Happy 100th Day!

K-Gr 2—Graham is a reluctant student at the start of the new school year. His irritability is compounded by the fact that his teacher is gung-ho about the 100th day, an event that just happens to fall on Graham's birthday, threatening to overshadow his own celebration. In addition Miss Currier assigns everyone a 100th day goal; Graham's is to complete 100 books despite the fact that he is a "lousy" reader. In time-line fashion, Milord shows his progress. DePalma's delightful cartoon illustrations perfectly capture the boy's frustration and eventual pride, and the pages are chock-full of graphic elements that mirror the wall art and teaching tools of a typical first-grade classroom. Predictably, Graham is a true reader at the end, and the whole school acknowledges his birthday along with the other festivities. This sweet success story will come in handy in any school that celebrates the 100th day and resonate throughout the year with students who struggle to keep pace with more capable peers.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT