SAY CHEESE

The Kids of the Polk Street School #10

by Patricia Reilly Giff, Blanche Sims (Illustrator)

At the close of the school year, Emily thinks about the fun she has had with her classmates.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction, Juvenile

Hardcover

First published September 1, 1982

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff was an American author and educator whose warm, emotionally resonant books made her a beloved figure in children's literature. After spending roughly two decades as a teacher, she turned to writing and brought a deep understanding of young readers to stories that balanced humor, resilience, and emotional truth. Educated at Marymount Manhattan College, St. John's University, and Hofstra University, she drew on both her classroom experience and literary instincts to create memorable fiction for children and middle-grade readers. She became especially well known for the popular Polk Street School series, which captured the everyday dramas of school life with charm and empathy. Beyond those books, she wrote acclaimed novels such as Lily's Crossing, Nory Ryan's Song, Pictures of Hollis Woods, Eleven, and Genevieve's War, often exploring themes of belonging, family, hardship, and courage. Her work earned wide recognition, including Newbery Honors, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults designation, and a Christopher Award. Giff also influenced younger writers through her workshops and teaching spirit. Throughout her career, she remained a compassionate literary voice whose stories spoke directly to children's fears, hopes, and imaginations.

Reviews

[Ashleu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yep, this series seriously effects me more now than it did as a child.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars -- This 10th of the series occurs in June, their last month of school, and revolves around Emily Arrow as she tries to figure out friendship. The story begins with Ms. Rooney's class going to the public library. There, Emily gets a book about best friends, which sets the plot in motion. The story's told in vignettes, which I was not really crazy about, but Emily does learn a few lessons in a good way. I enjoyed it.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standard Polk Street Kid book but again, one of the best for young readers. The stories are subtle and thoughtful while still being engaging and sweet. This one is about Emily Arrow's struggle to find a best friend. There's a lot about loneliness and the importance of a sense of belonging. I tell you, these books really do tackle complex emotions for children in a wonderful way.

[Shelby]

This was a very good book it was about a girl named emily who wanted 1 best friend. She only wanted 1 good friend. Then at the end she thought it was good to have tons of friends.

[Aron Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was pretty good it was a little short which earned it a 4 star rating

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Een boekje gevonden in een minibieb. Wel leuke korte verhalen al vond ik Petra op punten erg irritant.

[WSL Library]

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[Cws]

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