Jan's Awesome Party

Nikki Tate-Stratton writes novels for preteens; her latest books are
Jo’s Triumph; Jessa Be Nimble, Rebel Be Quick; Raven’s Revenge; and
Tarragon Island.

Jan’s Awesome Party, with its large font, short chapters, lots of
dialogue, and a little humor, makes a perfect first chapter book for
children beginning to read independently.

Following on from Jan and Patch (1998) and Jan on the Trail (2000), Jan
and Sarah must decide how to spend the money they were awarded when they
found the lost dog, Patch. Jan wants to throw her class an amazing party
nobody will ever forget but, of course, the girls’ budget is not large
enough to treat everyone to a day at the waterslides or an Imax film.
Instead, inspired by the story Stone Soup, the girls enlist the help of
their classmates and organize a party with an international theme.

Carlos Freire’s drawings further enhance this story, particularly the
drawing of Jan in the principal’s office where Mr. Blackwood and his
desk loom over Jan perched uneasily on her little chair. She looks ready
to flee, but instead she faces her fears and presents her idea to the
intimidating principal.

Without being heavy-handed, Monica Hughes imparts the message that with
a little imagination and a good dose of determination, a couple of kids
can accomplish a lot. As a result, this First Novel winds up carrying
more inspirational punch than one might expect. Recommended.