Nikki and Deja: Birthday Blues by Karen English, illustrated by Laura Freeman Clarion, Winter 2009     ISBN-13: 978-0-618-97787-1   Junior Library Guild Premier Selection   "Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist's authentic emotions as English acknowledges the chellenges and complexities of classroom life."—School Library Journal   "Likable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books—let's hope these two can start a trend." —Kirkus Reviews   "An accessible story of recognizably real grade-school politicking and enduring friendship that's suitable for reading aloud or alone. Fans of the duo will rejoice at their return."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books     Nikki and Deja by Karen English, illustrated by Laura Freeman Clarion, Fall 2007     ISBN-13: 978-0-618-75238-6   Junior Library Guild Premier Selection Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year Kansas State Reading Circle Recommendation Best Children's Book of the Year/Child Study Association Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books recommended title   "Accessible writing, authentic characters, an easy-to-identify-with plot and Freeman's appealing black-and-white illustrations come together smoothly in this straightforward friendship tale. English nicely fills an underdeveloped area—this is a first-chapter book featuring African-American girls, and race is presented as an attribute of the characters rather than as an issue." —Kirkus Reviews   "More probing than many chapter books, this title delivers the satisfaction of a full-length novel." —Publishers Weekly   "Children will quickly connect with the distinctive characters and authentically drawn situations and emotions. . . . A strong start to what will hopefully become a series."—ALA Booklist   "English, who has been an elementary school teacher, clearly knows her audience and understands the intricacies of their relationship dynamics. . . . Kids negotiating the sometimes treacherous waters of middle-grade friendship will find Nikki and Deja's story both truthful and comforting." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books   "The book is a welcome rarity—a contemporary story about middle class black children." —Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio)   "English captures a strong sense of both girls, their enduring relationship, and the uncomfortable struggles that friends weather when changes erupt." —The News & Observer (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)   "Nikki and Deja is the kind of early chapter book that African-American girls and their parents have been seeking for a long time." —The Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin)     Hot Day on Abbott Avenue by Karen English, illlustrated by Javaka Steptoe Clarion, 2004     ISBN-13: 978-0-395-98527-4   Jane Addams Honor Award Charlote Zolotow Award—Highly Commended Title NAPPA Parenting Publications Award ALSC Notable Children's Book ALA Notable Book CCBC Choices Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year School Library Journal Best Book of the Year NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing   "English has childhood spats down pat. . . . Both original and emotionally effective. . . . Full of movement and energy and joy. . . . 'So good!'" —Kirkus Reviews     The Baby on the Way by Karen English, illustrated by Sean Qualls FSG, 2005     ISBN-13: 9780374373610   "A solemn spiritual, whose resolution lies less in the possibility of joy than in the quieter peace of enduring." —New York Times Book Review     Speak to Me (And I Will Listen Between the Lines) by Karen English, illustrated by Amy Bates FSG, 2004     ISBN-13: 9780374371562   School Library Journal Best Book of the Year   "English employs the simplest of language in perfect evocation of the children's thoughts, confusions, small hopes, and large dreams. . . . Just wonderful." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review     "English's rich descriptions and insights bring readers into the world of six inner-city third -grade students." —School Library Journal, starred review     Francie by Karen English FSG, 1999     ISBN-13: 9780312373832   Coretta Scott King Honor Award Parents' Choice Recommendation   "Francie's smooth-flowing, well-paced narration is gently assisted by just the right touch of the vernacular. Characterization is evenhanded and believable, while place and time envelop readers." —School Library Journal