Awards

• Commended for Gryphon Award 2010

Overview

Birthdays are supposed to be a blast, but Deja's got the birthday blues! The second book about Nikki and Deja, two African American third-grade girls who are best friends. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she's been talking about it for weeks. But just before the big day, Auntie Dee gets called away on a business trip and Deja must stay with an elderly neighbour . . . who cooks turnips for dinner and doesn't even have a colour TV! Worse, the machinations of spoiled Antonia, Deja's new nemesis, threaten to ruin Deja's birthday party plans. Like the first book, this story captures with subtlety and humour all the small betrayals and triumphs of young girls' relationships. Readers will get a wider view of the girls' diverse urban neighbourhood, and will recognize themselves and their classmates in the colourful, deftly drawn school scenes. A more serious theme is also introduced (with a light touch) in a subplot concerning Deja's absent father. Ages 6-9 AUTHOR Karen English is a Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winning author and an elementary school teacher. In addition to her three books about Nikki and Deja, she is the author of Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, also published by Clarion Books ALL NIKKI and DEJA TITLES: 9780618752386 Nikki and Deja HB 9780547133621 Nikki and Deja PB 9780618977871 Nikki and Deja Birthday Blues HB 9780547248936 Nikki and Deja Birthday Blues PB 9780547435589 Nikki and Deja Election Madness HB 9780547615653 Nikki and Deja Substitute Trouble HB 9780544223882 Nikki and Deja Substitute Trouble PB 9780547222479 Nikki and Deja The Newsy Newsletter HB 9780547615646 Nikki and Deja Wedding Drama HB 9780544003248 Nikki and Deja Wedding Drama PB

Full Product Details

9780547248936

Table of Contents

Reviews

<p> Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that 'this time my daddy might come for my birthday.' When Deja's classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja's high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls. <br>-- Booklist <p> Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a 'just because' sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia's party. This straightforward plot explores Deja's reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki's close friendship? Maybe she didn't sabotage Deja's party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman's occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books--let's hope these two can start a trend. <br>-- Kirkus Reviews <p> In this successor to Nikki & Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay wi

Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that 'this time my daddy might come for my birthday.' When Deja's classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja's high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls. -- Booklist Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a 'just because' sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia's party. This straightforward plot explores Deja's reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki's close friendship? Maybe she didn't sabotage Deja's party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman's occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books--let's hope these two can start a trend. -- Kirkus Reviews In this successor to Nikki & Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor

Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that this time my daddy might come for my birthday. When Deja s classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja s high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls. Booklist Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a just because sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia s party. This straightforward plot explores Deja s reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki s close friendship? Maybe she didn t sabotage Deja s party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman s occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books let s hope these two can start a trend. Kirkus Reviews In this successor to Nikki & Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor, Miss Ida, who serves turnips and has a black-and-white TV. At school, Deja learns that her nemesis, as Miss Ida calls Antonia, intends to hold an extravagant Just Because bash that will coincide with Deja's more modest plans. Deja worries that their classmates will choose to go to Antonia s party. Thankfully, her friend Nikki provides constant support, and Auntie Dee s return results in clarity and perspective. The narrative is a bit contrived, although it is realistic that there is no resolution of Deja s longing for her father. Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist s authentic emotions as English acknowledges the challenges and complexities of classroom life. School Library Journal 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

Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that 'this time my daddy might come for my birthday.' When Deja's classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja's high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls. -- Booklist Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a 'just because' sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia's party. This straightforward plot explores Deja's reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki's close friendship? Maybe she didn't sabotage Deja's party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman's occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books--let's hope these two can start a trend. -- Kirkus Reviews In this successor to Nikki & Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor, Miss Ida, who serves turnips and has a black-and-white TV. At school, Deja learns that her 'nemesis, ' as Miss Ida calls Antonia, intends to hold an extravagant 'Just Because' bash that will coincide with Deja's more modest plans. Deja worries that their classmates will choose to go to Antonia's party. Thankfully, her friend Nikki provides constant support, and Auntie Dee's return results in clarity and perspective. The narrative is a bit contrived, although it is realistic that there is no resolution of Deja's longing for her father. Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist's authentic emotions as English acknowledges the challenges and complexities of classroom life. -- School Library Journal 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

Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that this time my daddy might come for my birthday. When Deja s classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja s high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls. <i>Booklist </i> Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a just because sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia s party. This straightforward plot explores Deja s reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki s close friendship? Maybe she didn t sabotage Deja s party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman s occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books let s hope these two can start a trend. <i>Kirkus Reviews </i> In this successor to <i>Nikki & Deja </i>(Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay with their neighbor, Miss Ida, who serves turnips and has a black-and-white TV. At school, Deja learns that her nemesis, as Miss Ida calls Antonia, intends to hold an extravagant Just Because bash that will coincide with Deja's more modest plans. Deja worries that their classmates will choose to go to Antonia s party. Thankfully, her friend Nikki provides constant support, and Auntie Dee s return results in clarity and perspective. The narrative is a bit contrived, although it is realistic that there is no resolution of Deja s longing for her father. Early chapter-book readers will relate to the protagonist s authentic emotions as English acknowledges the challenges and complexities of classroom life. <i>School Library Journal </i> 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. <i> The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books </i>

Deja can't wait for her birthday party: the presents, the games, the hope that 'this time my daddy might come for my birthday.' When Deja's classroom nemesis tries to siphon off the guests to her own party, Deja's high spirits fizzle, but her best friend Nikki, her guardian Auntie Dee, and an elderly neighbor keep her moving forward. The realistic view of Deja's week and the sensitive yet never soppy portrayal of characters make this a fine entry in the Nikki & Deja series, one of the few early-chapter-book series featuring African American girls. -- Booklist Little girls, little girls...they can be mean sometimes. Deja's birthday is coming up, and she is filed with all the anticipation a soon-to-be-eight-year-old can hold. Will her absent father come? Will she get the special ring from her Auntie Dee? Things fall apart when Antonia, Deja's nemesis, decides to have a 'just because' sundae-and-trampoline party at the same time, with the result that everyone chooses Antonia's party. This straightforward plot explores Deja's reaction to the unexpected turn and makes few judgments of who is right and wrong. Perhaps Antonia is jealous of Deja and Nikki's close friendship? Maybe she didn't sabotage Deja's party? In the end, when Deja finds out how much she means to her Auntie, she gets the best present of all. A clear typeface, ample white space and Freeman's occasional black-and-white illustrations make this accessible to new chapter-book readers, although a note printed in unlinked cursive might confuse some. Likeable and independent African-American girls are a rare find in early chapter books--let's hope these two can start a trend. -- Kirkus Reviews In this successor to Nikki & Deja (Clarion, 2008), Deja looks forward to her eighth birthday party. While her father's absence has taken its toll, she hopes that he will come to the celebration. A few days before the event, Auntie Dee unexpectedly leaves for a business trip, and Deja must stay wi

Author Information

Karen English is the author of several books for young readers, including the novel FRANCIE (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), which received a Coretta Scott King Honor Award. Her previous book for Clarion, Hot Day on Abbott Avenue, was named an ALA Notable Children's Book and was praised by the Jane Addams Peace Association for its nuanced portrait of the inner workings of young girls' relationships. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

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