The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen

* "A lively intergenerational picture book that will send readers out to the sidewalk for a hoopin' good time. . . A fine incentive to motivate couch potatoes young and old to move."

* "This story of a tightly knit community attests to the power of tradition and the treasures to be discovered among the generations that came before."

"These feisty characters, find loving ways to honor and forgive one another--while having a blast--will give pleasure across generations. Warning: this itch is contagious!"

"First-time picture book author Godin's empathic prose and Brantley-Newton's emotionally telegraphic art capture the lively and nurturing Harlem neighborhood and the thrill of competition, whether age nine or 90."

"This enjoyable intergenerational story has a sassy surprise at the end that is neither saccharine nor contrived and entirely in the good-natured spirit of the girls' rivalry. The text snaps with a cadence that seems effortless and lends itself well to reading aloud. Brantley-Newton's colorful palette reflects the lively inner-city neighborhood in which Kameeka lives, where kids play on the sidewalk and neighbors look out for one another. With its emphasis on camaraderie and celebrating, this is a perfect title for sharing."

"[R]efreshingly original. . . The appealing cartoon-style illustrations highlight a strong sense of community in Kameeka's Harlem neighborhood, showing a wide range of distinctive characters and places. They are likely to draw children right into that world, and there's a lot to notice there, from the pictures on Kameeka's living room wall to signs in shop windows to the hula-hooping figure on the traffic 'walk' light."