Sunny-Side Up

The Kids of the Polk Street School #11

by Patricia Reilly Giff, Blanche Sims (Illustrator)

Summertime. It's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. Richard "Beast" Best and Matthew Jackson can't wait to dive into Emily Arrow's cool blue pool. But when they get there, Mrs. Arrow tells them that Emily has gone off to summer school.



Summer school! How could they forget? That's exactly where they should be right now. Sitting in class, Beast still thinks summertime is the best time, and he and Matthew can always go swimming in the afternoon. But then Matthew gives Beast some bad news. It's up to Beast to think of a way to help Matthew fast--before the summer is ruined.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Realistic Fiction

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

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

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's strange how poignant this was to me. I read a handful of these Polk Street Kid books as a kid -- I'm thinking eight or nine-year-old, though I don't really know that. I really have almost no memory of when I picked these things up. I was always a badass reader (as far back as I can recall, schools clocked me in at "12th grade reading level"), so I may have read this at a younger age. It's certainly simple. But this little story is all about making memories and yearning for that which you have lost.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remembered that this was the first book that ever made me cry when I was a kid. I am rereading this series with my daughter and it made me cry all over again. Love the kids of the Polk Street School!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

$0.10 at a library sale scored me this gem from my childhood. I loooooved the Polk Street School kids. this was fun.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: It's summer vacation and school's out but Richard, Matthew and a handful of other kids have summer school. Richard is depressed. Mrs. Paris, his reading teacher gives him good advice on how to handle changes and things he doesn't like. Then Richard's friend Matthew says that he is moving to Ohio. Matthew doesn't want to go and Richard fixes up a place for Matthew to live in his garage.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars -- This 11th of the series was bittersweet for me. It is July, and the Polk Street School kids are trying to enjoy summer, despite the heat and summer school. That is the crux of the plot. Sadly, a main character moves away during the course of the story. And sadly, the kids are even meaner in this one than they have been before. The author must have known some doozy kids!

[Lecy Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read this book since checking it out of my elementary school library, but my memories of it were strong and came flying back when I re-read it this month. The sweltering summer heat, only satiated by the chilly water of Emily Arrow's pool, the smell of the dusty old garage, and the hopefulness of the carrot sprouts popping up in the makeshift garden, all reminded me of my own youth. A wonderful chapter book about friendship, perfect for young readers.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok

[Indiana Cano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the books from these series as a kid and I could not get enough of them! Great memories!!

[WSL Library]

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