when she comes back to school she doesn't follow their agreement to wear ninja suits! She seems to want to be best friends with a new girl, Chloe, who likes things just so. Beatrice's new teacher doesn't like her upside-down thinking either and Beatrice is wondering if there's anywhere for her to fit in anymore.

After many difficulties and misunderstandings, Beatrice comes to realize that she hasn't necessarily lost a friend, but she has to be willing to be accepting of differences, just as she expects others to accept her unique outlook on life. Although a friendly adult neighbor gently reminds her that friendships change and may not last, Beatrice knows she has successfully negotiated this change, at least, in her friendship.

Although this tackles the familiar story of changing friendship, it adds in a Dahlesque flavor of humor, with over-the-top characters, including Beatrice's family who, although disapproving of her odd ways are certainly weird enough in their own right. Orange and black cartoons sprinkle the pages and Beatrice's quirky behavior, while understandably annoying to adults, is sure to make readers giggle. At over 140 pages this is long for a beginning chapter book and will appeal most to readers who are fans of Ramona, Clementine, Junie B. Jones, and other slice-of-life stories. The additional illustrations and humor may also add a little more interest and I think my fans of Bea Garcia might be interested in trying this title.

Verdict: If you're looking for more books in this vein, this is an acceptable addition. However, it doesn't particularly stand out from the many, many beginning chapter books featuring spunky girls with friendship troubles and the diversity - centered solely in Beatrice's best friend (i.e. sidekick) is minimal.

ISBN: 9781484767382; Published 2017 by Disney-Hyperion; Galley provided by publisher at ALA 2017; Borrowed finished copy from another library in my consortium