Gr 1-3–Second-grader Keena Ford keeps a journal full of her thoughts about her friends and her family. When it falls into the hands of the resident mean girl, she risks having her secrets spill out unless she does whatever Tiffany commands. To make things more awkward, Keena must write a speech about friendship when an author comes to her school. She really wants to write about her best friend, Linny, instead of Tiffany. She has to choose between being stuck with her nemesis and coming clean about what she’s been writing in her journal. Her single mother has even more on her mind as Keena’s brother gets into trouble at school. The story is written in journal style, with Keena describing daily events. Young readers will relate to her friendship dilemma and appreciate her vibrant personality. Morrison’s occasional full-page drawings capture the interactions of the children and are great at depicting their facial expressions. Readers of Sharon Draper’s “Sassy” series (Scholastic) will enjoy meeting Keena.–Kris Hickey, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH

“An early chapter book?” you scoff. “KEENA couldn’t be further from MOCKINGJAY.”

My friends, I beg to differ, in that SECRET JOURNAL MIX-UP and MOCKINGJAY both:

1. are the third book in a series. (See how alike they are already???)

2. feature a heroine who has one sibling and lives with her mother.

3. trap the heroine in a place where she is locked in a psychological battle with a wily enemy.

4. allow the heroine’s sibling to impart wisdom beyond his/her years that has a profound effect on the heroine’s worldview.

5. feature male characters who selflessly risk life, limb, and dignity in dangerous missions at the heroine’s behest.

(Five whole reasons! Now do you believe me?)

When? The festival is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Where? Old Town, Alexandria

Jefferson Houston School Field
1501 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA

Find more information about the festival here!

You’ll find details in this press release.